A world-first in autonomous technology has helped a Coventry manufacturing specialist to win a prize at the Heathrow Clean Vehicles Partnership Awards.

Aurrigo’s autonomous luggage dolly was awarded the ‘Innovator’ title for helping to potentially reduce emissions and improve efficiencies in getting passenger bags to and from the terminal.

The judges were impressed by the initial results of a trial currently taking place at Terminal 5 to reduce passenger waiting times and provide a number of environmental improvements.

Carrying up to 40 bags in one journey, the driverless dolly uses the latest navigating technology to work out the shortest route, and it will depart for the aircraft as soon as it is full.

Aurrigo sales and marketing director Miles Garner (www.aurrigo.com) said: “We are best known for our work pioneering driverless pods that are typically used to deliver first- and last-mile transport solutions.

"It was quickly recognised that this technology could be applied to other sectors, and we were delighted when we started working with IAG and British Airways to explore the possibility of autonomous luggage dollies.

“The impressive initial results have been reinforced by the project being awarded the ‘Innovator’ title at the Heathrow CVP Awards.

“Airports have to move vast numbers of people, goods, luggage and other materials around a huge site, and autonomous technology can provide a solution that has zero emissions and massively increased efficiencies.”

Heathrow Airport’s COO, Chris Garton, said: “We are delighted to trial new technologies that will make our airport more efficient, safe and sustainable.

“Significant progress is being made with driverless vehicles, and these trials will help us provide the infrastructure necessary to be at the forefront of this technology.”