Smart Technology Tracks Airplane Restroom Supplies

An aircraft manufacturer is using sensors to create a connected plane that alerts cabin crews when to restock restroom supplies, the European Cleaning Journal reports.

Airbus placed sensors on lavatory door latches, seats, in the overhead lockers and throughout the cabin on one of the company’s wide-body aircrafts in a pilot program that began in August and will continue through the end of the year. The sensors will help crew track how many times the lavatory doors are opened and closed, giving crew a better idea when to restock toilet paper, hand towels, and soap.

The intent of the trial program is to help airlines find solutions for common problems such as passengers scrambling to use overhead lockers and waiting in long lines for the restrooms. The company also plans to use cameras to track the number of people lining up for the airplane lavatories, so crew can inform passengers of the likely wait time and direct them to the next available restroom.