A business leader working to develop the next generation of autonomous vehicles has been named in the King's Birthday Honours List 2025.
David Keene, the founder of Aurrigo International, has been awarded an MBE for his services to the decarbonisation of airports, marking over 40 years of experience in the automotive sector and developing driverless technology and intelligent mobility in aviation.
The Warwickshire-based entrepreneur was recognised for the work he has done in developing and bringing to market the ‘Auto-DollyTug' - an autonomous vehicle that moves luggage and cargo around six airports across the world.
Designed, developed and built at the firm's Advanced Engineering Centre in Coventry, the electric powered tugs aim to cut emissions, increase operational performance and improve passenger experience.
The MBE comes just a few weeks after Aurrigo International secured its largest agreement to date, entering into a partnership with Swissport to launch at Zurich Airport and then explore future implementation at other locations across the world.
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Mr Keene said: "When you've been in business for four decades, nothing tends to surprise you, until this. Aurrigo has come a long way since I started the business in my spare room in 1993.
"While automotive components are still a major part of the business, it is our first-to-market work in autonomous aviation vehicles that is catching the media headlines.
"It is such a massive honour to be recognised by King Charles but the MBE is really for all the team that have played such a key role in our growth and success to date.
"They've believed in the dream and it is their skills, expertise and technical knowledge that has transported us to the front of the autonomous conversation."
Mr Keene has forged strong relationships with Aston, Warwick and Coventry universities, giving students and researchers the opportunity to explore new R&D and embed lessons from working with his company's advanced vehicles and technology into their learning.
He has also volunteered with the º£½ÇÊÓƵ Automotive Council, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, local universities and Galgotias University in India where he lectures international students on automated vehicles and technology.
"We are building something really exciting in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ that positions us as a real driving force in the world of autonomous vehicles for aviation," he added.
"We are going to need more people with the right skills and talent to take us to the next level.
"That's why it is important that we are vocal about the careers available in manufacturing and technology, showcasing the global opportunities they deliver."
Also receiving a birthday honour is designer Emma Bridgewater who runs her eponymous pottery company in Stoke-on-Trent.
She has been made a dame for services to the ceramics industry, adding to the CBE she was awarded in 2013.
Ms Bridgewater founded the business in the 1980s after being unable to find a suitable cup and saucer as a gift to give to her mother so decided to create her own.
This year the company, which employs around 400 staff at its factory in north Staffordshire and in the capital, will mark its 40th anniversary.
