Air France and Toulouse Airport trial autonomous baggage tractors

Air France began (03-Dec-2019) testing an AT135 autonomous baggage tractor in live conditions at Toulouse Blagnac Airport, developed by Charlatte Manutention and Navya subsidiary Charlatte Autonom. The vehicle is equipped with intelligent sensors enabling it to recognise its environment, detect obstacles with 360-degree vision and make decisions. Lidar, camera, GPS and odometer sensors and autonomous steering software enable it to move around the airport autonomously. "By facilitating the use of an autonomous baggage tractor and perfectly integrating it into its operational processes, Air France's ambition is to further optimise its operational performance and improve its customers' travel experience. This test is the first step to a more widespread roll-out of autonomous vehicles at our airports", said Air France head of IT and innovation Vincent Euzeby. [more - original PR]