Brussels Airport has started a real-world test of an autonomous electric tow tractor in its cargo area, using the vehicle to move freight trailers between warehouses and the apron. The pilot involves WFS Cargo and Charlatte Autonom, the joint venture between Charlatte Manutention and Navya Mobility, and forms part of the EU-backed Stargate sustainability programme.
The tractor operates on four predefined routes and can tow up to four trailers at a time. In autonomous mode, it is limited to 12 km/h and relies on satellite navigation and laser sensors, while a trained operator remains on board during the trial. WFS staff are also being trained to work alongside the vehicle.
The test is designed to assess whether autonomous ground equipment can improve efficiency, safety and environmental performance in cargo handling at Brussels Airport in Belgium. The project is being run as a practical trial in the cargo zone between warehouses and the tarmac, with no results available yet.