The Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) is partnering with Unifi to introduce autonomous wheelchairs to the Warren Cleage Evans Terminal at Detroit
Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW).
The partnership is a pilot program providing support to customers who may have difficulty
walking long distances or navigating independently throughout the airport terminal. The devices are programmed to transport travelers to designated locations within the terminal, such as restrooms or concessions, and their departure gate.
All autonomous personal mobility vehicles are designed with Blueberry Technology, which
leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and preloads virtual maps of the airport to help all customers explore the terminal with ease.
“The introduction of autonomous wheelchairs at the Evans Terminal represents yet another
significant advancement in enhancing accessibility,” said WCAA CEO Chad Newton. “This
partnership with Unifi enables us to provide an innovative and efficient service for our
customers, facilitating a more seamless and inclusive experience at DTW.”
Travelers will continue to receive assistance from Unifi team members upon arriving at the
airport. Once security screening is completed, interested customers will be escorted to the
loading area of the autonomous personal mobility vehicles and receive instructions on how to safely operate the wheelchairs. If preferred, travelers can still opt for traditional wheelchair service.
Blueberry Technology-powered personal mobility vehicles are designed with user-friendly
functions and safety features:
- Obstacle detection and avoidance capabilities allow the wheelchairs to slow down or stop
when pedestrians or objects are within reach. - Manual override feature provides an added layer of reassurance and user control.
- Customized speed and motion limits are set for indoor, pedestrian-dense environments.
- Geo-fencing functionality ensures devices remain in authorized areas within the
terminals. - Emergency stop controls are accessible for passengers and nearby staff.
Through remote monitoring, system updates will be conducted periodically to ensure the most efficient and effective pathways for customers.
Funding for the program is partially supported by a grant from the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, a division of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), as part of the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (MMFP). Last spring, WCAA and Unifi established a similar partnership to implement the deployment of autonomous wheelchairs at the Edward H. McNamara Terminal.
