One of the key objectives of Athens International Airport S.A. is the development and continuous upgrading of safety and security.
Within this framework, the new Athens Airport has been equipped with two state-of-the-art robotic systems (robots "Hercules" and "Ulysses") capable of handling suspected devices. As it is known, the detection and removal of unattended luggage or other objects is a problem arising in every airport. The above robotic systems are designed to protect the lives of individuals as well as airport spaces, by safely removing explosives.
"Hercules" was kindly donated by the "Stavros Niarchos" Foundation to the Athens International Airport. It is a system worth GRD 57 million, manufactured by "Soukos Robots ABEE". "Hercules" is a robot securing the safe collection, entrapment and transportation of explosives. It is equipped with a spherical shaped tank of a diameter of 120 cm, and two robotic folding arms. The system disposes and destroys the explosives' power of expansion developed upon an involuntary explosion, thus providing maximum protection.
"Ulysses" is a system worth GRD 32 million, kindly donated by "Soukos Robots ABEE" to the Athens International Airport. This system was manufactured in order to serve as a supplement of "Hercules", allowing entrance in hardly accessible areas such as toilets, buses or aircraft. It is a light but highly efficient robot, equipped with a shock-absorbing system allowing movements on rough surfaces.
The two robotic systems were handed over to AIA's Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Matthias Mitscherlich, by the donors Messrs. Drakopoulos, General Manager of the "Stavros Niarchos" Foundation, and Soukos, Chairman of "Soukos Robots ABEE", whom he thanked warmly for their valuable donation. Dr. Mitscherlich then proceeded with the hand-over of the equipment to the Hellenic Police, thanking Chief Georgakopoulos for the close cooperation established between the Airport Company and the Hellenic Police ever since the airport's commencement of operation, as well as throughout the airport's trial phase.
The Minister of Public Order, Mr. Michalis Chryssochoides, honoured the Ceremony with his presence.