NPM portfolio company ICT Group has supported a robotics manufacturer in developing the central control system for a battery-powered aircraft tug. This vehicle is used at airports to move aircraft without a towbar, a method known as towbarless ground handling.
The aim of the project was to enable a single operator to safely and precisely manoeuvre aircraft of up to 195 tonnes remotely. The technology developed by ICT Group is now being deployed at several major European airports.
ICT Group designed and implemented the software that controls and coordinates the various systems of the vehicle. The tug supports features such as automatic line following, centring under the aircraft and protection against incorrect steering inputs. It can also be adapted to different aircraft types. Through cloud connectivity, remote maintenance and updates are possible, while voice notifications support the operator during use.
The system has been extensively tested and deployed on site to ensure reliable performance in real-world conditions. According to ICT Group, the project demonstrates how software and robotics can contribute to safer and more efficient airport operations.
