Aurrigo International has launched its first operational office in the USA, located at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

The office is in Delta Cargo’s building at the airport and is home to the team responsible for deploying the Auto-DollyTug, a fully-electric tug that operates autonomously airside, delivering cost savings, increased efficiency and reduces carbon emissions by up to 60% compared to traditional diesel tugs.

Daniel Garcia Jr has been recruited as the company’s first Autonomous Vehicle Safety Operator in the USA and will shortly be joined by more colleagues including specialists in vehicle maintenance.

Professor David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International, said: “The deal we signed in January to deploy Auto-DollyTug at CVG has led to this dedicated office and new team. It will provide the team with ease of access to the initial deployment, while also providing the opportunity to move forward on other potential ventures stateside.”

The Auto-DollyTug is an all-electric, autonomous vehicle that combines the utility of a baggage tractor with the ULD carrying capability of an airport dolly, making a more flexible and space efficient vehicle.

An Auto-DollyTug towing four trailers can carry five ULDs, 30% more than a traditional tug set-up with the same overall length.

Aurrigo’s technology incorporates robotic arms on the body, allowing the vehicle to autonomously load and unload a ULD itself.

The project is getting set up and mapping the airport with operations due to start soon.

Keene said: “Many US airports are looking to push the boundaries of innovation to increase capacity and improve the passenger experience. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is the first of what we hope will be many adopting our technology.”