How Autonomous Wheelchairs Work

In the evolving landscape of airport accessibility, autonomous wheelchairs are poised to revolutionize the passenger experience. Unlike traditional mobility assistance methods, this technology offers a self-directed alternative, granting passengers greater independence while optimizing airport resources.

Enhancing Passenger Independence

“If you think about the wheelchair experience at an airport, there hasn’t been a ton of innovation,” explains Shane Bogni, Vice President of Business Development, North America at WHILL.

The company’s autonomous wheelchairs aim to eliminate stress and friction for passengers requiring mobility assistance. By allowing users to travel independently to their gates, these devices free up staff to focus on passengers with significant mobility challenges. Bogni estimates that 70-80% of passengers requesting assistance could benefit from autonomous options.

“We’re not a replacement for human pushers, but our technology enables mobility through innovation,” Bogni adds. This independence allows passengers to navigate large and complex hubs at their own pace, enhancing their travel experience.

Operational Efficiency and Implementation

Airports and airlines employing autonomous wheelchairs have reported operational benefits. According to Bogni, airports operate on a “bank structure” where peak demand for mobility assistance occurs during specific intervals. “Our service drives efficiency and productivity,” he says, explaining how autonomous wheelchairs allow staff to focus on passengers who truly need human assistance.

Currently, WHILL’s technology is operational in over 12 locations worldwide, including major hubs in Japan and North America. The system has completed nearly 400,000 trips globally, showcasing its scalability. “Airlines and airports are excited to leverage practical innovation to elevate the passenger experience,” says Bogni.

“When we say autonomous, it’s about creating a seamless experience for passengers,” says Marie Onga, Vice President of the Customer Experience Group at WHILL. Passengers select their gate, and the wheelchair autonomously navigates to the destination while avoiding obstacles. Upon reaching the gate, the device self-returns to its home station for the next passenger.

The system relies on pre-scanned facility maps and virtual railways, enabling the wheelchairs to navigate with precision. WHILL’s team conducts a detailed scanning of airport facilities to create a digital map, which forms the foundation of the autonomous navigation system. This map incorporates virtual pathways tailored to each airport’s unique layout, ensuring a smooth and predictable journey for passengers.

To maintain safety, the wheelchairs are equipped with advanced sensors that provide 360-degree awareness of the surroundings. These sensors detect obstacles, dynamically adjust routes, and ensure the device stops if an obstruction arises. Onga explains, “Safety features include auto-stop functionality, obstacle detection, and a passenger control panel for pausing the device if needed.” Additionally, the devices incorporate a self-return function, allowing them to autonomously return to docking stations after completing trips. A remote monitoring system provides operators with real-time data on the devices’ location, battery status, and performance, enabling swift resolution of any issues.

WHILL’s wheelchairs are also designed with comfort and usability in mind. They feature touchscreens for passengers to input destinations and optional seatbelts for added security. The design prioritizes both functionality and aesthetics, aiming to elevate the overall passenger experience.

Integrating autonomous wheelchairs into airport operations requires thoughtful planning but minimal physical adjustments. “We set up routes and parking spots based on existing layouts,” says Onga, adding that WHILL’s patented front wheels enable the wheelchairs to navigate narrow spaces efficiently. The flexibility of the system allows it to adapt to various airport configurations without requiring major infrastructural changes.

WHILL’s team collaborates with airport and airline partners to identify optimal routes, parking zones, and service points. By analyzing passenger flow patterns and high-traffic areas, they create efficient pathways that minimize congestion and ensure smooth navigation. The devices are programmed to adjust their speeds dynamically based on the environment. For instance, they can accelerate in less crowded areas and slow down in narrow or busy corridors. This adaptability ensures that the system integrates seamlessly with existing airport operations.

“Our approach considers not only the physical layout but also how passengers naturally move through the airport,” Onga explains. Routes are designed to align with common passenger behaviors, such as visiting restrooms or waiting at gates. The goal is to make the autonomous wheelchair experience intuitive and non-disruptive to other travelers.

WHILL’s solution requires no significant modifications to airport layouts. While minor adjustments, such as creating designated boarding zones, may enhance usability, the system is designed to function within the constraints of existing infrastructure. This flexibility makes it an attractive option for airports looking to enhance accessibility without incurring high costs.

Airports like Miami International Airport (MIA) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) have embraced autonomous wheelchairs as a means to enhance accessibility.

“Miami was the first U.S. airport to launch this service, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Bogni. The demand for such solutions is expected to grow, driven by an aging population and increasing numbers of passengers with disabilities.

“More people with expendable income want to travel, creating a logistical challenge for airports. Our technology addresses this by allowing staff to focus on passengers who need the most help,” Bogni said.

He cites Delta Airlines in Atlanta, which manages over 6,000 wheelchair pushes daily, as an example of how autonomous solutions can alleviate pressure on human resources.

While autonomous wheelchairs are currently most effective in high-volume hubs, Bogni sees potential for their use in larger non-hub airports like Phoenix and Tampa.

For airports considering this technology, Bogni advises evaluating infrastructure and operational dynamics. “Airports don’t need to provide end-to-end solutions immediately,” he says. “Starting with post-security single-level operations can significantly alleviate current challenges.”

As airports continue to prioritize accessibility, autonomous wheelchairs offer a practical and innovative solution, setting a new standard for mobility assistance in aviation.