WHILL Autonomous Service at Tokyo International Airport Expands to Terminal 3
In response to increasing demand for international and inbound travel, the airport is expanding its service area and available languages.
22 Oct 2024
Tokyo, Japan, December 22, 2023 – We are pleased to announce the expansion of WHILL Autonomous Service to the departure area of Tokyo International Airport Terminal 3. With the increasing demand for international travel and inbound flights, WHILL aims to contribute to the overall comfort and convenience of all airport passengers by expanding it’s autonomous service to include international flights in addition to its existing domestic flights.
The expansion is in line with WHILL’s commitment to providing seamless mobility access and creating an environment that is inclusive of seniors and people with disabilities. These efforts are particularly significant given the recognition Tokyo International Airport has received in the “World’s Best PRM (Persons with Reduced Mobility)/Accessible Facilities” category of the prestigious International Airport Evaluation. Tokyo International Airport was awarded first place for the fifth consecutive year, confirming its commitment to assisting all passengers.
Introduced in the summer of 2020 as the world’s first self-driving personal mobility service at an airport, the WHILL Autonomous Service has gained acceptance for its stable operation. Initially available to all domestic passengers in Terminals 1 and 2, the service has now expanded to Terminal 3 to serve international travelers.
Passengers using the WHILL Autonomous Service can independently navigate to a designated boarding gate using a touch panel interface. Terminal 3 now supports six languages – Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, French, and the newly added Spanish – ensuring a seamless experience for all passengers, including those who traditionally rely on wheelchair rentals or are concerned about walking long distances.
Anticipating potential challenges such as staff shortages due to Japan’s aging population and a resurgence in travel demand, WHILL’s autonomous service not only eases the burden on airport staff, but also increases customer satisfaction by providing a reliable and stable transportation alternative.
WHILL remains committed to working closely with Tokyo International Airport to ensure the continued stability and improvement of its services for both domestic and international passengers. The goal is to establish a norm where safe and comfortable short-distance travel is accessible to everyone, creating an inclusive and enjoyable airport experience.
Service Overview:
- Operation Hours: 12:00 to 18:00 (as of December 2023)
- Number of Units: 6 units
- WHILL Station: Two locations in Terminal 3 departure area, 3 units each
- Station A: Near UNIQLO Terminal 3 departure area
- Station B: Near Caffe 146
- Service Description: Autonomously drives passengers from the WHILL station in the international departure area to a designated boarding gate. After passengers get off, the vehicle returns to its original location unmanned.