An autonomous mobility system that works like a wheelchair without anyone pushing it is scuttling around a Tokyo airport to help with social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The personal mobility machine seats one person and runs on its own without crashing, even when people jump out unexpectedly, for about 600 metres on a pre-programmed route at Haneda International Airport, WHILL, the company behind the technology, said Monday.
The ride lasts just several minutes, travelling from security clearance to the boarding gate at a maximum speed of 3.5 kilometres per hour. But hopes are high that the technology, which uses sensors and cameras, can help in other places, such as hospitals, parks and shopping centres. Labor shortages are a problem in Japan, as well as other nations.
The person on the machine can start or stop it through a tablet controller. It runs on lithium-ion batteries and returns automatically to where it started.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trump Orders Withdrawal Of National Guard In D.C. As Anti-Racism Protests ContinueHe said they 'will be going home, but can quickly return, if needed.'
Read more »
Feds sign $105-million deal with Bombardier for two new Challenger jetsThe federal Liberal government has inked a sole-source deal with Quebec aerospace firm Bombardier to purchase two new Challenger jets to replace half the Canadian Armed Forces' existing executive aircraft fleet.
Read more »
Two Buffalo police officers charged with assault after video showed them pushing 75-year-old protesterTwo Buffalo police officers were charged with assault Saturday, prosecutors said, after a video showed them shoving a 75-year-old protester in recent demonstrations over the death of George Floyd in Minnesota.
Read more »
New jobs report diminishes GOP appetite for more COVID-19 aidDemocrats push for a new US$3.5-trillion support package, but some Republicans believe Congress has done enough already
Read more »
Opinion: Without the clarity they need, Alberta’s oil sands producers are being set up to failNorway’s sovereign wealth fund’s decision to divest from Canadian oil and Joe Biden’s promises on Keystone XL highlight the misunderstandings that are putting the oil sands on the back foot
Read more »