Brussels Airport trials autonomous electric cargo tug

Brussels Airport has started a practical trial of an autonomous electric tug used for freight transport. The vehicle is designed to move trailers between warehouses and the apron area.

According to the airport, this marks the first test of its kind under real operating conditions at a Belgian airport. The tug operates along four fixed routes and can pull up to four trailers at once.

When running autonomously, it reaches a maximum speed of twelve kilometres per hour. Navigation and obstacle detection rely on satellite positioning combined with laser sensors.

A trained staff member remains on board throughout the testing phase and can intervene if necessary. The trial is examining, among other things, the efficiency and safety of the technology.

No timeline for a wider rollout or permanent adoption of the tug was given in the announcement.