Aurrigo unveils autonomous Auto-Cargo ULD transporter
Aurrigo unveils autonomous Auto-Cargo ULD transporter
Aurrigo has unveiled the Auto-Cargo – an electric, autonomous vehicle designed to carry a standard cargo pallet or two ULDs.
Aurrigo and Aviation Solutions join forces to commercialise autonomous baggage handling at airports
Aurrigo International plc, a leading international provider of transport technology solutions, is pleased to announce that its Auto-Dolly Tug® and Auto-Sim® solutions have been formally approved for recommendation to Aviation Solutions B. V. (Aviation Solutions) network of 60+ airports.
Aviation Solutions focuses on commercialising innovative technologies that have successfully passed rigorous testing at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The partnership between the two companies was initially announced in April 2024 with the intention to roll out Aurrigo’s autonomous solutions. With testing under the Royal Schiphol Group contract now validated, the work begins to commercialise this proven technology to airports worldwide.
Marcel Stroop, Director of Go-to-Market, Aviation Solutions, commented: “Aurrigo International is a true front-runner in the field of autonomous ground handling technology. Our partnership marks an exciting milestone in our effort to bring proven innovations from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to across the world.
“We collaborate with partners and airports to innovate, faster. To be able to provide airports solutions we guarantee will work with a 100% confidence level. I’m very excited that Aurrigo is now also part of that movement.”
The relationship provides an opportunity to demonstrate the environmental, cost saving and performance benefits of Auto-DollyTug® at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol by Aviation Solutions to its partners across the globe, with over 65+ organisations already utilising their products.
The wider aviation sector is now being encouraged to learn how automated technologies can deliver new solutions to the sector. Professor David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo, added his support: “Auto-DollyTug® is arguably one of the biggest innovations to hit baggage and cargo handling for more than four decades and the aviation world is starting to take notice of what they can achieve through our autonomous vehicles and advanced technology.”
Auto-DollyTug® is an electric, autonomous baggage and cargo tractor that combines the functionality of a baggage tractor and airport dolly in one smart, compact vehicle. Currently being tested at six global airports, it can rotate on the spot and move sideways using a unique sideways drive system. It also features bi-directional robotic arms that enable autonomous loading and unloading of unit load devices (ULDs), streamlining operations even in congested areas.
The company’s Auto-Sim® technology is proving equally popular, with its cutting-edge simulation software helping to model and optimise airside operations in a digital environment.It enables airports, airlines, and ground handlers to visualise the impact of introducing new technologies like charging infrastructure and/or autonomous vehicles in the virtual world.
Discover more on the groundbreaking work that Aviation Solutions and Aurrigo are doing at www.schiphol.nl/aurrigo.
Enquiries:
Aurrigo International plc
David Keene, Chief Executive Officer
Tenille Houston, VP Public Relations and Communications
Aviation Solutions B.V.
Marcel Stroop, Director of Go-to-Market
Tim Vellema, Strategy Consultant
Helpful links:
www.aurrigo.com
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
About Aviation Solutions – by Schiphol Group
As an independent company with long-term investment support from Schiphol Group, Aviation Solutions is well-positioned to deliver high-quality, reliable airport solutions on a global scale. Supported by a team of over 40+ aviation experts and scientists, Aviation Solutions has developed solutions such as Deep Turnaround and Travor, a cutting-edge software solutions tailored to modern airports.
Successful deployments of Aviation Solutions’ products include airports such as Hamad International, Schiphol Airport, Eindhoven Airport, Frankfurt Airport, and Athens International Airport, demonstrating the effectiveness and reliability in various operational contexts.
Aviation Solutions also works closely with the most innovative suppliers of Schiphol Group. Once they are guaranteed to deliver results, they are added to the portfolio so that other airports can benefit from them as well.
For more information, see Schiphol | Aviation Solutions.
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.
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.
“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.”
For further information, please visit www.aurrigo.com or follow the company across its social media channels.
Episode 2 – The Tech Changing the Tarmac
🌟 The wait is over! Episode 2 of Take Off is now live! 🎙️
✨ Title: Autonomous GSE: The Tech Changing the Tarmac
🎧 Special Guest: Miles Garner
🚀 In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking world of autonomous ground support equipment (GSE) and its role in revolutionizing airport operations. From boosting efficiency to shaping the future of aviation, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss!
💡 Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a tech lover, or simply curious about the innovations transforming our tarmacs, tune in.
🎥 Watch or 🎧 listen now: https://lnkd.in/dWAQVNdb