WVXU: New year means new airlines, tech for CVG

UC grad helps predict crowding at airports to shorten lines

WVXU highlighted one of the ways the University of Cincinnati is helping Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport improve the travel experience.

UC College of Engineering and Applied Science doctoral graduate Javier Viaña is using artificial intelligence to help the airport's data tracker better predict when it could see longer lines at the terminal and security.

The system considers factors such as whether a passenger will use long-term parking, check a bag or travel with family to predict surges in foot traffic.

Airports already know how many passengers to expect from flight reservations. But Viaña said that doesn’t tell them how many people to expect in a terminal at any given time.

“There’s a big difference between the flight schedule and the actual flow of people,” he said. “You might be able to say 10,000 people will be taking off at 10 a.m. But they don’t show up at 10 a.m. Some might show up at 8:45 or 9:20.”

His algorithm more precisely predicts how many people will filter through check-in and security in 15-minute intervals, Viaña said.

“It’s an exciting project. We’ve been getting good results,” Viaña said.

Read the WVXU story.

Featured image at top: UC students pick up their bags at Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport. Photo/Joseph Fuqua II/UC

Javier Viaña stands in front of Baldwin Hall on UC's campus.

UC College of Engineering and Applied Science graduate Javier Viaña developed an algorithm to help airports predict crowding. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand

Related Stories

6534 Results
1

UC’s summer semester offers students short sessions, flexibility

April 12, 2021

Coming into the summertime of 2020, Sumedha Kappagantula was considering ways to make the most her opportunities during what is usually a break from the academic rigor of her traditional school year. As a Biomedical Engineering major in the UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Kappagantula is minoring in Chemistry and Biological Sciences, taking classes through the College of Arts and Sciences. She thought summer semester would be a great time to get ahead in her coursework, and move her degree forward.

4

UC staff have elected their 2021-23 Staff Senators

June 8, 2021

Join us in congratulating the 2021-23 new Staff Senate members! Elections were held in early May, and new senators will begin their two-year term in July 2021. All UC staff are encouraged to be part of the enthusiasm and excitement for our new senators by attending the Staff Senate online meeting via WebEx, June 30, 9-11 a.m.

6

Three additional days off for UC employees

July 14, 2021

President Neville G. Pinto announced that UC employees will receive three additional days off in 2021 for going 'above and beyond' during the pandemic. The time away will take place during Winter Season Days.