For millions of elderly and mobility-impaired travelers, navigating an airport is not just inconvenient—it's isolating. This project reimagines that experience using an autonomous AI-powered wheelchair capable of self-navigation from airport entry to departure gate. Unlike traditional mobility aids, this solution uses SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), LIDAR-based obstacle detection, and multilingual voice-command support to offer seamless, dignified movement through complex indoor environments.
Designed with empathy, this wheelchair is voice-controlled and eliminates the need for joysticks or manual handling. It avoids obstacles in real time, understands indoor geolocation, and supports diverse users with a multilingual assistant. Through extensive executive interviews and stakeholder feedback, we've validated strong interest and developed a scalable implementation roadmap.
More than a device, this innovation enhances passenger experience, aligns with accessibility standards, and creates a compelling business case for airports to adopt AI-enhanced services. This prototype lays the foundation for future-ready, human-centered mobility solutions where technology meets compassion.
Challenging Airport Navigation
Impact on Elderly & Mobility-Challenged Travelers
Limitations of Traditional Assistance
Loss of Independence & Dignity