Singapore Changi Airport Group and ground handler SATS have rolled out autonomous wheelchairs for eligible transit passengers with reduced mobility in Terminals 2 and 3.
The initiative aims to modernize airport accessibility by reducing the reliance on one-to-one staff assistance. By integrating self-driving technology, the airport can better manage the high volume of passengers requiring mobility support during transit.
Changi Airport handles approximately 2,300 daily wheelchair assistance requests [1]. The autonomous wheelchairs allow eligible passengers to navigate the terminals without a staff member pushing the chair, streamlining the flow of traffic in high-density transit areas.
These devices were announced in 2024 as part of a broader effort to improve the passenger experience [2]. The technology is specifically targeted at transit passengers who meet eligibility criteria, ensuring they can move between gates and facilities efficiently.
“This wheelchair can drive itself,” Alyssa Tan said in a video report by Channel News Asia [3].
The deployment is a collaborative effort between the airport group and SATS, the ground handler responsible for passenger services. The move reflects a shift toward automation in airport logistics to address staffing challenges and increasing traveler demands.
By automating the transport of passengers with reduced mobility, the airport seeks to maintain service levels despite the scale of daily requests. The system is designed to operate within the controlled environments of Terminals 2 and 3, where infrastructure supports autonomous navigation.
““This wheelchair can drive itself.””
The adoption of autonomous mobility aids at Changi Airport signals a transition toward 'smart' infrastructure in aviation. By automating a high-frequency service—handling thousands of daily requests—the airport reduces labor costs and staffing bottlenecks while providing a more independent experience for passengers with reduced mobility.
