U.S, March 18 -- In an effort to address ongoing staff shortages in the aviation industry, British Airways' parent company, International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG), is planning to trial self-driving baggage robots at Gatwick Airport as early as May.

These autonomous baggage carriers, developed by Aurrigo, promise to significantly reduce reliance on human labor while potentially improving turnaround times and baggage claim efficiency.

The machines, some equipped with unloading arms, require 90% less manpower compared to traditional baggage handling methods.

This move comes after Gatwick Airport narrowly avoided ground handling strikes last summer due to pay disputes.

While the situation was resolved, staff shortages persist.

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