Autonomous Ground Vehicle Systems Site Visit

Members of the Airport Emerging Technology R&D Section observed leading-edge research activities conducted at the University of Cincinnati and researched the integration of autonomous ground vehicle systems (AGVS) in airport operations at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) on February 17-18, 2026. The emergence of autonomous systems that augment and/or replace traditional, manual ground service activities (e.g., baggage handling and transport, lawn mowing, aircraft marshaling, aircraft tugs) has recently accelerated, and the FAA seeks to ensure safe, consistent use and integration across U.S. airports. Demonstrations of quadrupedal technology with potential uses for perimeter security, wildlife deterrence, and other applications; and wheeled-vehicle technology used to facilitate autonomous wing-walking operations were demonstrated during the visit to the University of Cincinnati by faculty and incubator start-up the first day of the trip.

The next day, the FAA research team met with CVG s Strategic Innovation Team comprising the Chief Innovation Officer, the Director of Strategic Innovation for Advanced Mobility, and the Senior Manager of Strategic Innovation. Airport personnel hosted the research team on a tour of the airport and demonstrations of their autonomous unit load device (ULD) transport equipment at gate B10. The demonstration was followed by a debrief and information exchange meeting.  This site visit is one among several scheduled to various airports that have incorporated autonomous ground vehicle technology for airport use.  The research team is collecting information from early adopters of these technologies, including domestic and international airports and AGVS Original Equipment Manufacturers on how they use the systems and any lessons learned during the adoption process.  A synthesis of this collected information will support the establishment of FAA guidance for airports on selection and use of such technologies in both nonmovement and movement areas.  Guidance may end up in Bulletins, Engineering Briefs, and/or Advisory Circulars.

Russ Gorman | ANG-E261