In a collaborative effort to enhance cargo operations at East Midlands Airport, UPS and Aurrigo have unveiled their autonomous electric cargo vehicle project, known as Auto-Cargo. This innovative vehicle is designed to transport heavy cargo loads to and from aircraft at the UPS hub, which happens to be the UK’s second-largest cargo terminal.
Capable of moving a standard full-size cargo pallet or two half-size aviation industry standard containers, Auto-Cargo can handle loads of up to 7.5 tonnes while also towing a fully loaded cargo trailer behind it.
Auto-Cargo’s autonomous technology will reduce the need for security-cleared drivers, allowing them to take on other roles at the airport, all while producing zero tailpipe emissions.
The project receives financial support from Innovate UK and CCAV, with almost £500,000 in funding. Over 14 months, UPS and Aurrigo will develop and pilot Auto-Cargo at East Midlands Airport.
