Aurrigo International, a manufacturer specialising in autonomous ground support equipment (GSE), has reported a positive outlook following a successful trading year, culminating in a significant multi-million-pound investment. The company secured £5.25 million in December, a financial boost it plans to use for operationalising 22 of its autonomous Auto-DollyTug vehicles within the year. This investment will also expedite the launch of its Auto-Cargo unit, a driverless vehicle designed to transport cargo pallets and unit load devices (ULDs) in collaboration with UPS.
Professor David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo, expressed optimism about the company's future, stating, “A strong trading year was complemented even further with a share placing raise of £5.25mn to finish 2024 – a potentially transformational moment for our business.” He highlighted that the infusion of funds would enable Aurrigo to scale up the production of its Auto-DollyTug, an all-electric, autonomous vehicle designed to enhance baggage and cargo handling operations at airports, focusing on improved safety, operational efficiency, and reduced carbon emissions.
In addition to the Auto-DollyTug, Keene announced that six Auto-Sim contracts are set to commence at international airports this year. These contracts will assist both new and existing clients in creating digital twins of their operational activities, allowing them to optimise their performance. He affirmed the company’s commitment to its Coventry headquarters in the UK, which will remain the central hub for advanced design and manufacturing. Plans for team expansions are also in the pipeline, extending to international locations in the US, Canada, and Singapore.
Keene noted that after four decades of minimal innovation in ground handling, the aviation sector seems poised for transformative changes. He asserted, “After 40 years of very few ground handling innovations, the aviation sector now appears to be ready for something new, and we are already proving – airside – that our Auto-DollyTug vehicle and Auto-Sim software can deliver cost savings, environmental improvements, and a better passenger experience.” He added that the industry is likely to accelerate its efforts towards adopting what Aurrigo refers to as ‘iGSE’: intelligent ground support equipment.
With the ongoing advancements in AI automation and emerging technologies, Aurrigo's efforts illustrate a shift in business practices within the aviation sector, which may set new standards for operational efficiency and environmental sustainability moving forward.
Source: Noah Wire Services