Rome’s Fiumicino Airport has become one of the first European airports to introduce an innovative new mobility service designed for passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs). In collaboration with WHILL, Inc., a leader in personal transportation solutions, the airport has launched autonomous driving chairs to offer a more independent and comfortable experience for travelers requiring assistance.
This groundbreaking service was unveiled at an event titled “Inclusion and accessibility at the airport,” an annual meeting aimed at enhancing the accessibility of airports for people with disabilities. The event, held at Fiumicino’s Innovation Hub, marks an important step forward in making air travel more accessible for everyone. The new technology was made possible by ADR Assistance, the company managing passenger assistance services at the airport, which is part of the Aeroporti di Roma Group.
The WHILL autonomous driving chairs are designed to provide greater autonomy to passengers with reduced mobility, allowing them to travel throughout the airport with ease. Once passengers set their desired destination, the self-driving device will navigate the airport autonomously, using smart sensors to avoid obstacles along the way. After completing the journey, the chair will automatically return to its starting position, ensuring efficiency and convenience for all users.
Initially, the service will operate with four WHILL devices in the Terminal 3 boarding area, covering the route to 14 gates (E11-E24) and three lounges in the non-Schengen area. ADR Assistance employees will oversee the service, managing operations via a touchscreen interface to ensure smooth and personalized travel experiences for each passenger.
Rome Fiumicino is setting a new standard for airport accessibility, and this service is part of the airport’s continued commitment to innovation. The WHILL self-driving chairs are already in use at major airports in North America and Japan, and Fiumicino is now the first airport in Europe to adopt them. The initiative is part of the “Runway to the Future” program at Fiumicino’s Innovation Hub, which has helped the airport maintain its status as one of the best hubs in Europe, according to ACI World’s rankings.
“We are excited to introduce our service to Europe,” said Satoshi Sugie, co-founder and CEO of WHILL. “Our mission is to enhance accessibility in public spaces worldwide, and we’re thrilled to expand our reach with Rome Fiumicino as a key location in Europe.”
The new service also aligns with the airport’s goal of improving the travel experience for passengers with disabilities, as emphasized by Marina Maschio, Managing Director of ADR Assistance. “The WHILL self-driving devices are a key part of our vision for a more personalized airport experience. This service will significantly enhance the accessibility of our infrastructure, offering a smoother journey for those who need assistance,” she said.
Rome Fiumicino’s latest innovation in self-driving mobility technology marks a significant milestone for the airport’s accessibility efforts and sets a precedent for other major international airports to follow.
