The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and Aurrigo International plc (Aurrigo) are joining forces to introduce and demonstrate a cutting-edge autonomous baggage tractor, Auto-Dolly Tug, in partnership with International Airlines Group (IAG). This exciting collaboration marks a significant step in the airport’s commitment to embracing new technologies to enhance efficiency and capacity within the aviation industry.

CVG has a history of driving innovation through various partnerships, including the deployment of autonomous ground handling equipment, floor-care scrubbers, and food-delivery robots since 2019. With the announcement of this latest endeavor, the airport is poised to pave the way for the future of aviation technology.

Candace McGraw, CEO of CVG, expressed the airport’s dedication to seeking out innovative solutions to address prevalent challenges in the aviation sector, such as staffing shortages, safety concerns, and environmental impact. The partnership will see the initial deployment of the Auto-Dolly Tug in spring 2024, with plans for further expansion in the coming years.

Professor David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo, emphasised the significance of the partnership, highlighting the company’s first foray into the U.S. aviation sector. Keene underlined the demand for autonomous technology in aviation and the substantial efficiency improvements that Aurrigo’s autonomous vehicles can bring to ground handling operations.

The support and endorsement of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine further underscore the significance of this initiative. DeWine believes that the adoption of new technologies will not only enhance the efficiency of CVG but also bolster the region’s economic competitiveness. Likewise, JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef lauded Aurrigo’s decision to test their autonomous baggage dollies at CVG, attributing it to the increased connectivity between Greater Cincinnati and the rest of the world.

Aurrigo’s Auto-Sim software represents the company’s latest development, offering a 3D digital twin to visualize current operations and simulate the impact of new electric and autonomous technologies. The Auto-Dolly Tug itself is an all-electric, autonomous vehicle that combines the functionality of a baggage tractor with the Unit Load Device (ULD) carrying capacity of an airport dolly, creating a more flexible and space-efficient solution. With the incorporation of robotic arms, the Auto-Dolly Tug can autonomously load and unload ULDs, enabling a truly end-to-end autonomous operation.

The collaboration between CVG, Aurrigo, and IAG represents a significant advancement in the integration of cutting-edge technology in the aviation sector, with the potential to revolutionize ground handling operations. As the deployment of the Auto-Dolly Tug approaches, it is evident that CVG is poised to play a key role in driving forward the aviation industry’s adoption of autonomous technology.