Mobility services specialist WHILL, Inc.has revealed details of a trial of its autonomous service which it says marks another milestone in the expansion of its global autonomous mobility network across major airports and public facilities worldwide.
The company said the deployment was delivered at Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 in partnership with ABM, the largest provider of assisted travel services in the UK.
It added that the trial was successful and will help the company improve accessibility, operational efficiency, and traveller independence through advanced autonomous mobility technology.
Reporting the trial, the aviation industry news website Runway Girl Network said Heathrow joins a growing list of leading international airports utilizing WHILL’s autonomous service, including locations across North America, Europe, and Asia.
The website said WHILL’s autonomous service enables travellers with mobility needs to independently navigate the terminal using self-driving mobility devices equipped with advanced sensors and autonomous navigation technology.
It added that riders can select their destination through a touchscreen interface, while the device safely transports them through the terminal before autonomously returning to its home location once the ride is complete.
Matthias Pape, Vice President Business Development, WHILL Autonomous Service EMEA , said: “As global travel continues to grow, airports are increasingly looking for innovative ways to improve accessibility while supporting operational efficiency.
“Launching a trial at Heathrow Airport with ABM represents another significant step in expanding our global autonomous mobility network and bringing greater freedom, confidence, and convenience to travellers around the world.”
The report said WHILL’s autonomous service is now operating at 26 airports and facilities globally, with more than a million autonomous rides delivered worldwide. It added that WHILL continues to work alongside airports, airlines, and PRM (passengers with reduced mobility) service providers to help modernise the passenger experience and address the increasing demand for accessible transportation solutions.
WHILL said that in addition to improving the traveller experience its autonomous service helps airports and PRM service providers to optimise mobility operations by reducing manual wheelchair return logistics, improving fleet visibility, and enabling staff to focus on higher-touch passenger support.
WHILL’s autonomous mobility devices are equipped with safety technologies, including 360-degree sensors, automatic obstacle detection, and autonomous stopping capabilities designed to support safe navigation throughout complex public environments.