SwitzerlandTravel and aviation2025 – ongoingZurich Airport
WeRide automated airside employee-shuttle pilot
Zurich Airport began driverless shuttle tests after more than 15,000 kilometers of pilot operation
Problem
Zurich Airport sought to prepare for staff shortages by automating vehicle operations. Airport safety requirements required a phased deployment.
Approach
The airport began working with WeRide in March 2025. Its employee-shuttle pilot used a defined route without taxiway crossings. In September 2026, buses began operating without onboard safety drivers, monitored by trained staff in a remote cockpit. Initial driverless tests excluded passengers; employee service was expected after testing.
Results
Takeaway
Removing onboard drivers shifted supervision to a remote cockpit. Monitoring several buses per employee remained a future efficiency opportunity.
Categories
- Industry
- Travel and aviation
- Business function
- Production and quality
- Innovation type
- Process innovation
- AI technology
- Robotics and automation
- Adoption
- Partner co-development
- Evidence
- Company's own claim
Sources
Source summaries
Zurich Airport reported driverless testing after more than 15,000 kilometers of pilot operation. Remote staff supervised the vehicles, while passenger service at the new automation level remained subject to testing.
Full details are in the original sources.
