Canada’s Winnipeg Richardson International Airport recently launched the first autonomous airport snowplow in North America.

A product of Manitoba, Canada companies Northstar Robotics Inc. and Airport Technologies Inc. (ATI), the snowplow, known as Otto, is a specially designed ATI Snow Mauler built to operate autonomously using technology from Northstar Robotics. Otto follows predetermined routes and controls the plow blade at specific locations to conduct its snow clearing duties.

According to Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, Otto is now capable of operating autonomously in low-risk areas of the airport. The next step is for Otto to operate in other areas of the airport.

Equipped with 3-D lidar and radar, Otto can sense its surroundings and detect obstacles. For added safety, Otto is also equipped with a fault tolerant wireless emergency stop system.

“Launching North America’s first autonomous snowplow is a great achievement for Winnipeg Richardson International Airport,” says Barry Rempel, president and CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority. “Our success is a direct result of bringing together partners who are committed to lead transportation innovation and growth.”