British Airways plans to introduce the Aurrigo Auto-dolly tug at Gatwick Airport in May, foreshadowing a staff shortage at the airport. The auto-dollies have been tested at London Heathrow before.
Auto-Dolly Tug ©Aurrigo
Innovative Auto-Dolly Tug
There have been many undertakings related to technological improvements at airports, with the announcement of the Knightscope K5 security robot role at San Antonio International Airport in Texas of the United States of America. With few more steps in aviation technology, Gatwick airport is the next providing technological innovative solutions in aviation with Aurrigo, Global Transport Technology Leaders, specialised in transport solutions with automotive and aviation technology in Coventry in England.
It was recently announced that British Airways will start to use Aurrigo’s innovative “auto-dolly tug” at Gatwick Airport- the autonomous robot Auto-dolly tug , costing £100,000 to 250,000 pounds, marks an ever-growing technological period at Gatwick Airport. The use of self-driving dolly robots has already been tested by Singapore Changi Airport and London Heathrow and promises more convenient times for Gatwick Airport.
Auto-dolly Tug Specifications
For technology enthusiasms, Aurrigo’s Auto-dolly tug specifications include 360° turn and cameras and LiDAR technology (light detection and ranging)- an optical technology used to determine the distance to an object using light and GPS technology. Auto-dolly tugs are all electric and can be used autonomously or driven in manual mode by specialised staff members; they have the implementation of a ULD (Unit load device) with the capacity to carry 1.5 tons and tow 7.5 tons and will be used to transport luggage from the terminal to the aircraft.
With staff shortages despite improved salaries offered at Gatwick Airport, Steve McGowan, senior vice president for Airport Futures at IAG, explained to The Telegraph how the auto-dolly tug solution can help the Airport, demonstrating the baggage tugs need 90 per cent less labour and equipment from staff who do the baggage handling job. Additionally the purpose of the machines aims to improve the number of luggage that is lost during flights, an important aspect and benefit of Aurrigo Auto-dolly tugs.
In addition, Aurrigo company is developing auto-cargo, auto patrol and auto-sim. To find out more about its services, please check its official website.
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