Pattern Labs, a Pittsburgh robotics company, builds Pathfinder, an autonomous baggage vehicle, and Pulse OS, which dispatches autonomous and driven ground equipment on the ramp.
Founded in 2021 with 11 to 50 staff, it has raised about 10.8 million US dollars by aggregator figures. At Purdue University Airport (LAF), Pathfinder vehicles move bags for commercial flights over a private 5G network, with FAA approval. Its figures of 180,000 robotic ramp miles and 5.4 million bags come from one source, and a pilot with Airports for Innovation has not yet named an airport.
Aviation AI deployments and updates
01 / Deployed
Pathfinder autonomous baggage vehicles and Pulse AI platform at Purdue University Airport
Pattern Labs' Pathfinder autonomous vehicles handle live baggage operations for commercial flights at Purdue University Airport, according to an undated Ericsson case study.
The vehicles are routed by Pattern Labs' Pulse platform over Ericsson private 5G. In a September 2025 blog post, Ericsson said Pulse uses artificial intelligence and machine learning.
A fleet management and dispatch optimization operating system for ground support equipment (GSE) on the airport ramp. Integrates with existing airport data sources and uses machine learning and simulation to optimize driver routing and mission assignment.
The problem it addresses
Manual GSE dispatch and routing leads to missed bags, inefficient driver assignments, and slow turn times. Pulse OS automates and optimizes mission assignment in real time while providing simulation tools for operational planning and team training.
Key features
Automated pooled mission assignment and optimized routing for GSE drivers
Real-time gate change adaptation
Operational simulation and comparison against live performance
An aftermarket automotive dashboard mounted in GSE vehicles (bag tractors and similar equipment) that provides turn-by-turn navigation, dynamic mission direction, and performance tracking for ramp drivers. Reroutes in real time when gate changes, hot bags, or other priority changes occur.
The problem it addresses
Ramp drivers face complex routing tasks that change dynamically with gate changes and flight delays, leading to missed bags and inefficient operations. Co-Pilot provides clear, dynamic navigation so drivers can focus on execution rather than route planning.
Key features
Turn-by-turn navigation for GSE vehicles on the ramp
Dynamic rerouting for gate changes and hot bags
Driver performance and safety statistics tracking
Equipment mileage and maintenance schedule monitoring
2 more features
Reduces training time through task clarity
Eliminates missed bags and supports SLA compliance
An autonomous robotic shuttle system for baggage and cargo movement on the airport ramp. Operates within existing ramp workflows alongside conventional aircraft, GSE, and ground crews.
The problem it addresses
Baggage and cargo movement on the ramp relies on human-driven equipment and expensive fixed conveyor systems, creating staffing challenges, safety risks, and scalability limits. Pathfinder provides autonomous, scalable robotic movement that improves safety, efficiency, and operational continuity.
Key features
Autonomous baggage and cargo movement on airport ramp
Always-on ISO-compliant safety system
Teleoperation support for edge cases
Rapid scaling capability
2 more features
Designed to operate alongside aircraft, GSE, and crews without disruption
Replaces expensive fixed conveyor infrastructure
Technical specifications (3)
ISO compliant safety system
Teleoperation capability for edge cases
Operates over private 5G networks (confirmed at Purdue University Airport with Ericsson)
Certifications and approvals
ISO compliant safety system (specific standard not publicly named)
Verified deployments
Purdue University Airport (LAF) – Pathfinder autonomous baggage vehicles and Pulse AI platform at Purdue University Airport
Profile data from the Aerostack companies register; deployment records from the verified register. Evidence grades: T1 first-party confirmation, T2 credible reporting. See Our approach for how records are graded.
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Aerostack tracks AI deployments across airports and airlines, with the published evidence behind each record. Photography is real aviation imagery. Record thumbnails may show the named airport or airline; other photographs do not.
