DHL Supply Chain has completed an autonomous vehicle deployment at Heathrow Airport, marking a significant step toward more efficient and sustainable airside operations.
Over a two-week period, the autonomous vehicle navigated 1,300km through live airport traffic, showcasing the potential of autonomous technology to enhance airport logistics.
The trial, which focused on improving the inter-terminal baggage transfer service, is part of DHL’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations at Heathrow.
The airport sees more than 60,000 passenger bags moved between terminals each month, and the successful trial is a key step towards introducing autonomous vehicles to meet this demand. The long-term goal is to build a scalable, sustainable logistics solution that could be expanded to other areas of airport operations.
Ahead of the trial, the autonomous vehicle underwent extensive installation exercises to ensure it could safely integrate into the busy airside environment at Heathrow. The vehicle was able to operate autonomously on its first day, meeting all performance and safety benchmarks without requiring specialist modifications.
During the two-week deployment, the vehicle’s performance was continually optimised to meet the specific demands of the airport environment.
With its focus on leveraging autonomous vehicles and AI, the trial is aligned with the airport’s goal of reducing its damage to the environment as well as increasing capacity.
Advance Northumberland has played a role in facilitating the development of autonomous vehicle technology in logistics. The organisation’s strategic initiatives help foster partnerships and provide vital support for projects like this one, which aim to modernise infrastructure.
Gavin Payne, director of engineering and baggage at Heathrow, said: “Intelligent autonomous logistics will play a key role in the future of operations at Heathrow.
“Working within the Baggage Strategic Partnership in this way is critical to our Innovation journey and I am excited to see what comes next.”
Join more than 11,000 industry leaders at Robotics and Automation Exhibition on 25-26 March 2025. Explore cutting-edge technologies, connect with peers and discover the latest innovations shaping the future of manufacturing, engineering, and logistics. Register now to secure your place at this premier event!
