Quantcast

Aurrigo's Auto-DollyTug receives backing after demo at Stuttgart Airport

Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
Southwest Airlines extends flight schedule through early April 2025
Cathay Pacific reaches 3,400 pilots this year, with low resignation rate of 2.9%
Qatar Airways Nears Boeing 777 Fleet-Wide Starlink Upgrade
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
50 New Routes Launching In April 2025
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Aurrigo's Auto-DollyTug receives backing after demo at Stuttgart Airport
Research
Webp 0oxu4yvogq9vhx0duz8x6ff1c25h
Stephanie Painter International Sales | AviationPros

Autonomous technology developed in the UK has received significant German endorsement following a demonstration at Stuttgart Airport.

Aurrigo International plc’s Auto-DollyTug was successfully deployed as part of the Digital Testbed Air Cargo (DTAC) demonstration. This initiative is led by the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML) and operational partners Flughafen Stuttgart GmbH, Fraport AG, and Sovereign Speed GmbH.

The ongoing testing, attended by Oliver Luksic, Parliamentary State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport, showcased future air cargo handling optimization using autonomous equipment.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Held on the apron of Stuttgart Airport, the demonstration included several features such as:

- Autonomous transport of cargo containers to aircraft positions

- Autonomous recognition of loading devices at aircraft positions and cargo handover

- Collaborative behavior in mixed traffic with manual vehicles and pedestrians

- Reliable detection of static and dynamic obstacles

Professor David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International plc, stated: “Our ability to lead the world in this autonomous technology has come from successful collaborations with a host of international partners. The Digital Testbed Air Cargo Demonstration is the latest one and we’re delighted to have successfully showcased the difference Auto-DollyTug can make at busy airports like Stuttgart. To have Mr. Luksic on site to see the test firsthand was a massive honor, and the feedback we received for our pioneering innovation was extremely positive.”

Luksic expressed 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."

Auto-DollyTug, which is now set to be deployed at six global airports, introduces features that enhance efficiencies beyond current aviation tow tractors' capabilities.

Benjamin Bierwirth, professor for controlling and logistics at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, added: "The demonstration impressively shows progress in autonomous vehicles in aviation. Even demanding tasks can be taken over, thus relieving personnel from time-consuming tasks. I expect these vehicles to be in continuous operational use at major airports within five years. The tests demonstrate how autonomous vehicles can efficiently handle cargo container transport, making handling more predictable and resilient even during skilled labor shortages. This marks a significant advancement in the industry and offers a promising outlook on air cargo logistics."

With its patented sideways drive system, this innovative tractor can maneuver directly sideways into confined spaces within baggage halls and amidst ground service equipment on aprons. Additionally, its 360-degree tank turn capabilities and integrated robotic arms enable precise automatic loading and unloading operations.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

On April 22, Earth Day is observed as a time to honor the planet and acknowledge the power individuals have to protect it.

Apr 23, 2025

Flying Food Group has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability with a reforestation certificate from Flex Technology Group.

Apr 23, 2025

From October 2025, Lufthansa Group, in partnership with Visa, is set to introduce a new online payment option called 'Click to Pay' on the booking portals of its airlines—Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines.

Apr 23, 2025

Emirates is making strides in accessible travel initiatives as part of its operational strategy.

Apr 23, 2025

Flight attendant Ali Bahreman has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to consider his case challenging a contract that barred him from using his seniority to bid on flight assignments due to his refusal to join the Transportation Workers Union (TWU).

Apr 23, 2025

Holland America Line has unveiled its planned itineraries for the 2027 Grand Voyage cruises.

Apr 23, 2025