Heathrow has begun trialling self-driving mobility devices in Heathrow Airport Terminal 3, helping passengers with reduced mobility get around the terminal independently.
The trial uses WHILL’s Autonomous Service and was delivered in partnership with ABM, the largest provider of assisted travel services in the UK. The deployment began just over a month ago, with the devices fitted with advanced sensors and autonomous navigation technology so travellers can move through Terminal 3 without needing to be pushed or escorted.
WHILL says the Heathrow launch is part of a wider expansion, with its Autonomous Service now running at 26 airports and facilities worldwide and more than a million autonomous rides delivered to date. Beyond the passenger experience, the company says the system helps airports and assistance providers by cutting down on manual wheelchair returns, improving fleet visibility and freeing up staff to focus on passengers who need more hands-on support.
For the travelling public — and for the drivers who ferry passengers to and from the terminals — it’s another sign of how autonomous tech is quietly working its way into everyday airport operations, starting with accessibility and passenger assistance rather than the headline-grabbing robotaxi trials.
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