Haneda Airport, located in Tokyo, will begin to use the WHILL Autonomous Drive System in order to help passengers with reduced mobility travel around the airport. However, the Autonomous Drive System will only be operating in four of the seven total gates at Haneda Airport.
WHILL indicates that COVID-19 has expediated the use of technology because it eliminates the need for a person to person contact. To date, the company has conducted 11 different trials with over 400 hundred participants. The WHILL CEO, Satoshi Sugie, spoke about the technology's role in a post-COVID-19 world, "In the With Corona era, we believe services that support mobility while maintaining social distancing will accelerate to replace human labor with robots and autonomous driving technologies."
Autonomous Airport Navigation
WHILL's Autonomous Drive System Will Be Added to Haneda Airport
Trend Themes
1. Autonomous Drive Systems - The use of autonomous drive systems in airports presents an opportunity for increased efficiency and reduced person-to-person contact, especially in a post-COVID-19 world.
2. Accessible Airports - The implementation of technology like the WHILL Autonomous Drive System in airports can improve the accessibility and mobility of passengers with reduced mobility.
3. Technology Acceleration in Airports - The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of technology in airports, leading to the integration of autonomous drive systems for improved services and reduced contact.
Industry Implications
1. Airport Transportation - The airport transportation industry can benefit from integrating autonomous drive systems to enhance passenger mobility and convenience.
2. Mobility Services - The mobility services industry can explore opportunities to provide autonomous drive systems as a solution for improving accessibility and transportation for individuals with reduced mobility.
3. Robotic Technologies - The integration of autonomous drive systems in airports represents an innovative application of robotic technologies, leading to increased efficiency and automation in the industry.