Airports across the UK could benefit from enhanced efficiency and safety, thanks to an Aurrigo-led project trialling autonomous baggage handling and passenger shuttle systems.
As part of the Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) Pathfinder – Enhancements programme, the project has received government support to progress its development and real-world deployment.
The programme is led by the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV)—a joint policy unit of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Department for Transport (DfT)—and is delivered in partnership with Innovate UK and Zenzic.
RAMP Ready – Autonomous Cargo and Shuttle Operations
Led by Aurrigo in partnership with UPS, the RAMP Ready project will deliver an additional Auto-Cargo autonomous baggage dolly and complete development of the Auto-Shuttle 2—a self-driving passenger shuttle designed for airside operations. These technologies are aimed at easing congestion, reducing emissions, and improving safety in the often-chaotic airport ramp environment.
The project builds on earlier trials conducted at major UK airports, with this new phase focused on commercial readiness and integration with existing airport logistics systems.
Broader CAM Programme
The CAM Pathfinder funding also covers additional projects targeting public transport and logistics. These include:
- SCALE 2 and StreetCAV Plus – Autonomous shuttle services in Birmingham and Milton Keynes
- Connector 2 and AutonoBus – Self-driving bus trials in Cambridge and beyond
- P-Cal – Autonomous container movement at the Port of Tyne, supported by Oxa, Nissan, and others
- DriveSAFESim – Advanced virtual testing tools led by Wayve and WMG
- Sim4CAMSens 2 – Sensor simulation development for CAM applications
These projects form part of a wider 150 million GBP investment by the UK Government, as outlined in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, aimed at strengthening the CAM supply chain and enabling commercial deployment across multiple transport modes.
Mark Cracknell, Programme Director at Zenzic, said:It’s fantastic to see industry and government working together to ensure the UK is best placed to seize the CAM opportunity.
From aviation to logistics and public transport, the programme will provide the funding and support required to help some of the nation’s brightest minds develop the technologies that will cement CAM as one of the industries of the future, creating high skilled jobs and providing a major boost to the UK economy.
