Asia Airfreight Terminal (AAT), a subsidiary of SATS Ltd, has made significant strides in cargo handling with the introduction of Autonomous Electric Tractors (AET) at its terminal in Hong Kong.

It said that this positions AAT as the pioneer cargo terminal operator in Hong Kong to deploy AETs, revolutionizing cargo handling processes and enhancing overall efficiency.

"Our commitment to efficiency and sustainability remains unwavering. Thanks to the team's rigorous testing, training and trials conducted over the past eighteen months, we have successfully deployed AETs in our cargo terminals operations, enabling cargo and ULDs towing through various routes and across different levels of the terminal," said Mike Chew, CEO of AAT.

"By utilizing electric-powered AETs, we are not only reducing carbon footprint but also ensuring resilience and the quality of service we provide to our customers," he added.

AAT noted that operational resilience is important in the fast-paced world of air cargo logistics, especially during peak seasons and manpower shortage currently faced by the industry.

It said that AETs offer uninterrupted service for extended hours, providing reliable support and maintaining operational efficiency. They are also capable of navigating adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain or fog, ensuring operations continuity.

 [Source: AAT]

In addition, the AETs' seamless transition between manual and autonomous modes allows for high operational flexibility within dynamic work environments.

"By assigning iterative tasks to AETs, we also enhance manpower efficiency and improve service quality," the announcement said.

It added that AAT's vision revolves around sustainability and with a range of up to 90km per charge, AETs significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions by up to 35% compared to conventional diesel tractors.

AAT said the AET is equipped with an extensive range of features ensuring safety. These include a robust set of nine high-definition cameras and three lidar sensors for efficient navigation.

The integration of advanced three-dimensional mapping system and dGPS technology enable the AETs to effectively maneuver through obstacles and follow designated routes throughout the multi-level warehouse.

The advanced braking system could also immediately bring the AETs to a halt when obstacles are detected within 10 meters to safeguard the traffic safety at workplace.

"AAT plans to expand the fleet progressively in subsequent years while further exploring additional automation features to accommodate various operational needs," the announcement said.