Japan airports to pilot automated clothing compression service

Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd. and SJOY Co., Ltd. have begun joint development of ‘Pocket Tips’, an automated clothing compression service designed to increase luggage space for travelers. Following successful trials at Haneda Airport, the companies are working toward full-scale implementation at Haneda, Narita, Kumamoto, and Naha airports.

The service utilizes an ATM-sized machine that can compress clothing into compact cubes in approximately one minute, reducing items to as little as one-seventh of their original size. Unlike traditional methods, the process does not require plastic compression bags, making it a waste-free solution. The compressed items can be restored to their original shape by washing them or spreading them out for about 15 minutes.

Data from trials indicated a high demand for the service; approximately 70 percent of 400 surveyed participants reported having previously foregone souvenir purchases due to lack of suitcase space. Beyond airports, the developers are considering future expansions into the hospitality and apparel sectors.