Robot baggage trucks will transport luggage from the terminal to the plane - putting an end to suitcases falling off the back of carts.

British Airways owner IAG will roll out the self-driving trucks airside at Gatwick Airport as soon as May, according to The Telegraph.

The trucks are manufactured by Aurrigo, in Coventry, which has successfully rolled out a fleet at Singapore Changi Airport for the last two years. Gatwick will have one of its own for a trial period.

The Aurrigo Dolly-Tug delivers the luggage in locked containers to crew waiting at the aircraft who lift the container into the plane's hold.

The technology recreates the airport in a digital environment which it navigates using sensors and other data to travel to planes safely.

Professor David Keene, chief executive of Aurrigo, said the trucks could be a way to combat the airport staffing crisis which can often delay flights.

He told The Telegraph: "You need 90 per cent less labour and equipment, so it is very efficient.

“Airlines want to be able to offer consistently good standards from a customer point of view as well.

"Often you’re in the airport building and it’s fantastic, you’re on the plane and it’s quite modern, but then you get off and it’s lotto time at the baggage carousel.

“First of all, you might have a long wait. Secondly, your bag might not have made it - and that really dents the customer experience."

Read more: Gatwick Airport cuts vehicle emissions by 90 per cent in switch from diesel

They trucks run solely on electricity and have been tested to withstand all weathers.

Steve McGowan, senior vice president for airport futures at IAG, told the Telegraph: “IAG is exploring innovative ways to help its airlines run their operations as smoothly and punctually as possible.

“We are working with Aurrigo to trial the use of autonomous baggage trolleys, to help support the work of the fantastic baggage teams at our group airlines and our ground handling partners.”