In a groundbreaking step toward enhancing efficiency, Royal Schiphol Group, in partnership with KLM, is deploying a cutting-edge self-driving baggage vehicle developed by Aurrigo International. This initiative aims to improve the management of passenger baggage, particularly for those with extended layovers, by optimizing how baggage with long transfer times is handled.
Schiphol Airport manages approximately 31,000 pieces of transfer baggage daily, with the majority being processed in the morning. This high volume places significant pressure on baggage handling systems and airport staff. To address this challenge, Schiphol has turned to automation, trialing an all-electric, self-driving baggage vehicle. The new system is designed to transport baggage efficiently from arriving aircraft to a secured temporary storage area before it is transferred to the connecting flights.
The Auto-DollyTug Trial Phases
The first phase of testing began in August last year, focusing on mapping the route between the temporary storage area and the secured location. During this initial stage, the Auto-DollyTug utilized advanced 3D cameras to learn its surroundings and develop autonomous navigation capabilities. Over time, additional functionalities were tested, including the vehicle’s ability to autonomously pick up and drop off baggage containers, as well as maneuver through the busy baggage hall.
The latest phase of testing involves operating the autonomous vehicle on the airport pier, where it must navigate through more complex traffic conditions. If this phase proves successful, the trial will expand to cover additional routes, with plans to test its functionality at aircraft stands by the end of 2025.
Enhancing Sustainability and Efficiency
Schiphol Airport is committed to transitioning toward a more sustainable, emission-free ground operation. According to Jan Zekveld, Senior Manager of Innovation at Royal Schiphol Group, the deployment of autonomous, connected, and emission-free vehicles is a significant step toward this goal.
“By replacing our entire vehicle fleet with a network of autonomous vehicles, we are not only making our operations more sustainable but also automating key processes,” Zekveld explained. “Even with automation, employees will remain integral to the operation, with their roles shifting toward more supervisory and varied tasks.”
Safety and Future Plans
Equipped with lidar sensors and 360° cameras, the Auto-DollyTug is designed to navigate safely through the airport environment, automatically adjusting speed, braking when necessary, and maintaining safe distances from other objects. To ensure safety during the trial phase, a human operator is always present in the vehicle, ready to intervene if required.
Professor David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the practical benefits of automation in the aviation industry.
“Working with Schiphol and KLM on this initiative is truly exciting. The Auto-DollyTug represents a fantastic example of how automation can improve efficiency while alleviating the workload for baggage handlers,” Keene stated. “We are proud to contribute to Schiphol’s vision of a smarter, more sustainable future in airport ground operations.”
As the trials progress, Schiphol remains at the forefront of technological innovation, setting an example for airports worldwide by integrating smart automation solutions to enhance both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
