Panasonic’s contribution is part of Japan’s larger plan to renovate navigation and transportation within airport terminals starting with Haneda Airport in Tokyo. The autonomous wheelchairs can navigate independently or in tandem with other chairs. (Photo via Panasonic)
Here is some inspiration for the IoT on Wheels Design Challenge!
The Tokyo International Air Terminal Corporation and Japan Airport Terminal Co. have been working with Panasonic Corporation and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) to reorganize the ever-increasing flow of traffic in the airports, and have recently begun public testing of “information universal design initiatives,” according to a press release from Panasonic. The press release goes on to explain that Panasonic and NTT are each responsible for different initiatives which collectively aim to, “...promote the development of airports that cater to all individuals,” beginning with domestic and international terminals at Haneda Airport in Tokyo.
NTT’s initiatives include multilingual support for restaurant menus, navigation through facilities using informational signs, measurement and forecast of congestion at international departure screening areas, mobile signs to manage the flow of foot traffic, and also the implementation of audio signage equipment with noise-reducing technology. On the other side, Panasonic is starting public testing of its autonomous mobility program via a robotic electric wheelchair called the WHILL NEXT, in addition to “LinkRay
technology,” which intends to improve transportation information for foreign visitors.
The WHILL NEXT was developed in collaboration with WHILL Inc. and the public testing in the airport will involve three technological features: 1) the automatic stop function for avoiding collisions, 2) autonomous mobility for traveling to specific shops or gates, and 3) the tandem movement function. Together these functions should improve navigation for passengers with reduced mobility, and relieve some strain on the airport staff that is usually responsible for them. The trademarked LinkRay technology uses visible light communication technology, allowing smartphones to read signals emitted by digital signage in the airport, which is then instantly translated for users in their language of choice. Also, Panasonic’s press release mentions the Keikyu Corporation’s help in providing LinkRay Spotlight, which allows users to, “...search and obtain multilingual route information for their destination by simply pointing a smartphone at the network map above the ticket machines.” These innovative ideas and their implementation are meant to improve the airport experience, especially for those that need additional assistance, and the multi-pronged approach to the variety of current and prospective challenges looks promising for Japanese air travelers, and may become an example for other airports around the world.
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