The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is working on deploying and demonstrating an autonomous baggage tractor called Auto-DollyTug.
Auto-DollyTug is an all-electric, autonomous vehicle that combines the utility of a baggage tractor with the unit load device carrying capability of an airport dolly all in one, making it a more flexible and space-efficient vehicle.
This means that a combination of an Auto-DollyTug towing three trailers carries four unit load devices, which is 30% more than a traditional tug set-up of the same overall length. Auto-DollyTug incorporates robotic arms on the body, allowing the vehicle to autonomously load and unload a unit load device itself.
Since 2019, CVG has co-developed and deployed autonomous technology with several partners, including testing autonomous ground handling equipment, floor-care scrubbers, and food delivery robots, among others. This announcement is another phase in the airport’s adoption of new technology in an effort to advance the industry.
“As one of the fastest-growing passenger and cargo hubs in the US and globally, CVG is always looking for innovative technologies to improve capacity and efficiency,” CVG CEO Candace McGraw said. “We look forward to working with Aurrigo and IAG to identify potential solutions to help address many of the issues that aviation currently faces staffing shortages, safety, capacity, and environmental concerns, among others.”
To mark the start of the partnership, the parties gathered at CVG. This week’s meetings were the project kick-off for an initial deployment of one Auto-DollyTug scheduled for spring 2024.
On successful completion of the demonstration, Aurrigo International plc, a partner in the project, expects that this will lead to the expansion of additional vehicles throughout 2025.