American Airlines to Roll Out Autonomous Wheelchairs to Bring Passengers To and From Their Gates

American Airlines aircraft at the gate in Miami

American Airlines is rolling out the use of autonomous wheelchairs that ferry travelers to and from their departure and arrival gates.

The program is being launched in partnership with Japanese mobile device manufacturer Whill, which will provide its new Whill Autonomous Model, which won a best of innovation award at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2023.

The autonomous wheelchairs – the first to be deployed at U.S. airports – will operate at Miami International and Los Angeles International airports.

Passengers with limited mobility are currently dependent on airport staff to show up to their gate or check-in desk with a wheelchair but staffing shortages at airports have left multiple passengers stranded without a way of getting to or from a gate.

“The Whill Autonomous Service allows people to navigate airports and other public spaces using a self-driving mobility device that automatically transports them to their selected destination,” the company said in a statement.

The autonomous wheelchairs are powered by battery and follow invisible rail lines in a terminal. They use cameras and sensors to avoid obstacles and are programmed to return to a central depot after dropping off a passenger.

The Wheel Autonomous Model is currently in service at two aerodromes, Savannah/Hilton Head International and Winnipeg Richardson International airports.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)