An artistic depiction of the autonomous electric cargo vehicle has been released by UPS and transport technology provider Aurrigo. This collaboration project aims to deploy a vehicle that can move heavy cargo loads to and from aircraft at the UPS hub in East Midlands Airport.
The “Auto-Cargo” vehicle is capable of transporting a standard full-size cargo pallet or two half-size aviation industry standard containers, up to a total load of 7.5 tonnes. It is also designed to tow a fully loaded cargo trailer behind it.
The autonomous technology integrated into the vehicle will allow a limited number of security-cleared drivers to focus on other tasks at the airport, while also reducing emissions.
The development of this vehicle, including the pilot phase, is expected to take 14 months and is supported by funding from Innovate UK and The Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles.
Aurrigo’s chief executive, David Keene, highlighted that this vehicle will help airfreight operators decarbonize and automate their ground operations, resulting in lower emissions and greater efficiency.
UPS’s international director of automotive engineering, Matt Nicholson, emphasized that the collaboration with Aurrigo will enhance parcel delivery efficiency through a global, integrated network, with increased safety and zero tailpipe emissions on the airside operation.
In related news, DHL Express has unveiled mobile charging carts for ground support equipment, while WFS is currently trialing autonomous forklifts for cargo handling.
