Aurrigo completes Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Aston University

Published by

Daniel Face

Coventry-based global transport technology firm Aurrigo has completed its two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Aston University, which has improved the capabilities of its autonomous vehicles.

Aurrigo’s driverless machines are now able to navigate more efficiently using vision systems powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence. Where previously they would stop for any obstruction, vehicles are now capable of assessing objects in greater detail and determining a path ahead.

The new technology has already been implemented into the company’s airport Auto-Dolly. Innovate UK awarded Aurrigo the highest grade of ‘Outstanding’ for the project.

This represents one of many KTPs offered by Aston University, the third largest UK provider by volume. The schemes involve a three-way collaboration between a business, academic partner, and highly qualified researcher, and aim to improve the competitiveness and productivity of firms.

Professor David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo, said: “KTPs provide resource and academic support to companies with development ideas which otherwise may not be possible.

“This partnership has allowed us to produce a system which has resulted in our vehicles becoming smarter and more capable and enabled us to expand our operations, particularly with baggage handling in airports worldwide.”

The team at Aston University was headed by senior computer science lecturer Dr George Vogiatzis, who specialises in machine vision, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. He was joined by lecturer Dr Luis Manso and KTP associate James Heaton.

Daniel Face

Born and raised in Berkshire, Dan fell into journalism after completing his bachelor’s degree in English at UCL. Writing for The Business Magazine and local Biz News sites has given him the opportunity to chat with all manner of small business owners and share their success stories with a wider audience. Outside of work, Dan enjoys live music, board games and quiz shows, and is making a slow but persistent effort to learn Spanish.