Autonomous technology born in the UK has been given a high-profile German seal of approval after a demonstration at Stuttgart Airport.

Aurrigo International plc’s Auto-DollyTug^® was successfully deployed as part of the Digital Testbed Air Cargo (DTAC) Demonstration, which is led by the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML) and operational partners Flughafen Stuttgart GmbH, Fraport AG, and Sovereign Speed Gmbh.

The ongoing testing – attended by Mr Oliver Luksic, Parliamentary State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport – provided a glimpse into the future of air cargo handling and how it can be optimised by using autonomous equipment.

Held on the apron of Stuttgart Airport, the demonstration included a host of features, such as:

• Autonomous transport of cargo containers to the aircraft position
• Autonomous recognition of the loading device (high loader) at the aircraft position and cargo handover
• Collaborative behaviour in mixed traffic with manual vehicles and pedestrians, including yielding right of way
• Reliable detection of static and dynamic obstacles.

Professor David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International plc, commented: “Our ability to lead the world in this autonomous technology has come from successful collaborations with a host of international partners.  “The Digital Testbed Air Cargo Demonstration is the latest one and we’re delighted to have successfully showcased the difference Auto-DollyTug^® can make at busy airports like Stuttgart.  “To have Mr Luksic on site to see the test firsthand was a massive honour, and the feedback we received for our pioneering innovation was extremely positive.”

State Secretary Luksic added his support: “The demonstration of the autonomous vehicle at Stuttgart Airport clearly shows that the Digital Testbed Air Cargo makes a direct contribution to the advancement of freight handling on the airfield.

“The use of autonomous vehicles can make processes more efficient and safer. This is a crucial step towards a digital and interconnected air freight transport chain.”  Auto-DollyTug^®, which is now set to be deployed at six global airports, introduces pioneering features that elevate efficiencies beyond the capabilities of today’s standard aviation tow tractors.

Benjamin Bierwirth, Professor for Controlling and Logistics at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, added: “The demonstration impressively shows the progress in autonomous vehicles in the aviation sector. Even demanding tasks can be taken over, thus relieving personnel of time-consuming tasks. I expect these vehicles to be in continuous operational use at major airports within the next five years.

“The tests demonstrate how autonomous vehicles can efficiently and precisely handle the transport of cargo containers, making handling more predictable and resilient even in times of skilled labour shortages. This marks a significant advancement in the industry and offers a promising outlook on the future of air cargo logistics.”  With the company’s patented sideways drive system, this innovative tractor can manoeuvre directly sideways into confined spaces within the baggage hall and amidst ground service equipment (GSE) on the apron.  Additionally, its 360-degree tank turn capabilities and integrated robotic arms enable the vehicle to automatically load and unload unit load devices (ULDs) with precision, streamlining operations.

About Aurrigo International plc

Aurrigo International plc is an international designer and developer of fully integrated smart airside solutions for the aviation industry, including automated vehicles, systems and software.  Customers choose to partner with the Coventry-based company to transform their baggage and cargo handling operations, improving safety, operational efficiencies and meeting sustainability targets, while navigating growing passenger volumes, rising costs and increasing labour shortages.  With international offices in Singapore and Ottawa, the group has a 30+ year heritage designing and supplying automotive vehicle manufacturers with highly advanced, innovative product and system solutions.

For further information, please visit www.aurrigo.com or follow the company on its social media channels.

One of the leading specialists in smart airside solutions has hit an important milestone by taking on its 100^th employee.

Aurrigo International plc has seen its workforce more than double since it listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) in September 2022, and this figure is expected to grow further as demand for its Auto-DollyTug^® increases across the globe.

Neil Holloway is the company’s century man and joins the business as Manufacturing Manager, responsible for helping scale production and achieving world class quality.

He brings with him over 45 years’ experience of working across the demanding sectors of automotive, aerospace and F1 for a string of high-profile suppliers, including Abbey Panels and Stadco.

During that time the former apprentice toolmaker has helped successfully bring prototypes into high volume manufacture and played pivotal roles in the development of the Jaguar XJ220 and the iconic Ford GT40 and Jaguar F Type cars.

“Whilst we are predominantly a technology business, people are still our biggest asset, so to take on our 100^th member of the team is a really big moment for us,” explained Professor David Keene, CEO and founder of Aurrigo International plc.

“The last twelve months have seen demand increase rapidly for Auto-DollyTug^®, our autonomous, electric-powered tug that is set to replace outdated diesel tugs. We are currently deploying these vehicles at six airports across the world, as organisations look to reduce costs, increase operational efficiencies, improve safety, and substantially cut their carbon footprint.”

He went on to add: “This is just the start and there are plenty of negotiations currently taking place to deploy our vehicles in other locations. All of this means we need to ramp up production and this is why Neil’s appointment is so important.

“If you’ve spent over 45 years in the automotive world, you know how to handle pressurised situations and you have a unique understanding of lean manufacturing and supply chain management.”

Aurrigo International plc is an international designer and developer of fully integrated smart airside solutions for the aviation industry, including automated vehicles, systems and software.

Customers choose to partner with the Coventry-based company to transform their baggage and cargo handling operations, improving safety, operational efficiencies and meeting sustainability targets, whilst navigating growing passenger volumes, rising costs and increasing labour shortages.

Neil Holloway concluded: “This is an exciting challenge and perfect for my expertise in taking prototype vehicles into series production.

“I knew immediately that Aurrigo was right for me during the factory tour. There is a real family-feel about the company, and it is a great opportunity for me to play a role in technology that has the potential to change the way airports operate going forward. I really wanted to be part of this journey.”

For further information, please visit www.aurrigo.com or follow the company on its social media channels