Detroit Metro Airport’s Autonomous Wheelchairs Blow My Mind

I'm still trying to wrap my brain around this: Detroit Metro Airport now has autonomous wheelchairs. Yep. WHILL self-driving wheelchairs, think airport Roombas, but for humans.

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These innovative transportation devices are now rolling through the McNamara Terminal like they own the place. Thanks to a partnership between Wayne County Airport Authority and Unifi Service, DTW is piloting a fleet of these high-tech cruisers to help travelers with mobility needs.

How DTW's Autonomous Wheelchairs Work

You hop in, get the quick rundown from a staff member, and then this futuristic chair takes you to your gate all by itself. Once it drops you off, it casually drives itself back home to charge or transport another passenger. This means you may see an empty chair cruising around the airport, which should spice up a lot of layovers.

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You have questions. I did too. According to the press release, these future members of the robot uprising come complete with collision avoidance, pre-mapped routes, remote supervision, and, because we're all paranoid, an emergency stop button.

What's Next for Michigan Transportation?

Okay, if we have autonomous wheelchairs now, I'm both terrified and excited to think about what's next. Autonomous shuttle buses in downtown Detroit? Self-driving ORVs on Warren Dunes? How about smart carts at Meijer that steer you away from certain aisles based on your mood and how your pants fit?

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Though I recently flew out of Detroit Metro, I wasn't able to see RoboChair as my flight was in the Evans Terminal. Good news for non-Delta passengers, the airport authority has announced its intentions to bring the tech to the Evans Terminal, assuming, of course, they don't go rogue and attempt to take over Air Margarittaville.