The specialist in smart airside solutions has created a new rainfall algorithm that enables its autonomous vehicles to differentiate between raindrops and objects while operating in up to 50mm of precipitation per hour.
Alongside new housing designed to better protect LiDAR sensors, this software breakthrough ensures that the firm’s Auto-DollyTug® can safely and effectively transport baggage and cargo around airports, even in extreme weather conditions that previously would have prevented manual operation. These advancements have been successfully tested in both scheduled simulated rain and opportunistic heavy rainfall, with results verified through observation and rain meter readings.
Overcoming Rainfall Challenges in LiDAR Detection
“Traditionally, very heavy rain has presented a significant problem for autonomous vehicles, particularly for LiDAR detection and navigation,” explained Simon Brewerton, Chief Technical Officer at Aurrigo International plc.
“AVs using this technology rely on the reflection feedback of laser beams for localization and object recognition, but in intense weather, the scattering and absorption of laser beams by raindrops can lead to distorted signals, compromising the vehicle's ability to accurately perceive its surroundings.”
He continued: “The first stage of the solution was to design the latest Auto-DollyTug® with better casing protection for the LiDARs, which we duly did. However, the big ‘Eureka’ moment for us and the sector is the algorithm we have trained to strike a balance between the removal of raindrops and retaining the ability to detect real obstacles.
“This means that airlines and airport operators have complete confidence that, even in extreme rain conditions, our autonomous dollies will operate efficiently.”
The Key Features of the New Software
At the heart of the software are two key features. Firstly, Aurrigo International plc’s technical team has ensured that the filtering of the rain is split into five spatial zones around the vehicle, with the strength of the filtering varying based on proximity.
Secondly, due to differences in the scan properties between the unfiltered and filtered scans, low-lying obstacles and reflective surfaces were not naturally detected. To address this, the software was adjusted by modifying field height settings and adding ‘near field’ low profiles.
Successful Testing at an International Airport
Sam Layton, Regional VP Singapore at Aurrigo International plc, noted:
“The tests we did at a leading international airport had to prove the Auto-DollyTug® could operate autonomously with no ghost or intermittent stops, react to a box and person injected into the vehicle’s path, and safely navigate a T-junction airside with oncoming traffic from the left and right.
“All of this had to be achieved under 15mm of rainfall per the customer's requirement, which we successfully passed. Since then, we have increased our capabilities and operated airside on live trials with rainfall of 50mm per hour. This is a real game-changing moment for autonomous vehicles and aviation.”
Ensuring Airport Operations During Extreme Weather
Manual operations must cease during a CAT5 lightning risk, which occurs frequently in regions like Singapore due to the rainforest climate and inclement weather. This is due to the electrocution risk for humans, but autonomous vehicles are unaffected, making them a vital component in enabling fully autonomous aircraft turnaround.
Sam added: “Automated equipment will be needed for baggage and cargo servicing, catering, water, and refueling. Our vehicles—Auto-DollyTug® and Auto-Cargo®—unlock the ULD and cargo pallet servicing pieces of that puzzle, respectively.
“Our enhancement, together with other advanced systems, ensures that flight schedules will be maintained while reducing the risk of injury to airside workers—two key priorities for airlines, as well as airport and ground support operators.”
Scaling Up Autonomous Airside Operations
Aurrigo International plc, which is pioneering the iGSE (intelligent Ground Support Equipment) concept, has recently secured £5.25m in funding to scale up the production of its Auto-DollyTugs to meet growing global demand.
The all-electric autonomous baggage and cargo vehicle is revolutionizing airport baggage and cargo handling operations by enhancing safety, improving operational efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions.
This funding injection will provide the platform to have 22 tugs in operation in 2025, potentially accelerate commercial sales timelines, and enable the ‘go live’ moment for Auto-Cargo® in partnership with UPS. Additionally, four live Auto-Sim® contracts at international airports will be implemented during the same period, allowing new and existing clients to build digital twins of activity to optimise performance.
