Aurrigo International plc has secured £1.43 million in UK government funding to advance autonomous vehicle technology for airport operations. The grant, provided through the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade’s CAM Pathfinder scheme, will support the development of Aurrigo’s new SENTRY project. This initiative aims to deploy driverless Auto-Shuttle vehicles for routine airside tasks, significantly enhancing safety and efficiency in busy airport environments.
The SENTRY project will investigate how small autonomous vehicles can navigate independently, following rules agreed with air traffic control. These vehicles are designed to perform jobs currently done by airport staff, often in challenging conditions. The goal is to improve safety by detecting hazards and boosting efficiency through automated inspections. This project contributes to the broader discussion around autonomous vehicle oversight and deployment standards.
Autonomous Vehicles for Airport Safety
Aurrigo’s Auto-Shuttle vehicles will undertake a range of critical airside inspection tasks. These include security patrols and routine perimeter inspections. They will also monitor bird activity, encouraging birds to move to safer locations away from aircraft paths. Additionally, the autonomous shuttles will inspect runway and taxiway surfaces for cracks, wear, or loose debris that could cause serious damage to aircraft.
Project SENTRY’s Key Tasks and Partners
The SENTRY project leverages research expertise from the Warwick Manufacturing Group at the University of Warwick. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) provides regulatory oversight. Operational testing facilities at Teesside International Airport will host initial trials. The project will also extend its trials to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in the United States.
Expanding Autonomous Operations in Aviation
Aurrigo already has a significant presence in the aviation sector with its autonomous luggage and cargo transport vehicles. Its Auto-DollyTug and Auto-Cargo platforms are currently in use across eight international airports. This existing deployment highlights the company’s experience in applying driverless technology to airport logistics.
Benefits for Airport Operations and Staff
Simon Brewerton, Chief Technology Officer at Aurrigo International, emphasized the hazardous nature of airside operations. “Airports are busier and more hazardous than most passengers ever realise,” Brewerton explained. He noted that staff often perform checks in adverse weather, near moving aircraft. The SENTRY project aims to automate some of this work, reducing risks for human personnel.
David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International, stated that the grant reflects the quality of their autonomous vehicle technology. He added that the project aims to free up experienced airport staff for tasks requiring human judgment. Automating repetitive jobs, such as cold, repetitive, three-in-the-morning shifts, can also lead to staff time savings and potentially reduced emissions. This approach aligns with global efforts, such as those in Dubai and Cairo, to integrate AI into transit operations for efficiency. Mark Cracknell, program director at Zenzic, also highlighted the progress made by the CAM Pathfinder scheme. He noted it positions the UK for developing and deploying future autonomous mobility solutions.
The findings from the SENTRY project will be compiled into a public report. This report will be shared with airports, regulators, and the wider aviation sector. It aims to provide best practice guidelines for adopting more autonomous vehicles. The initiative represents a step towards integrating driverless technology more deeply into critical airport infrastructure, promising enhanced safety and operational efficiency for the future of air travel. It also aligns with visions for integrated mobility and smart cities, where autonomous systems play a key role.
