Denver Airport Saw the Future. It Didn't Work. - The New York Times

Denver Airport's Failed Automated Baggage System

The New York Times article details the failure of Denver International Airport's (DIA) automated baggage handling system, implemented in 1995. The system, intended to revolutionize baggage handling with minimal human intervention, proved ineffective, frequently mishandling luggage.

Reasons for Failure

Several factors contributed to the system's failure:

• Technological limitations: The centralized mainframe system, considered cutting-edge at the time, proved to be inflexible and prone to errors. Decentralized, mobile computing technology, which emerged later, offered superior tracking and management capabilities.
• Economic realities: The project's ambitious scale and cost were not sustainable for airlines facing economic difficulties. The expense of maintaining the system outweighed its benefits.
• The human factor: The reliance on automation underestimated the complexity of baggage handling and the need for human oversight. In the end, the efficiency of human baggage handlers surpassed the system's capabilities.

United Airlines, the last airline utilizing part of the system, is ending its use, marking the end of this costly and largely unsuccessful technological experiment.

Long-Term Impacts

The DIA baggage system's failure serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the challenges and potential pitfalls of over-reliance on automation without sufficient consideration for real-world complexities and economic factors. It also demonstrates the importance of human oversight and adaptability in technological implementation.