SEATTLE — Self-driving, electric wheelchairs are being used to take some travelers to their gates at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
The new technology is part of a pilot program operated by Alaska Airlines. The 10 autonomous mobility devices were introduced to SEA Airport in mid-August and are currently being utilized in the C and D gates.
How does it work?
The wheelchairs are programmed with automated routes that users can select on a touch screen. According to Alaska Air, the new service is integrated with the airport's existing wheelchair service. Travelers with mobility issues will go through traditional security with a wheelchair assistant, then the self-driving wheelchair will take them to their gate.
"The state-of-the-art devices provide riders with more freedom, confidence and an improved customer experience," according to a press release from Alaska Air.
According to WHILL, the company that developed the wheelchairs, the autonomous wheelchairs use cameras and sensors to detect obstacles while driving and will stop automatically. Once the mobility device has dropped the user at their destination, it will automatically return to its original location.
SEA Airport will continue operating the devices on a trial basis until mid-December and will then decide if they will "work toward a long-term implementation at SEA and review additional opportunities to expand the service at additional airports we serve."
According to Alaska Air, more than 1,500 travelers have used the new technology and airport staff are "pleased with how the program is progressing."
