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Rwandair Smart Baggage Scales


Case Study:

How Scalestech Helped RwandAir Revolutionize Their Check-In Experience with a Smart Baggage Scale


Introduction

RwandAir, a growing force in African aviation, was facing a very modern problem check-in delays caused by luggage weighing and manual processing. As more travelers took to the skies, the airline needed a faster, smarter way to manage carry-on baggage at the terminal.

They wanted more than just a digital scale  they were looking for a solution that could do the work of a check-in agent: weigh the bag, ensure it meets size limits, and communicate to the passenger in real time. It had to be accurate, fast, and above all, self-service freeing up their staff and easing passenger flow.




Then, to eliminate the need for human supervision, we integrated audio feedback technology into the scale. This means as soon as a traveler places their bag on the platform, the scale instantly speaks  either confirming that the bag is good to go or advising them to check the weight. This single feature drastically cuts down on waiting time, speeds up the process, and makes it easier for passengers to take action without staff intervention.

The Smart Baggage Scale we delivered includes the LP510 Indicator, a high-performance digital display unit. It ensures excellent visibility even at night or in low-light terminal areas, thanks to its 6-digit LED screen with large 20mm characters. On the technical side, it’s equipped with an RS232 port for data transmission, with optional RS485 and USB connections if the airport wants to integrate it into a larger system. The indicator runs on either AC power or a rechargeable battery, giving flexibility depending on the terminal setup.

But we didn’t stop there.

Understanding the demands of airport traffic, we built the entire unit to be portable and durable. It comes with wheels and a tilt-handle, making it easy to move around check-in zones or rearrange during peak periods. 



The design includes overload protection, it can withstand up to 150kg and a dimension sizer cage to physically verify the size limits of cabin bags, set at 56x36x23cm. This physical guide helps enforce rules consistently and avoids confrontation or confusion at the counter.


And while many digital scales require supervision, our unit runs completely independently. It takes less than 2 seconds to give a stable reading, with functions like auto-zero, tare, hold, and even low battery alerts. Once it’s set up, it simply works.

The result? A smooth check-in experience that RwandAir’s team and their passengers can both appreciate. No long queues, no guesswork, no need for an agent to constantly explain the weight policy.

Since its deployment, the Smart Baggage Scale has:

  • Reduced passenger check-in time significantly
  • Lowered staff workload during peak periods
  • Enhanced compliance with weight and size policies
  • Improved customer satisfaction at the first point of contact

What we created for RwandAir is more than just a piece of equipment; it’s an upgrade to their passenger experience. A practical, intelligent solution for a very real problem.

And that’s what we do at Scalestech.

Whether it's airports, bus terminals, or high-traffic public environments, our team builds smart weighing solutions that work on the ground, in real time, and with real impact.

 


Airport Self‑Check‑In Baggage Scale by Scalestech

At busy travel hubs, train terminals, and ports, every second counts. Long lines, manual weighing, and frustrated passengers all point to the same need: a smarter check-in experience. Scalestech answered that need with its innovative Airport Self‑Check‑In Baggage Scale, designed to empower travelers and streamline operations.


What It Is and How It Works

This is not just another digital scale—it’s a self‑service baggage validation station built for fast-paced environments. Passengers wheel their carry-on onto the platform; in under 2 seconds, the scale measures weight and size, checks against preset limits, and automatically alerts the traveler via voice or display whether their baggage is compliant .

Key features include:

  • Voice Guidance to instantly inform travelers if their bag is good to fly.
  • Integrated Sizer Cage (56×36×23 cm) enforcing the “if it fits, it flies” policy .
  • High Precision—50 kg capacity with 0.1 kg increments, fast readings, and overload protection up to 150 kg .
  • Portability—wheels and tilt-handle let staff move the unit easily between check-in counters or terminals .
  • Robust Design—durable frame, weather-resistant, tamper-proof sensors, auto-zero, tare, hold, battery alerts, and optional wireless integration .


The Traveler Experience

It all starts when a passenger rolls their bag onto the scale. Without a hidden count, the scale tells them:

  • “Weight is OK—please proceed.”
  • “Over limit—please check your bag.”

This real-time feedback reduces anxiety, speeds up the queue, and minimizes the need for staff supervision. No more manual inspection lines or awkward weight checks


The Traveler Experience

·         Queue Reduction: With instant passenger validation, lengthy waiting lines at check-in were significantly shortened.

·         Staff Efficiency: Reduced need for staff presence at weigh-in stations — employees could focus on other critical tasks.

·         Policy Compliance: Built-in size enforcement and voice confirmation maintained consistent baggage standards with minimal             oversight.


Where It Works

Scalable across different environments:

·         Airports – Passenger self-service and check-in support.

·         Airlines & Security – Pre-screening at boarding areas.

·         Bus Terminals & Travel Agencies – Quick baggage checks before long-haul journeys.

·         Specs At-A-Glance


Feature

Specification

Max Weight

50 kg (0.1 kg accuracy)

Overload

Up to 150 kg

Sizer Dimensions

56×36×23 cm

Power

6 V 4.5 Ah rechargeable / 9 V 1 A AC adapter


Feature

Specification

Sensors & Display

Tamper-proof, 6-digit LED/LCD, RS232 (optional RS485/USB)

Mobility

Tilt-and-roll with wheels, easy stair movement

Response Time

< 2 seconds stable reading

Functions

Auto-zero, tare, hold, standby, battery alert

Weather & Tamper Protection

Yes, durable construction

Overload

Up to 150 kg

Sizer Dimensions

56×36×23 cm

Power

6 V 4.5 Ah rechargeable / 9 V 1 A AC adapter


Why Airports Choose Scalestech

This scale addresses real-world needs:

·         Reduce congestion by enabling passengers to self-verify compliance before checking in.

·         Boost satisfaction with fast, independent guidance from the scale itself.

·         Save on labor—no dedicated staff needed to man the weigh station.

Ensure consistency with tamper-proof reading and enforced size compliance


Conclusion

Scalestech’s Airport Self‑Check‑In Baggage Scale is more than a scale—it’s a strategic tool that enhances airport operations, improves passenger experience, and drives regulatory compliance—all with minimal human involvement. It’s practical, effective, and perfectly aligned with modern airport demands.