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🚀 A fantastic event at ASPIRE Research Center’s CERV Conference! 🚀

It was a privilege to join the panel discussion on Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs and their integration with intelligent electrified transportation systems. The future of mobility is being shaped by these innovations, and collaboration across industries will be key to building safer, smarter, and more efficient transportation networks.

A huge thank you to ASPIRE Research Center for hosting such an engaging and insightful event, and to my fellow panelists for sharing their expertise! It was great to hear from so many forward-thinking leaders like Brian Cobb from CVG Airport – Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, who highlighted the exciting work they’re doing in this space. Great to see Aurrigo‘s AutoDollyTug in his presentation!

Looking forward to continuing these important conversations and driving innovation forward!
AutonomousVehicles SmartMobility Innovation Electrification CAV ASPIR

Aurrigo is launching a new podcast – Take Off!

We’re excited to introduce Take Off, our brand-new podcast series, where we dive into the world of innovation, innovation, and automation in the aviation and automotive industry. Join us as we chat with experts, explore cutting-edge developments, and discuss the future of smart ramp operations, autonomous vehicles, and more!

Check out our first episode featuring David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo, as he sets the stage for the series!

You can find the Aurrigo Take Off Podcast on these popular platforms; Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeart Radio or wherever you find your podcasts.

LISTEN

Aurrigo International lines up further growth after “potentially transformational moment”

6 Jan 2025, 07:58

Coventry-based autonomous vehicle technology firm Aurrigo International – which works with airports across the globe – is upbeat after a “strong trading year” and fundraising which it described as a “potentially transformational moment”.

Aurrigo’s technology is in deployment in six airports across the world, with the company in early-stage conversations with another 34 airports and 19 airlines

“A strong trading year was complemented even further with a share placing raise of £5.25m to finish 2024 – a potentially transformational moment for our business,” said chief executive David Keene. “The new investment will give us the cash injection required to scale-up production of our Auto-DollyTug, an all-electric autonomous vehicle designed to transform baggage and cargo handling operations at airports through improved safety, operational efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.”

Chief executive David Keene (image credit: Aurrigo International)

The cash injection will allow the platform to have 22 tugs in operation in 2025, potentially accelerate commercial sales timelines and enable the ‘go live’ moment with Auto-Cargo in partnership with UPS.

Keene said there will also be six live Auto-Sim contracts at international airports in the same period, which will “help new and existing clients build digital twins of activity so they can optimise performance”.

He added that Coventry “will continue to be the epicentre of advanced design and manufacture”. with the group expecting to “bolster the team here and in some of our international locations in the US, Canada and Singapore”.

“After 40 years of very few ground handling innovations, the aviation sector now appears to be ready for something new and we are already proving – airside – that our Auto-DollyTug vehicle and our Auto-Sim software can deliver cost savings, environmental improvements and a better passenger experience,” said Keene. “We fully expect airlines and airports to accelerate their determination to embrace what we are calling the move to ‘intelligent ground support equipment’ (iGSE)”.

The Auto-DollyTug (image credit: Aurrigo International)

Aurrigo International plc seals £5.25m share placing raise as it drives iGSE concept adoption

One of the world’s leading providers of smart airside solutions has capped a year of growth with a £5.25m share placing raise.  Aurrigo International plc, which has expanded deployments into multiple new countries, opened a US office, and sealed a second-phase deal with Changi International in the last twelve months will use the cash injection to scale production of its Auto-DollyTug®—all-electric autonomous baggage and cargo vehicles.

The investment will provide the platform to have 22 tugs in operation in 2025 and the ‘go live’ moment with Auto-Cargo®in partnership with UPS. There will also be four live Auto-Sim® contracts at international airports in the same period, which will help organisations build digital twins of activity so they can optimise performance.

David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International, commented: “This is a fantastic raise to finish the year and gives us the perfect platform to roll-out our iGSE (intelligent Ground Support Equipment) concept to the aviation world.

“We have early-stage engagement with 34 airports and 19 airlines, with eight customers now agreeing to use Auto-Sim®. The investment will ensure we can scale our production capabilities and teams to meet the growing demand for technology that we are now proving in the real world.”  He continued: “Unlike a lot of companies who just talk about the impact of their tech, we are actually delivering and will now need more engineering, software, manufacturing and supply chain staff, not to mention an increase in the number of specialists in our deployment teams.”

The CEO of Aurrigo International plc urged aviation industry stakeholders to embrace innovation and drive the evolution of ground support equipment earlier this year.  Professor David Keene emphasised the necessity for ground handlers to transition into a new paradigm he has coined as ‘iGSE’ – intelligent Ground Support Equipment.  His vision 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,” continued David.  “Today’s aviation landscape demands that we step up our game. 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 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.

For more information, see www.aurrigo.com

‘5-Star’ Aurrigo International claim Manufacturing in Action Award

(l-r) Aurrigo International’s Miles Garner (second from left) collects the ‘Manufacturing in Action’ Award

 Transforming the way baggage and cargo is moved around airports worldwide has helped Aurrigo International plc claim its fifth business award of 2024.

The smart airside solution provider was named as The Manufacturer MX Awards’ ‘Manufacturing in Action’ winner at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool last night in front of more than 500 industry people.

This latest title, awarded by The Manufacturer’s editorial team based on what they’ve seen throughout the year on site visits, is the culmination of a groundbreaking 12-months for the business, which has seen its all-electric autonomous Auto-DollyTug® take off with airports, including Changi, Cincinnati and Stuttgart.

In addition to the MX Award, Aurrigo International has also won innovation titles at the Air Cargo Awards, FTE Americas, ‘Made in the Midlands’ and the overall Insider ‘Made in the UK’ accolade.

Miles Garner, Sales & Marketing Director, picked up the latest prize in Liverpool: “We always knew we had technology that had the potential to change the aviation sector and, after years of design, development and build, we are now testing our Auto-DollyTug® and simulation software in the real world.

“This is making everyone sit up and take notice. We’re not talking about autonomy in three, five or ten-years’ time, we’re actually delivering it airside at several global airports with more trials set to be sealed shortly.”

He continued: “I think this is what has impressed judges, this and the fact we have used our innovation to more than double our UK workforce in Coventry to over 100 and opened international technical offices in the US and Singapore.”

With a combined heritage of over 50 years, The Manufacturer MX Awards are widely regarded as the gold standard in the manufacturing industry, recognising and celebrating both companies and individuals who are achieving amazing things.

Organised by The Manufacturer in partnership with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and with the support of this year’s sponsors, the competition is the only peer-reviewed and judged programme of its kind for UK manufacturing.

Grace Gilling, Managing Director of The Manufacturer, expressed her admiration for Aurrigo International, stating: “Our journalists visit some of the best manufacturing businesses in the UK, so the ‘Manufacturing in Action’ title is one of the most competitive ones to win.

“We have been following David and his team’s journey for many years and 2024 feels like the moment when the business and its outstanding technology matured into a real-world game-changer.

“Its innovation is beginning to ‘green’ and operationally improve airports globally and, importantly, it is being driven by the IP, skills and technical knowledge of its Advanced Engineering Centre in Coventry and its technical offices worldwide.”

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

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