18 July 2024
RNS Reach
Aurrigo International plc
("Aurrigo", "the Group" or the "Company")
Auto-DollyTug® demonstration at Stuttgart Airport
Aurrigo's autonomous aviation technology receives German ministerial backing
Aurrigo International plc (AIM: AURR, the "Company" or "Aurrigo"), a leading international provider of smart airside solutions and automotive products, is pleased to announce that, as part of the ongoing deployment and testing of the Group's Auto-DollyTug® at Stuttgart Airport as announced in November last year, a successful live demonstration of the technology was held in front of a parliamentary delegation.
Led by the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML) and the operational partners Flughafen Stuttgart GmbH, Fraport AG, and Sovereign Speed GmbH, an Aurrigo Auto-DollyTug® was successfully deployed and tested. These tests on the apron of Stuttgart Airport demonstrate how cargo transport can be optimized through the use of autonomous equipment.
The event was attended by Mr. Oliver Luksic, Parliamentary State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport, and his delegation. The demonstration generated excitement and received positive feedback for its pioneering innovation and immediate contribution to the advancement of apron cargo handling.
David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo, commented: "This latest demonstration as part of our ongoing testing at Stuttgart marks further validation of our proprietary autonomous technology and systems at another major airport, and we look forward to our continued collaboration with our international partners. We are seeing growing market recognition of the benefits and demonstrative ROI delivered by our innovative solutions, which work to transform airport operations to improve efficiency, support increased demand and meet sustainability targets."
Benjamin Bierwirth, Professor for Controlling and Logistics at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences commented: "The demonstration impressively shows the progress in autonomous vehicles in the aviation sector. Even demanding tasks can be taken over by highly automated vehicles, thus relieving personnel of time-consuming tasks. I expect these vehicles to be in continuous operational use at major airports within the next five years."
The demonstration included several key functions:
· Autonomous transport of cargo containers to the aircraft position |
· Autonomous recognition of the loading device (highloader) at the aircraft position and cargo handover |
· Collaborative behavior in mixed traffic with manual vehicles and pedestrians, including yielding right of way |
· Reliable detection of static and dynamic obstacles for comprehensive safety |
State Secretary Luksic added his support: "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."
Contacts:
Aurrigo International plc David Keene, Chief Executive Officer Ian Grubb, Chief Financial Officer |
+44 (0)2476 635818 |
Canaccord Genuity (Nominated Adviser and Sole Broker) Adam James Harry Pardoe
|
+44 (0)20 7523 8000
|
Alma Strategic Communications Hilary Buchanan Caroline Forde Will Ellis Hancock
|
+44(0)20 3405 0205 |
Cucumber PR Russ Cockburn |
+44 (0)78 1260 0271 |
Notes to Editors:
Aurrigo International plc is an international designer and developer of fully integrated smart airside solutions for the aviation industry, including automated vehicles, systems and software.
The Group's proprietary, award-winning autonomous technology and secure management system is supporting some of the world's leading airports. Customers choose to partner with Aurrigo to transform their baggage and cargo handling operations, improving safety, operational efficiencies and meeting sustainability targets, while navigating growing passenger volumes, rising costs and increasing labour shortages.
Headquartered in Coventry, UK with offices in Singapore and Ottawa, the Group has a 30+ year heritage designing and supplying automotive vehicle manufacturers with highly advanced, innovative product and system solutions. For more information, please visit the Group's website at www.aurrigo.com.