Autonomous wheelchairs deployed in Japanese airport

Airports are often frustrating for a variety of reasons, but for people with a mobility impairment, it can be a nightmare.  From lengthy waits in the security line to long walks between terminals, it only makes sense to make things easier for passengers in need.

According to Panasonic, Japanese airports have started using specialized wheelchairs with autonomous movement technology to help people get anywhere they need to go in the airport.

A simple smartphone app shows where chairs are located. Groups of the chairs can move together, and collision detection means that other pedestrians aren’t likely to be impacted, literally.

Once the chair has done its job, it will automatically return to a docking area which makes things easier for the disabled and the airport workers.