Dubai International tests a self-driving wheelchair that takes passengers to the gate
dnata has trialled an autonomous wheelchair in Concourse D of Terminal 1 at Dubai International, and the airport's operators want to try it in Terminal 3 next.
A self-driving wheelchair that carries passengers from check-in to their departure gate has been tested at Dubai International. dnata, the airport services company, ran the trial in Concourse D of Terminal 1, and the airport's operators want to extend it to Terminal 3, The National reported.
The chair finds its way with four LiDAR sensors. It can be set to collect a passenger from the lounge and take them to the aircraft when boarding starts, and a passenger travelling alone can stop it at any point on the way with a manual control. dnata showed the technology at AccessAbilities Expo on 19 October, where Khaleej Times also reported on the trial.
The maker of the wheelchair, how long the trial will run and when passengers might be able to ask for one have not been announced.
The self-driving chair is not yet a service passengers can book, so travellers who need help should keep requesting assistance as they do now. dnata is showing the chair at its stand at AccessAbilities Expo, at Dubai World Trade Centre until Wednesday 21 October.