All Nippon Airways (ANA) has partnered with Japanese company ZMP to test self-driving vehicles at Tokyo Narita International Airport from February 27 to February 28.
Known as the Rakuro autonomous mobility solution, the Japanese carrier said the vehicles are designed to streamline transportation and make it easier for passengers to navigate Japan’s largest airport.
“Because Narita is such a large airport, the solutions are ideal for those who may find it difficult to walk long distances, such as passengers traveling with small children or heavy baggage. The RakuRo autonomous mobility solution takes passengers to their selected destination, including boarding gates, duty free shops, and restaurants,” reads a press release from ANA.
The tests are part of an initiative from Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) to boost startups and “help apply innovative technology in daily life”.
The tests will be done by ANA, ZMP and officials from Narita Airport to make sure that the Rakuro is technically equipped to help passengers with transportation, ANA said.
Last year, the Japanese carrier expanded trial tests for self-driving wheelchairs at Tokyo’s Narita Airport. Jointly developed by Panasonic and Japanese electric wheelchair manufacturer Whill, the vehicles are able to independently detect and avoid obstacles – including other people – while following a predetermined leader to their destination.
