Aurrigo has successfully demonstrated the use of its Auto-DollyTug autonomous technology at Stuttgart Airport in Germany.
The technology was deployed as part of the Digital Testbed Air Cargo (DTAC) Demonstration.
This initiative is led by the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences in partnership with the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML) and key operational partners, including Flughafen Stuttgart GmbH, Fraport AG, and Sovereign Speed GmbH.
The event was attended by Oliver Luksic, Parliamentary State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport. It offered a glimpse into the future of air cargo handling, with a focus on optimising processes through the use of autonomous equipment.
State Secretary Luksic said:The demonstration at Stuttgart Airport highlights how the Digital Testbed Air Cargo directly contributes to enhancing freight handling on the airfield. Autonomous vehicles can make processes more efficient and safer, marking a critical step towards a digital and interconnected air freight transport chain.
Aurrigo’s demonstration featured several key functionalities:
- Autonomous transport of cargo containers to the aircraft
- Automatic recognition and handover of cargo to the high loader
- Collaborative behaviour in mixed traffic with manual vehicles and pedestrians
- Reliable detection of both static and dynamic obstacles
Professor David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International plc, said: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 Auto-DollyTug is set to be deployed at six global airports, boasting features that surpass the capabilities of traditional aviation tow tractors.
It incorporates a patented sideways drive system, enabling it to manoeuvre directly into tight spaces within the baggage hall and around ground service equipment (GSE) on the apron. Its 360-degree tank turn capabilities and integrated robotic arms allow for automatic loading and unloading of unit load devices (ULDs) with precision, streamlining airport operations.
Benjamin Bierwirth, Professor for Controlling and Logistics at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, said:This demonstration shows the remarkable progress in autonomous aviation vehicles. These vehicles can undertake demanding tasks, freeing personnel from time-consuming duties. I anticipate that such vehicles will be in regular use at major airports within five years. The tests reveal how autonomous vehicles can handle cargo containers efficiently and precisely, making cargo handling more predictable and resilient, even amid skilled labour shortages.
