A New Wheelchair Deisgn for Enhanced Airport Accessibility

Researchers at Purdue University have created a new wheelchair design for enhancing

airport accessibility. The standard right now is to use separate devices for wheelchairs, airport

buggies, and aisle chairs for persons using a wheelchair in airports. The device developed by

Purdue University promotes autonomy by functioning as all three traditionally employed devices

in one. In addition, this wheelchair can drive itself to a passenger at an airport entrance and take

passengers to their designated gates and even exact aisle seat, which could be anywhere on an

airplane rather than typically allocated spaces. A series of sensors and processing units

accurately and dependably control the wheelchair. The device is flexible for users, is cost

efficient for airports, and in addition features an improved turn radius compared to apparatuses

currently availabe in airport settings.

It helps a lot to the airport attendant because this can make their work much easier and less

hassle, and also, to those persons who are in need for assistance as they enter and exit the airport.

The features of the wheelchair is very helpful and useful to the airport accessibility which makes

each and everyone much comfortable and much accomodated. According to the research of

Purdue University, the weaknesses are the following:

 The potential drawbacks you may require assistance to get around

 They require some strength to use.

 They can result in repetitive strain issues, especially in the shoulders

 Not ideal for going long distances or up incilines

Submitted by: Kenneth Louise V. Servañez

Submitted to: Sir Retchelle Palmero Sangco