Aurrigo Develops Rain Operation Algorithms for Autonomous Trailers

Aurrigo has developed a dedicated rain algorithm for its Auto-DollyTug, which can distinguish raindrops from actual objects even under precipitation of up to 50mm per hour. Combined with a new protective housing for LiDAR sensors, the upgraded system enables the autonomous vehicle to transport airport baggage and cargo stably in harsh rainy conditions. Rigorous tests, including scheduled simulated rain and opportunistic heavy rain verified by observations and rain meter readings, have validated its reliability.

Aurrigo’s Chief Technical Officer Simon Brewerton explained that autonomous vehicles depend on laser beam reflection for localization and object recognition, but raindrops can scatter and absorb laser signals in heavy rain, leading to distorted perception. The core of the new algorithm lies in two key features: first, dividing the area around the vehicle into five spatial zones and applying adaptive filtering based on proximity; second, adjusting field height settings and adding "near field" low profiles to address the difficulty of detecting low-lying obstacles and reflective surfaces caused by scan property differences between filtered and unfiltered modes. Regional VP Singapore Sam Layton added that the Auto-DollyTug can now achieve smooth autonomous operation without ghost stops, react to crossing obstacles, and navigate T-junctions safely—meeting the customer’s 15mm rainfall requirement and even completing live airside trials under 50mm per hour rainfall.

This technological breakthrough is particularly significant for regions like Singapore, where manual airside operations often halt due to CAT5 lightning risks triggered by frequent inclement weather. By enabling all-weather autonomous operation, the upgraded Auto-DollyTug paves the way for fully autonomous aircraft turnaround in extreme conditions. Layton emphasized that the enhancement helps maintain flight schedules and reduce worker injury risks, which are two critical priorities for airlines, airports, and ground support operators.