British Airways, and its parent company will use self-driving robotic baggage carriers for the first in a UK airport as the aviation industry struggles with staff shortages.
International Consolidated Airlines Group, which owns BA and Gatwick Airports, will deploy driverless luggage tuggers at Gatwick airport and Cincinnati airports by May.
The autonomous vehicles will transport baggage containers from terminals to aircrafts that are waiting, where they can be stowed with lifts operated by humans.
BA tested the vehicles previously at Heathrow Airport, but now they will be used full-time for the first. Gatwick will initially only have one vehicle, but if it is successful the number may increase.
Aurrigo of Coventry, UK has developed the pioneering machines. The company has been testing their fleet at Changi Airport since the pandemic.
Some are equipped with robot arms which can load and unload baggage containers themselves. Tugs cost between £100,000.00 and £250.000.00 each.
The devices are expected to improve safety, efficiency and turnaround times for aircraft, while also addressing the staff shortages in the aviation industry, especially baggage handling, since Covid.
Aurrigo CEO Professor David Keene said that the system is 90pc more efficient.
“Airlines also want to maintain high standards for their customers. You’re often in the airport and everything is great, and you’re even on the plane, which is quite modern. But when you leave, it’s time to play the lotto at the luggage carousel.
“First, you may have to wait a while. Second, it’s possible that your bag didn’t make it. That would be a real disappointment for the customer.
Everyone tends to blame their airline because they are the ones who fly with them, but in many cases, it is not the airlines that handle the bags.
“It’s really important to take that back, and be able to own your customer experience.”
Professor Keene stated that airports are ideal for deploying self driving technology due to their highly controlled nature.
The machines can also be used to run shuttle buses between airport terminals or airport parking lots, as well as for bus transfers.
Steve McGowan is the senior vice president of Airport Futures for IAG. He said, “IAG is exploring new ways to help their airlines run as efficiently and punctually possible.”
We are working with Aurrigo on a trial of autonomous luggage trollies to support the hard work of our fantastic baggage teams in our group airlines as well as our ground handling partners.
Aurrigo, founded by brothers David Keene and Graham Keene in 1993, was originally a company that specialized in parts for the automobile industry.
The company has developed its robots and software using UK government grants.
The London-listed firm has focused on the aviation industry because of the enormous potential of robot baggage handling that can be introduced in hundreds of airports across the globe.
Aurrigo’s software creates a “digital twin” (3D) of an airport that is used by robots to navigate and learn the local routes.
Professor Keene stated: “We are now heading to Schiphol (airport) in Holland, Munich, and Stuttgart in Germany. They’re coming at us in a huge rate.”
He claimed that initially, the technology was opposed by many unions. However, he said this opposition has now ceased.