Effective September, ten innovative wheelchairs supplied by WHILL Autonomous Mobility will be deployed at the airport for one year, primarily for intercontinental and British travellers who wish to make use of the service. The aim of the trial is to discover how autonomous mobility vehicles can make travelling as easy as possible for people with reduced mobility (PRMs).
These travellers are brought to their gate in the autonomous wheelchair, without an assistant needing to be present. During the trial period, Schiphol wants to find out how these vehicles fit in the airport process and how they can contribute to the passenger experience.
Supplier WHILL will be working on the preparations over the coming months, including configuring the routes. This year-long trial period in the non-Schengen area is part of the research into how this service can be offered at the airport more permanently. Schiphol will soon launch a market consultation to further explore the market and the opportunities that exist within it.
The vehicles
The autonomous mobility vehicles have a baggage rack at the rear where hand baggage can be placed. Travellers with reduced mobility can enter their destination, like the gate for boarding, on the service screen. The vehicle then drives to this destination independently. The vehicle also has sensors that take into account other travellers, obstacles and the surrounding environment. It also features an emergency button and a seat belt.
After arriving at the destination, the traveller disembarks, and the vehicle drives itself back to the starting point where other travellers with reduced mobility can use it again. Axxicom will be responsible for passenger assistance.
