Changi Airport Group collaborates with Aurrigo to trial new autonomous baggage handling vehicle
The latest version of the Auto-DollyTug® will test additional capabilities to enhance ground-handling operations
SINGAPORE, 31 January 2024 – Changi Airport Group (CAG) and Aurrigo International plc (Aurrigo) are collaborating to test the latest version of its electric-powered autonomous vehicle, Auto-DollyTug®, at Changi Airport.
Auto-DollyTug®, which has new ground handling capabilities and is more maneuverable, will be put through different scenarios to assess its efficiency and speed when it comes to aircraft turnaround times.
Auto-DollyTug®, which has new ground handling capabilities and is more maneuverable, will be put through different scenarios to assess its efficiency and speed when it comes to aircraft turnaround times.
(Photo: Aurrigo’s Auto-DollyTug® 3rd generation at Changi International Airport)
Combining the utility of a baggage tractor and the unit load device (ULD) carrying capability of an airport dolly, the latest Auto-DollyTug® can rotate in its own length and, using the groundbreaking sideways drive system, move directly sideways and slide into tight spaces, enabling the swift delivery of a single ULD even when other GSE equipment is in place at the aircraft.
In an industry first, the new Auto-DollyTug® also features Aurrigo’s auto-loading and release management system that adds bi-directional robotic arms to the body to allow the vehicle to autonomously load and unload the ULD from itself.
Professor David Keene, Chief Executive Officer at Aurrigo, explained: “Auto-DollyTug® is the result of clean sheet of paper thinking, as we didn’t just want a modified conventional tractor that could tow some dollies to an area near the aircraft without a driver. Our technology can not only carry a ULD on its body, which maximises carrying capacity without increasing the length of the train, it can also autonomously transfer that ULD directly on to a JCPL or High Loader.”
He continued: “This level of capability has been made possible by designing a vehicle to be electric and autonomous from day one. We have never built a diesel-powered airport vehicle so we don’t have to work around the compromises of a legacy GSE vehicle product. This 3rd generation of the Auto-DollyTug® has been designed to incorporate the experience we have gained from the extensive airside testing already carried out with our 2nd generation vehicle at Changi Airport.”
The earlier versions of Auto-DollyTug® have been on trial at Singapore Changi Airport since February 2022 (Annex 1). This testing phase gave Aurrigo the opportunity to deploy its vehicles in a live airside environment and to push the limits of its technology in a hot and humid climate, where extreme rain events are a frequent feature of airside operations.
Ms Poh Li San, Senior Vice President, Terminal 5 Specialised Systems at Changi Airport Group, added her support: “Changi Airport is exploring the use of different vehicles across the airport, especially to automate airside operations.”
“The latest Auto-DollyTug® has made its airside debut at our airport and we look forward to studying how it handles the challenges of a dynamic airport environment.”
(Annex 1: Photo progression of technology shown at Changi International Airport)
For high resolution image, please download from here. Please credit the image to Changi Airport Group.
For more information, please contact:
| Kris Mok (Ms) | Aurrigo International PLC | |
| +65 9640 2236 | ||
| kris.mok@changiairport.com | media@aurrigo.com |
|
About Changi Airport Group
Changi Airport Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd (CAG) (www.changiairportgroup.com) was formed on 16 June 2009 and the corporatisation of Singapore Changi Airport (IATA: SIN, ICAO: WSSS) followed on 1 July 2009.
As the company managing Changi Airport, CAG undertakes key functions focusing on airport operations and management, air hub development, commercial activities and airport emergency services. CAG also manages Seletar Airport (IATA: XSP, ICAO: WSSL) and, through its subsidiary Changi Airports International, invests in and manages foreign airports.
As one of Asia’s most connected international aviation hubs, Changi Airport links Singapore to some 150 cities globally, with close to 100 airlines operating more than 6,400 weekly flights.
Jewel Changi Airport, a multi-dimensional lifestyle destination, opened in April 2019, adding to Changi Airport’s shopping and dining offerings of more than 600 F&B and retail outlets across the airport. The world’s most awarded airport, Changi has won over 660 accolades for its consistent and excellent airport staff service, passenger experience and safety standards.
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About Aurrigo International plc
Aurrigo International plc is a leading international provider of transport technology solutions.
Headquartered in Coventry in the UK, it designs, engineers, manufactures and supplies autonomous vehicles and OEM products to the automotive and transport industries, particularly focusing on the world of aviation.
It is highly regarded as a specialist in autonomous and semi-autonomous technology solutions for the aviation, ground handling and cargo industries.
Aurrigo has developed six types of autonomous vehicle to date, which can be utilised to reduce costs, resolve operational issues, and tackle labour shortages, whilst also improving sustainability.
Aurrigo currently has three divisions; Automotive Technology, Autonomous Technology and Aviation Technology.
For more information, see www.aurrigo.com