Sensors & Transducers
Vol. 270, Issue 3, November 2025, pp. 48-59
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AI-enhanced VLC Cyber-physical Architecture for Adaptive Airport Traffic Management
1, 2, 3
Manuela VIEIRA,
1, 2
Manuel A. VIEIRA,
1
Gonçalo GALVÃO,
1, 2
Paula LOURO,
1, 4
Pedro VIEIRA and
1, 2
Alessandro FANTONI
1
Electronics Telecommunication and Computer Dept. ISEL/IPL, R. Conselheiro Emídio Navarro, 1959-007 Lisboa, Portugal
2
UNINOVA –CTS and LASI, Quinta da Torre, Monte da Caparica, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal
3
NOVA School of Science and Technology, Quinta da Torre, Monte da Caparica, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal
4
Instituto de Telecomunicações, Instituto Superior Técnico, 1049-001,
Lisboa, Portugal
E-mail: mv@isel.ipl.pt
Received: 29 May 2025 / Revised: 8 Nov. 2025 / Accepted: 10 Nov. 2025 /
​Published: 28 Nov. 2025
​
Abstract:
Modern airports are complex Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), where effective coordination between physical entities
– like pedestrians and Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs) – and computational components is essential for safety and
efficiency. This study introduces a novel CPS architecture that integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Visible Light
Communication (VLC) to optimize mobility and enhance real-time responsiveness. Using tetrachromatic LED luminaires
modulated via On-Off Keying (OOK) and amorphous SiC optical receivers in a mesh-based hybrid topology, the system
creates a VLC infrastructure that delivers real-time, location-aware navigation. A custom protocol ensures low-latency, reliable
data exchange between agents and the digital core. VLC receivers capture continuous data on agent positions and movements,
which is processed by Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) agents trained via Q-learning. These agents adaptively manage
traffic flow, minimize congestion, and improve throughput. Simulations and experiments confirm the system’s advantages
over traditional methods, enabling GPS-independent indoor navigation, efficient mixed traffic coordination, and scalable
deployment within smart airport environments.
Keywords: Cyber-physical systems (CPS), Visible light communication (VLC), Internet of things (IoT), Deep reinforcement learning (DRL), Autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs).
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