Aurrigo International gives global debut to its latest autonomous airside vehicle, Auto-Cargo®

Aurrigo International plc’s latest autonomous technology was unveiled in Coventry yesterday, as part of an exciting project with Innovate UK, Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV), supply chain giant UPS and East Midlands Airport. Auto-Cargo® is the company’s largest aviation vehicle to date and is set to transform airside logistics by autonomously carrying a total payload of 16,500kg. The vehicle is a fully electric, zero emission alternative to existing diesel-powered models.

Left – Jim Sargent (UPS), Michael Talbot (CCAV), Mal Mutton (Lord Mayor of Coventry), Prof. David Keene, Dr. Richard Fairchild, Katie Anderson (UPS), Matt Nicholson (UPS
Aurrigo’s Auto-Cargo

 

With precision automation, advanced obstacle detection, and real-time fleet coordination, the vehicle will reduce stress on workers, enhance safety, and optimise on-the-ground performance. Backed by funding from Innovate UK and CCAV, the new vehicle’s next stop is to move heavy cargo loads to and from aircraft at UPS’ hub at East Midlands Airport, the UK’s second largest cargo terminal.

David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International plc, commented: “This latest launch is another milestone moment for our business and extends our footprint in the aviation sector. Working with UPS, we have designed and developed an autonomous vehicle that can transport a standard cargo pallet or two ULDs with a 4500kg onboard capacity and the option of towing an additional 12,000kg trailer.

“Our launch event was the perfect opportunity to showcase Auto-Cargo® and the collaboration with UPS to an exclusive group of industry delegates. They had the opportunity to look around the vehicle and explore some of the autonomous technology and features for themselves.”

He continued: “We have had significant success with the roll-out of our smaller Auto-DollyTug® at airports across the globe, helping to transport passenger luggage, and now we are ready to make our mark in the cargo sector.”  Sarah Jones, Minister for Industry and Decarbonisation, added her support: “Our modern Industrial Strategy will help build on successes like Aurrigo’s autonomous technology, bringing growth, jobs and opportunities to every part of the UK and delivering on our Plan for Change.

“By working in partnership with industry, we want to drive forward innovation and propel the development of next generation zero emission and automated vehicle technologies.” Auto-Cargo®, which utilises an electric drive with twin 18.4kW motors and four-wheel steering, enhances efficiency, safety, and sustainability in airport cargo operations and, thanks to a new software algorithm developed in house, can fully function in severe weather, including rain in excess of 50mm per hour.

Auto-DollyTug® aims to streamline baggage transfer with Schiphol

Royal Schiphol Group in collaboration with KLM is deploying a new self-driving baggage vehicle from Aurrigo International plc to help it optimise the separation of passenger baggage with long transfer times.

On an average day, Schiphol handles around 31,000 pieces of baggage from transferring passengers. Most of this luggage is processed in the morning, putting pressure on the baggage system and handling operations. KLM Baggage Services, together with Schiphol, ensures that all baggage reaches the right connection on time.

To transport baggage streams more efficiently, Schiphol is testing an electric, self-driving baggage vehicle supplied by Aurrigo. This autonomous vehicle transports luggage from passengers with long layovers from the aircraft to a temporary, secured storage location.

The first phase of the all-electric Auto-DollyTug® trial began in August last year, testing the route from the temporary baggage storage area to a secured storage location. At the appropriate time the autonomous vehicle then delivers the baggage to the baggage hall, where it can be entered into the system and further processed to the connecting fleet.  During this time, the vehicle mapped the platform environment using 3D cameras and learned how to navigate independently. Step-by-step, various aspects were trialled, such as autonomously picking up and dropping off containers and maneuvering through the busy baggage hall.

Aurrigo’s Auto-DollyTug airside at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

“Schiphol is committed to creating a more sustainable, emission-free ground operation.  We are replacing our entire vehicle fleet with a connected network of autonomous, emission-free vehicles. By doing so we automate all related processes. Even in an autonomous ground operation, employees will continue to play a crucial role, with their work becoming more varied and supervisory.” commented Jan Zekveld, Senior Manager Innovation at Royal Schiphol Group.

The latest testing involves Aurrigo’s Auto-DollyTug® operating on the pier, where it must navigate denser traffic. If this is successful, the test routes will be expanded, and eventually, the vehicle will be tested at aircraft stands by the end of 2025.  The autonomous vehicle is equipped with LiDAR sensors and 360-degree cameras, enabling it to navigate safely among other traffic, brake in time, and maintain sufficient distance. For safety purposes, an Operator will always be present in the vehicle during the trial to intervene if necessary.

Professor David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International plc, commented: “Working with forward-thinking partners like Schiphol and KLM to bring autonomous solutions to real-world aviation challenges is very exciting.  “The work we are doing demonstrates a fantastic use case for our self-driving Auto-DollyTug®, showcasing how automation can enhance efficiency while supporting the workload for baggage handlers and easing pressure on airport systems. We’re proud to support Schiphol’s vision for a smarter, more sustainable future in ground operations.”

Aurrigo’s Auto-DollyTug on apron with KLM airplane taxing.

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

Episode 4 – Driven by Design: The Creative Vision Powering Aurrigo’s Innovation

🌟 Episode 4 of Take Off is now live! 🎙️
✨ Title: Driven by Design: The Creative Vision Powering Aurrigo’s Innovation
🎧 Special Guest: Elliott Hawkins
🚀 What does it take to design autonomous vehicles that look like they’ve rolled straight out of the future? In this episode, we sit down with Aurrigo’s Chief Designer to explore the inspiration, creativity, and innovation behind our cutting-edge autonomous solutions. From sci-fi influences to real-world functionality, we dive into the artistic and engineering challenges of bringing these futuristic concepts to life.

🎥 Watch or 🎧 listen now on your favorite podcast platform or on our website here: EPISODE 4

podcast autonomousvehicle design starwars humberestate

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 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

Back To Top