Aurrigo checks-in to LAX with ‘Best New Transformative Concept’ Award at FTE Global

A new autonomous way of moving baggage and cargo around the world’s airports has been hailed as the ‘Best New Transformative Concept’ at a major travel conference.

Aurrigo International plc’s Auto-DollyTug®, a zero emission, all-electric baggage and cargo tractor, wrote its name among the aviation stars in Los Angeles yesterday when it won one of FTE Americas Innovate’s major awards.

A high-profile judging panel, which included Raza Ail (International Airlines Group),), Manuel Van Lijf (NLMTD) and Heathrow’s Steven Armitage, was impressed with the manoeuvrability of the vehicle and the forward-thinking approach to connect the automation from within the baggage hall through dop off underwing to a JCPL.

The robotic arms, which have never been seen on an airside tug before, along with demonstrated operational, cost and environmental benefits proved decisive when overcoming the strong challenge of Gameway, Foundations, DataArt and Kquika.

“This is another massive vote of confidence for our technology and how we are trying to implement one of the aviation sector’s biggest innovations for more than 40 years,” explained Aurrigo International’s Tenille Houston, who had to conduct a live pitch to the judges and event audience.

“Auto-DollyTug®, is one element of our vision to bring Intelligent Ground Support Equipment (iGSE) to the sector and this encompasses a suite of advanced, integrated technologies designed to enhance operational performance and streamline airside activities.”

She went on to add: “We are on a mission to help airports, airlines and ground handling operators leverage automation, data analytics and sustainable best practices to deliver an enhanced customer experience and a raft of operational efficiencies.

“Winning FTE Americas Best Transformative Concept proves that this is an offer the industry is looking for, and we will use this accolade to engage in more discussions with airports and to attract the most talented software and engineering professionals to our business.”

The FTE Americas Innovate Awards were part of the Future Travel Experience’s FTE Global 2024 event, labelled by many as the CES of the aviation world.

In addition to picking up one of the main awards, Aurrigo International also exhibited and took part in one of the most popular sessions of the three days focusing on ‘How do we leverage technology, innovation and new approaches to create Smart Ramp operations around the world?’

Professor David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International plc, concluded: “It has been a fantastic October for the business, with the launch of our iGSE concept and the FTE prize coming just a week after we picked up the Innovation Product of the Year title at the Air Cargo News Awards.

“There is massive momentum behind what we are doing, and we are looking forward to expanding our operations in the UK, US and Singapore.”

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

 

Aurrigo’s smart airside solution wins global aviation prize with Auto-DollyTug® breakthrough

Thursday October 24th

Latest News from Aurrigo International plc

Alex Doisneau (Dnata) presents the award to Miles Garner (Aurrigo International plc)

New technology born in the UK has secured one of the aviation sector’s most prestigious awards at a high-profile event in London yesterday.

Aurrigo International plc, which employs over 100 people at its Advanced Engineering Centre on the outskirts of Coventry, rose above the competition from some of the biggest global names in the industry to win Air Cargo News’ Innovation Product of the Year.

Sponsored by Dubai-based Dnata, the accolade recognised the impact of the firm’s Auto-DollyTug®, a zero emission, all-electric, autonomous vehicle that can efficiently move baggage and cargo around airports.

Judges, who ranged from James Wyatt (Aeroconcept) and Brendan Sullivan (IATA) to Alexandra Herdman of Logistics UK, praised the company for implementing one of the biggest changes in the aviation industry for nearly 40 years and a breakthrough that has the potential to deliver cost, efficiency and environmental improvements.

Miles Garner, Sales & Marketing Director, picked up the award at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London in front of 250 people.

“The last twelve months have seen us make strong progress as a key player in smart airside solutions, with our Auto-DollyTugs now operational in six airports and a world first when Changi agreed to bring in a fleet of our four autonomous baggage handling vehicles to pilot under wing operations.

“This prize is the real icing on the cake. The Air Cargo News Awards is one of the biggest competitions in the sector and for us to win against superb innovations from AEROTUF, Asia Airfreight Terminal and Dronamics is a fantastic feeling.”

He continued: “We’ll definitely take this accolade forward and use it as part of ongoing discussions with different airports keen to embrace our new autonomous technology.”

Auto-DollyTug® is the result of extensive airside testing that has been fed into the latest model that utilises camera and LIDAR sensor technology and is powered by an all-electric powertrain.

Combining the utility of a baggage tractor and the unit load device (ULD) carrying capability of an airport dolly, it can carry one ULD on board while towing up to four ULDs in one go.

Other industry firsts include rotating in its own length using 360-degree tank turn capability and, using the groundbreaking sideways drive system, move directly sideways and slide into tight spaces in baggage halls and aircraft stands. This enables the swift delivery of a single ULD even when other GSE equipment is in place at the aircraft.

Maybe most impressive of all, Aurrigo’s auto-loading and release management system adds bi-directional robotic arms to the body to allow the vehicle to autonomously load and unload the ULD from itself. This provides the world’s first end-to-end autonomous solution.

Miles concluded: “These advancements will lead to a significant improvement in the utilisation of space in a baggage hall and the efficient movement of ULDs, which both equate to substantial cost savings, enhanced passenger flow and environmental wins across an airport. In some cases, we estimate that replacing a diesel tug with Auto-DollyTug® could deliver a 60% ‘green’ benefit.”

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

(l-r): Alex Doisneau (Dnata) presents the award to Miles Garner (Aurrigo International plc)

David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo, Calls for Transformation in Ground Support Industry: Introducing the Concept of iGSE

Coventry, UK, October 3, 2024: Professor David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International plc (AIM: AURR, “Aurrigo”), a leading international provider of smart airside solutions, urges industry stakeholders to embrace innovation and drive the evolution of ground support equipment. As part of Aurrigo’s advanced thinking in this transition, Keene emphasised the necessity for Ground Handlers to transition into a new paradigm he has coined as “iGSE”—intelligent Ground Support Equipment.

“Today’s aviation landscape demands that we step up our game,” Professor Keene stated. “As we move into a new era of airside operations, it is imperative that we harness advanced technologies to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The future belongs to those who will lead the charge in reimagining how ground handling is performed.”

Keene’s vision for iGSE encompasses a suite of advanced, integrated technologies designed to enhance operational performance and streamline airside activities. By adopting smart airside solutions, the industry can reduce turnaround times, improve reliability, and significantly lower its environmental footprint.

Keene outlined several key areas where iGSE can make a profound impact, including:

Automation: Implementing automated systems to minimise human error and enhance operational speed.

Data Analytics: Leveraging real-time data to optimise resource allocation and improve decision-making processes.

Sustainability: Integrating eco-friendly practices into ground support operations to reduce emissions and support global sustainability goals.

“By transitioning to iGSE, we can create a more connected and efficient ground handling environment that meets the demands of modern air travel,” Keene added. “This is not just about technology; it’s about transforming our industry to better serve airlines, passengers, and the planet. Who will be the first GSE to transition to an iGSE?”

Aurrigo is committed to leading the charge in this transformation, investing in designing and developing innovative solutions that position the company—and its partners—at the forefront of the future of airside operations.

Enquiries:

Aurrigo International plc
David Keene, Chief Executive Officer
Tenille Houston, VP Public Relations and Communications

About Aurrigo

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.

The Group’s proprietary, award-winning autonomous technology and secure management system is supporting some of the world’s leading airports. Customers choose to partner with Aurrigo 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.

Headquartered in Coventry, UK with 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 more information, see www.aurrigo.com

Aurrigo International plc reports strong growth in autonomous division in interim trading results

A global provider of smart airside solutions has posted strong growth in its autonomous division as part of its interim results for the first six months of 2024.  Aurrigo International plc, which listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) in 2022, has seen revenue rise to a total £3.9m turnover – a 26% rise in line with the expectations of the board.  This has been accelerated by the uptake of its Auto-Sim digital twin product and the deployment of it all-electric Auto-DollyTug® at five global airports, providing the blueprint for how baggage and cargo will be transported in the future.  £800,000 of revenue has been generated in the first half of the year in autonomous solutions alone (160% rise), with the promise of annual sales touching £3m by the end of December.   A better product mix, combined with an increase in orders from long-term customers, has also resulted in double-digit growth for the automotive side of the business.

Professor David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International plc, commented: “We are pleased to report a period of strong growth as we scale our technology, teams and customer engagements. The growth in our autonomous division reflects the steady scaleup of our smart airside solutions in key airport hubs around the world, which is driving increased interest across our target aviation market and a growing pipeline.  “During the period, we have expanded our international teams, enhanced our hardware and software offering, and advanced our engagement with key strategic partners, providing a robust foundation for growth.”

An enhanced autonomous solution offering following vehicle functionality advancements has been one of the key operational highlights of 2024 for Aurrigo so far, with the incorporation of robotic arms on the body allowing the vehicle to autonomously load and unload a ULD itself.  The successful deployment of Auto-DollyTug® airside has accelerated customer interest and led to the signing of three strategic partnership deals that gives the business access to a network of over 460 airports.  Alongside these developments, the company has invested heavily in scaling up its UK team at its Advanced Engineering Centre in Coventry, bolstering its operation in Singapore and opening a new office in the US at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

David concluded: “We enter the second half of 2024 with good momentum, improving margins and a clear pipeline of deliverables, giving us confidence in our growth opportunity to help deliver the airport of the future.”

For further information, please visit www.aurrigo.com

Aurrigo International plc marks Labor Day with launch of new office at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)

One of the world’s leading providers of smart airside solutions has launched its first operational office in the United States.

Aurrigo International plc, which is transforming the way cargo and baggage are autonomously transported around airports, has opened a dedicated facility at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG).

Auto-DollyTug® at CVG

Located inside the Delta Cargo building at CVG, this site will house a new team responsible for the deployment of its Auto-DollyTug®, a fully electric tug that operates autonomously airside and delivers clients cost savings, increased efficiency and up to60% carbon reduction compared to traditional diesel tugs.

Daniel Garcia Jr has been recruited as Aurrigo’s first Autonomous Vehicle Safety Operator in the US and he will shortly be joined by more colleagues as Aurrigo is actively recruiting positions specialising in vehicle maintenance.

“This is a milestone moment for us in the United States, a vitally important market for our business and our global expansion,” commented Professor David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International plc.

“The deal we signed in January to deploy Auto-DollyTug® at CVG has led to this dedicated office and new team.”

He continued: “It will provide the team with ease of access to the initial deployment, while also providing the opportunity to move forward on other potential ventures stateside.”

Auto-DollyTug® is an all-electric, autonomous vehicle that combines the utility of a baggage tractor, with the ULD (Unit Load device) carrying capability of an airport dolly all in one, making a more flexible and space efficient vehicle.

This means that a combination of an Auto-DollyTug® towing four trailers carries five ULDs, which is 30% more than a traditional tug set-up of the same overall length.

Aurrigo’s technology also incorporates robotic arms on the body, allowing the vehicle to autonomously load and unload a ULD itself, enabling a fully automated operation.

The project has begun set up and mapping, with operations soon to follow.

David concluded: “Many US airports are looking to push the boundaries of innovation to increase capacity and improve the passenger experience…Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is the first of what we hope will be many adopting our technology.

“We are delighted to be increasing our presence in the US and creating jobs in the same week that this great country held its Labor Day.”

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

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