What's Happening?
Aurrigo International, a specialist in autonomous transport solutions, has secured £14.1 million in funding to accelerate its global growth. The Coventry-based company plans to expand its manufacturing capacity and increase its technical and engineering teams. The funding includes £9.75 million from Next Gen Mobility and additional backing from existing and new investors. Aurrigo aims to create multiple demonstrator vehicles and potentially relocate to a larger engineering and manufacturing center. The company is also looking to scale production to meet growing demand from airports worldwide.
Why It's Important?
The funding marks a significant step for Aurrigo in advancing autonomous transport technologies, which are poised to transform airside operations at airports. By expanding its capabilities, Aurrigo can enhance efficiency in baggage handling, passenger movement, and cargo operations. This development is crucial as airports seek innovative solutions to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. The investment also underscores the growing interest in autonomous technologies within the aviation sector, potentially leading to increased adoption and integration of these systems globally.
What's Next?
Aurrigo plans to leverage the new funding to expand its workforce and explore commercial opportunities, particularly in the UK and Asian markets. The company is considering setting up an offshore manufacturing operation to tap into South Asian and South East Asian aviation markets. Additionally, Aurrigo's partnership with Swissport for a pilot project at Zurich Airport could pave the way for further collaborations and deployments of its autonomous solutions. The company will likely continue to innovate and refine its technologies to meet the evolving needs of the aviation industry.