Heathrow Airport trials WHILL's autonomous mobility service

The Heathrow deployment adds another international airport to WHILL's autonomous mobility network. With locations across North America, Europe, and Asia, the company's Autonomous Service is now operating at 26 airports and facilities worldwide. WHILL reports that more than one million autonomous rides have been completed globally.

The trial at Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 was implemented in partnership with ABM, the UK's largest provider of assisted travel services.

WHILL's Autonomous Service allows passengers to select a destination via a touchscreen interface. The mobility device then transports the rider through the terminal using autonomous navigation technology and onboard sensors. After the journey is completed, the device returns independently to its designated home location.

"As global travel continues to grow, airports are increasingly looking for innovative ways to improve accessibility while supporting operational efficiency," said Matthias Pape, Vice President Business Development, WHILL Autonomous Service EMEA. "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 travelers around the world."

In addition to assisting travelers, WHILL says the service can help airports and passenger assistance providers streamline mobility operations. Potential benefits include reducing the need for manual wheelchair returns, improving fleet visibility, and allowing staff to focus on direct passenger support.

The autonomous mobility devices are equipped with several safety features, including 360-degree sensors, automatic obstacle detection, and autonomous stopping capabilities designed for use in busy public environments.

Beyond aviation, the company is also expanding its autonomous mobility services into sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, and public spaces.

REHACARE.com; Source: WHILL