In an effort to address ongoing staff shortages in the aviation industry, British Airways‘ parent company, International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG), is planning to trial self-driving baggage robots at Gatwick Airport as early as May.
These autonomous baggage carriers, developed by Aurrigo, promise to significantly reduce reliance on human labor while potentially improving turnaround times and baggage claim efficiency.
The machines, some equipped with unloading arms, require 90% less manpower compared to traditional baggage handling methods.
This move comes after Gatwick Airport narrowly avoided ground handling strikes last summer due to pay disputes.
While the situation was resolved, staff shortages persist.
“IAG is exploring innovative ways to streamline operations and ensure punctuality,” said Steve McGowan, IAG’s Senior Vice President for Airport Futures. “We are partnering with Aurrigo to test these autonomous baggage trolleys to support our ground handling teams.”
The Aurrigo robots utilize digital maps of the airport to navigate safely and efficiently, directly transporting baggage from terminals to aircraft. This technology aims to minimize wait times and lost luggage, common pain points for travelers.
“Long wait times and missing bags can severely impact the customer experience,” said Professor David Keene, Aurrigo’s CEO. “Airlines strive to provide consistently high standards, and these robots offer a solution for a smoother baggage claim process.”
These trials mark a significant step towards automation in the aviation industry, potentially leading to improved efficiency and a more positive travel experience for passengers.