British autonomous technology company Aurrigo International plc’s (Aurrigo) Auto-DollyTug has been deployed in Stuttgart Airport to highlight the potential of the tech for cargo transport in the aviation sector.
The display was organised through the Digital Testbed Air Cargo (DTAC) Demonstration, which is led by the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML) and operational partners Flughafen Stuttgart GmbH, Fraport AG and Sovereign Speed Gmbh.
The demonstration included the following: the autonomous transport of cargo containers to the aircraft position; autonomous recognition of the loading device (high loader) at the aircraft position and cargo handover; collaborative behaviour in mixed traffic with manual vehicles and pedestrians, including yielding right of way; and reliable detection of static and dynamic obstacles.
Oliver Luksic, parliamentary state secretary of the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport, attended the showcase.
On the display, Luksic said: “The demonstration of the autonomous vehicle at Stuttgart Airport clearly shows that the Digital Testbed Air Cargo makes a direct contribution to the advancement of freight handling on the airfield.
“The use of autonomous vehicles can make processes more efficient and safer. This is a crucial step towards a digital and interconnected air freight transport chain.”
Auto-DollyTug will soon be in operation at six global airports, Aurrigo said, adding that it is equipped with features ‘beyond the capabilities of today’s standard aviation tow tractors’.
Professor David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International plc, added: “Our ability to lead the world in this autonomous technology has come from successful collaborations with a host of international partners.
“The Digital Testbed Air Cargo Demonstration is the latest one and we’re delighted to have successfully showcased the difference Auto-DollyTug can make at busy airports like Stuttgart.
“To have Mr Luksic on site to see the test firsthand was a massive honour, and the feedback we received for our pioneering innovation was extremely positive.”
The solution is fitted with the company’s patented sideways drive system, meaning the tractor can manoeuvre directly sideways into confined spaces within the baggage hall and amid ground service equipment on the apron.
What’s more, its 360-degree tank turn capabilities and integrated robotic arms enable the vehicle to automatically load and unload unit load devices.
