All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Panasonic Corporation have begun testing and evaluating the latest generation of personal mobility, self-driving electric wheelchairs, as part of a plan to increase mobility and accessibility options at Tokyo Narita International Airport. These wheelchairs incorporate robotic elements and tracking capabilities, which make them able to navigate through the airport independently and safely, making them an ideal mobility solution for passengers needing to make connecting flights.
The self-driving electric wheelchair has been jointly developed by Panasonic and WHILL, and is capable of independently detecting and avoiding people and obstacles as it moves towards its destination. The wheelchairs function by following a predetermined leader to a common destination, and ANA staff will be on hand to serve as guides.
