Self-driving robots set to take over airports in the future

 In the upcoming years, the very familiar sight of humans pulling carts full of luggage, similar to “tractors,” might very well fade into history in the future, and robots might be the cause.

British Airways is set to change baggage handling at Gatwick Airport with the introduction of self-driving robots dubbed the “Auto-DollyTug.” Scheduled for deployment later this year, this innovative robot will autonomously collect bags from the airport terminal and transport them in sealed containers across the runway to awaiting aircraft.

Upon arrival, these containers will be loaded into the cargo hold using normal elevators operated by humans.

Crafted by Aurigo, a Coventry-based company, the Auto-DollyTug promises enhanced efficiency and speed compared to current manual procedures, which in turn would reduce instances of lost luggage.

David Kane, CEO and co-founder of Aurigo, expected that this will greatly enhance the travel experience for passengers, describing it as a potential “magic bullet” for airport baggage operations. Steve McGowan of IAG, the parent company of British Airways, affirms the commitment to streamline airline operations, expressing joy for the trial of self-driving baggage carts in collaboration with Aurigo.

Aurrigo has already tried out successful trials of the Auto-DollyTug at Changi Airport in Singapore during the Covid pandemic and will now transition to full-time service at Gatwick Airport as part of British Airways’ flight trial starting in May.

Additionally, Cincinnati Airport in Ohio will soon witness the introduction of self-driving baggage transport.

Equipped with advanced technology including 360-degree cameras and LiDAR sensors, these robotic tractors promise to change luggage transportation while mitigating the challenges caused by labor shortages in the flying industry.