Aurrigo International has officially introduced its most ambitious autonomous aviation vehicle to date—Auto-Cargo—at a special unveiling held at the company’s headquarters in Coventry, UK. This marks a significant step forward in airside logistics, as the innovative electric vehicle is designed to transport heavy cargo autonomously, offering a zero-emission solution to replace traditional diesel-powered alternatives.
The launch forms part of a pioneering collaboration supported by Innovate UK and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV). Other key partners in the project include global logistics leader UPS and East Midlands Airport, home to the UK’s second-largest cargo hub. The initiative reflects a growing commitment across sectors to integrate smart, sustainable solutions into the logistics and aviation industries.
Auto-Cargo is a fully electric autonomous vehicle capable of carrying payloads up to 16,500 kilograms, making it Aurrigo’s largest airside vehicle yet. It has been engineered to transport either a standard cargo pallet or two Unit Load Devices (ULDs) with an onboard capacity of 4,500kg. Additionally, it can tow a trailer carrying a further 12,000kg, offering flexibility and scalability for a wide range of airport logistics needs.
David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International, highlighted the importance of the development: “This launch represents a landmark moment for Aurrigo and strengthens our growing presence in the aviation sector. Working closely with UPS, we’ve designed a vehicle that meets real-world challenges on the tarmac. Auto-Cargo is the result of months of collaboration, engineering innovation, and testing. It was exciting to showcase it in action to a select group of industry stakeholders during our launch event.”
What sets Auto-Cargo apart is its blend of sophisticated automation features, including advanced obstacle detection, real-time fleet coordination, and precision maneuverability powered by four-wheel steering. The vehicle is driven by twin 18.4kW electric motors, which not only ensure quiet and efficient operation but also eliminate carbon emissions from ground cargo transport.
The vehicle also features proprietary software developed by Aurrigo’s in-house team, which enables it to operate reliably in adverse weather conditions. This includes handling heavy rainfall exceeding 50mm per hour—an essential capability for year-round operations in the UK and other regions with unpredictable weather.
Following its debut, Auto-Cargo will be deployed at East Midlands Airport for live operational trials within UPS’s logistics operations. The aim is to streamline the movement of cargo between aircraft and the warehouse, reducing human workload, enhancing safety, and increasing efficiency in one of the busiest freight environments in the country.
Sarah Jones, Minister for Industry and Decarbonisation, praised the project, stating, “Innovative technologies like Aurrigo’s are exactly what our modern industrial strategy is designed to support. By fostering collaboration between government and business, we’re creating opportunities for sustainable growth and leading the development of next-generation vehicle solutions.”
With Auto-Cargo, Aurrigo is positioning itself at the forefront of the autonomous logistics revolution, building on its global success with smaller autonomous vehicles like the Auto-DollyTug. As the cargo sector increasingly seeks clean, smart solutions, the company’s latest innovation may well become the standard for future airport logistics.
