Self-driving electric wheelchairs to help people with limited mobility

In order to help those with limited mobility, Japan, along with Panasonic, is testing new self-driving electric wheelchairs to help the disabled move around easily.

Japan’s largest airline, All Nippon Airways (ANA) teamed up with tech giant Panasonic to explore the new mobility solutions designed especially for airports. Tokyo Narita International Airport is all set to introduce self-driving electric wheelchairs to its floors that will help the elderly or impaired people navigate the airport on their own.

Engineer develops wheelchair that lets rider walk on water

The electric, robotic self-wheelchairs are an early product of the partnership and will use navigation software to make their way around the airport independently, avoiding people and obstacles en route to their destination. The wheelchairs will prove to be an ideal mobility solution for passengers connecting flights, as per Panasonic.

In the starting, the ANA staff will accompany the wheelchairs and serve as guides. The vehicles are hoped to be just a precursor to new technologies in future that will enhance mobility at airports at which they operate, reported New Atlas.

“Narita Airport is a gateway to Japan for millions of travelers every year and we seek to partner with other leading Japanese innovators to make sure that arrival, departure and making connections are all as convenient as possible,” said Juichi Hirasawa, Senior Vice President of ANA.