Schiphol tests self-propelled wheelchairs – Apparata
In the Netherlands in 2022, approximately 1 in 10 Dutch people will have a moderate or severe disability. This equates to 1.7 million people aged 12 and over. It is estimated that about 150 thousand people use the wheelchair permanently. If passengers with a disability and/or chronic condition want to go on holiday by plane, they may not be refused by airlines. Costs incurred for facilities and assistance may also not be passed on to passengers.
The electric wheelchair is seen as an aid. Its use is completely free. Last week, Schiphol tested the self-propelled wheelchair in collaboration with Axxicom Airport Caddy. Read more in this blog about the self-propelled wheelchair.
Finding your way independently at a large airport
At the largest airport in the Netherlands, Schiphol, free assistance is offered to passengers who have difficulty moving independently at the airport. Passengers with (physical) disorders and the elderly have concerns about finding their way at a large airport such as Schiphol. The wheelchairs with Smart technology from WHILL Autonomous Mobility are already being used at major airports in Japan, now also at Schiphol. The pilot will take place for one week. After this week, the use will be evaluated and it will be decided whether the self-propelled wheelchair will become a permanent aid.
How the self-propelled wheelchair works
The self-propelled wheelchair has a luggage rack at the back. The traveler can sit down comfortably and indicate on the service screen where he or she needs to go, for example the gate. The self-propelled wheelchair then departs for the destination.
By means of smart sensors, the wheelchair takes into account other passengers, obstacles and the space. Passengers passing in front of you are asked in English to move aside. Optionally, there is also an emergency button and a seat belt to ensure that the journey to the destination is safe. Once it has arrived at the gate, for example, the wheelchair automatically drives back to the starting point to serve new passengers.
Watch the self-propelled wheelchair at Schiphol in action in the video below.
Are you going to fly from Schiphol and are you often lost at the large airport? Google Maps will help you!
