Changi Airport deploys autonomous wheelchairs after successful trials

Wheelchair assistance requests rose 20% from 2023 to 2025.

Changi Airport Group (CAG) and ground handling partner SATS have started deploying autonomous wheelchairs at Changi Airport to support passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs).

The autonomous wheelchairs, operated and managed by SATS, allow PRMs to move through airport terminals with greater independence while reducing reliance on one-to-one staff assistance.

The service complements existing mobility support, allowing ground staff to focus on passengers requiring higher levels of care.

Changi Airport saw a 20% increase in wheelchair assistance requests between 2023 and 2025, as demand for mobility support rises with an ageing population and growing air travel.

CAG said meeting rising demand through traditional wheelchair services requires significant manpower and coordination across multiple airport touchpoints.

The deployment is part of SATS’ Hub Handler of the Future operating model and will support about 10% of Changi’s daily mobility assistance demand.

The autonomous wheelchairs use sensors to detect obstacles and human traffic whilst following customised routes within the terminals. They are equipped with omni-directional wheels for smoother manoeuvring, as well as safety features including seatbelt monitoring, an emergency stop button and an assistance call function. A rear basket is also available for cabin-sized luggage.

The wheelchairs are programmed to transport PRMs along predefined routes within departure transit areas, with each journey monitored by a SATS ground handling supervisor at a control centre.

The technology is designed to automate selected journeys whilst supporting frontline staff and improving resource allocation.

Trials began at Terminal 3 in March 2025 before expanding to Terminal 2. More than 13,000 passengers have used the autonomous wheelchairs since the trials started, with selected PRMs who could walk short distances independently invited to participate.

Before passenger trials, CAG conducted initial testing to assess the technology’s safety and suitability for airport operations.

The evaluations covered speed controls, passenger safety, comfort, obstacle detection and navigation performance, alongside learning visits to other airports using similar solutions.

“For those with reduced mobility, navigating a large airport can be challenging,” said Damon Wong, Senior Vice President, Airport Operations Planning, CAG. “The autonomous wheelchairs offer these passengers greater independence and convenience, while enabling frontline staff to provide more dedicated care to those who require higher levels of need.”

SATS Vice President for APS and Terminal Services Edwin Tan said the rollout adds autonomous wheelchairs to SATS’ existing fleet of manual wheelchairs, buggies and e-Caddies, giving passengers with reduced mobility more transport options while enabling employees to work alongside new technologies.

“Through a centralised operations model, we can intelligently deploy autonomous wheelchairs and other mobility assets across Terminals 2 and 3 based on real-time demand, improving resource utilisation, operational efficiency and service responsiveness,” he said.