Etihad Airways together with its partners Abu Dhabi Airports Corporation and WHILL personal electric vehicle supplier, have completed guest trials of their innovative autonomous wheelchairs at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The trials involved over 60 guests with restricted mobility, who self-drove the wheelchairs, navigating crowded areas and lounges before safely arriving at their gate. Upon completion of the guest journey, the wheelchairs returned autonomously back to the docking station without requiring any human interference.
The WHILL autonomous wheelchairs are fitted with sensors that detect obstructions and have an automatic ‘stop’ function, enabling the trial participants to travel around the airport independently of Etihad Airways or Abu Dhabi International Airport staff. During the trial, assistance from porters was on hand to guide guests on usage of the wheelchairs and provide support whenever required.
Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi International Airport are the first airline and airport in the region to trial an autonomous wheelchair option for guests with restricted mobility, enabling them to move around the airport environment independently.
Intensive mapping and trialing of the wheelchairs will continue for the coming weeks, before a comprehensive evaluation will determine the viability of the wheelchairs in the Midfield Terminal.
Source: Etihad Airways