UK GSE manufacturer Aurrigo International has unveiled the Auto-Cargo – an electric, autonomous vehicle designed to carry a standard cargo pallet or two ULDs.
The company says its latest innovation is “set to transform airside logistics” by autonomously carrying a total payload of 16,500kg.
Aurrigo claims the Auto-Cargo will enhance safety, optimise operational performance and reduce stress on ground handling teams with the vehicle’s “precision automation, advanced obstacle detection and real-time fleet co-ordination”.
The first unit will be deployed at East Midlands Airport, the UK’s second largest cargo terminal, to support UPS’s air freight operations.
David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International, says: “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 4,500kg onboard capacity and the option of towing an additional 12,000kg trailer.”
He adds: “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.”
The Auto-Cargo utilises an electric drive with twin 18.4kW motors and four-wheel steering, which Aurrigo says enhances efficiency, safety and sustainability in airport cargo operations.
A new software algorithm developed in-house allows the vehicle to fully function in severe weather, including rain in excess of 50mm per hour.
It has a maximum speed of 25kmh and can run for up to eight hours on a single charge.
Aurrigo developed the Auto-Cargo as part of a project with Innovate UK and Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) – who funded its development – as well as UPS and East Midlands Airport.
