After a successful trial period in 2023, Schiphol – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – will continue to test autonomous mobility vehicles. As of September, 10 innovative wheelchairs supplied by WHILL Autonomous Mobility – an exhibitor at FTE Global, the “CES of Aviation” taking place in Los Angeles on 28-30 October 2024 – will be deployed at the airport for one year. The aim of the trial is to discover how autonomous mobility vehicles can make travelling as easy as possible for people with reduced mobility.
These travellers are brought to their gate in the autonomous wheelchair, without an assistant needing to be present. The service thereby contributes to the need for travellers with reduced mobility to move around the airport independently. 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. As of September, 10 wheelchairs will be available for primarily intercontinental and British travellers who wish to make use of the service. 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 autonomous mobility vehicles have a baggage rack at the rear where hand baggage can be placed. Travellers with reduced mobility can enter their destination, such as the boarding gate, on the service screen. The vehicle then drives to this destination independently. The vehicle also has sensors that consider other travellers, obstacles and the surrounding environment. There is an emergency button on the vehicle and a seat belt to ensure safety. 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. If travellers need personal assistance, it is provided by Axxicom Airport Caddy.
