A&K Robotics’ autonomous mobility pods are all-electric and offer a new way for people with disabilities to navigate busy airports. | Source: A&K Robotics
A&K Robotics is working with British Columbia’s Integrated Marketplace delivered by Innovate BC to test its self-driving robotic pods at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). A&K designed the pods to provide another option for passengers with varying mobility and guidance needs, and those who may need assistance when traveling through the airport.
The Canadian company said its Cruz autonomous pods use an intelligent navigation system to help connect people with mobility challenges to the full airport experience. This includes accessing shops, restaurants, accessible washroom facilities, and other amenities.
“This collaboration is a testament to how visionary ideas can reshape industries and impact the future of transportation,” stated Mathew Anderson, CEO of A&K Robotics. “By introducing our micromobility robot pods at YVR, we are setting a new standard of accessibility for every traveler, while driving economic growth and opening the door for innovation in global transportation and aviation.”
A&K Robotics tested its robots at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in 2022. The robots went to work at the airport’s departure level Concourse C to help people who needed help traveling to their gates for flights or to get food at restaurants.
Jai Farrell, deputy general manager and chief commercial officer of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, said the test deployment yielded “very impressive” results. A&K spent 2023 closing a funding round, adding more functionality to its platform, and collaborating with more airports.
A&K Robotics and the Vancouver airport plan to take a phased approach to implementing the new mobility pods to ensure their safe integration into the airport environment. As more Cruz units come into service, more passengers will have the opportunity to use them as part of tailored journeys.
During this introductory phase, A&K said it will work closely with YVR to solicit passenger feedback that will contribute to ongoing development. The company said it expects passenger trials with the autonomous pods to begin in September 2024.
“The new self-driving pods made by A&K Robotics represent an important step forward for accessibility at YVR, helping ensure people of all ages and abilities can independently navigate our terminals,” said Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO at Vancouver International Airport.
“Through our role as the first testbed under the Integrated Marketplace, we are supporting the development and implementation of made-in-B.C. solutions that benefit YVR and our community, as well as local businesses,” she said. “We look forward to having this new technology available for travelers as early as next year.”
Delivered by Innovate BC, the Integrated Marketplace works to bolster innovation in British Columbia by linking strategic buyers from some of the province’s largest industries to local technology providers to implement, scale up, and ultimately export their offerings.
This framework allows British Columbia industries to receive assistance in adopting innovation. The initiative is also intended to help these providers connect with valuable Canadian reference customers that support their growth.
“B.C. is home to incredible companies that are developing innovative technology and practical solutions that can make people’s lives better,” said Brenda Bailey, minister of jobs, economic development, and innovation for the province. “Through the Integrated Marketplace, we’re helping A&K Robotics to continue developing the tools they need to continue to grow, while supporting people living with mobility challenges access the traveling services they need.”
Vancouver’s airport serves as one of four testbeds for the Integrated Marketplace, with several innovation projects under way in support of enhancing operations and reducing emissions. Through the Integrated Marketplace, the province of British Columbia, and the government of Canada, through PacifiCan, are contributing up to $1.6 million to reimagine mobility at the airport.
“Introducing mobility technology into YVR’s operations is an important step in creating a more accessible and inclusive airport experience here in Vancouver — and it will show the world what our home-grown companies can do,” added Harjit S. Sajjan, minister of emergency preparedness responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada. “Through projects like this, the Integrated Marketplace is helping local companies like A&K Robotics pilot their innovations, grow business operations and reach new markets.”
This announcement is part of the provincial government’s investment of as much as $11.5 million and the Canadian government’s investment of as much as $9.9 million in the Integrated Marketplace.
Stakeholders celebrate the debut of Cruz personal mobility pods at Vancouver International Airport. Source: A&K Robotics
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