Industry Addendum
ANA and Panasonic testing self-driving wheelchairs
June 1st 2019
Japan’s largest and most awarded airline, All Nippon Airways (ANA), and the Panasonic Corporation will test self-driving electric wheelchairs at Tokyo Narita Airport. Read More »
 |
ANA said the wheelchairs will incorporate robotic components that will enable passengers using the mobility chairs to safely and independently navigate through the airport to connecting flights.
“Since Narita airport is an international hub, many travelers must walk long distances to reach connecting flights. The airport’s size and high volume of activity can make this inconvenient. This difficulty is compounded for elderly travelers with mobility issues,” ANA said.
Jointly developed by Panasonic and WHILL Co. Ltd, the self-driving electric wheelchair is capable of detecting and avoiding people and obstacles as it proceeds to its destination. “The robotic wheelchairs are just the latest element in ANA’s multi-faceted approach to improving hospitality in the air and on the ground,” said ANA senior vice president, Juichi Hirasawa. The wheelchairs function by following a pre-determined leader to a common destination with ANA staff on hand as guides.
