Self-driving robot pods are being rolled out to help passengers navigate through YVR.
Developed by Vancouver-based A&K Robotics, the pods will improve accessibility at the airport, ensuring all passengers can move through the terminals confidently.
The “Cruz” self-driving pods are equipped with mapping software, guaranteeing accurate and efficient mobility to amenities throughout the facility.
YVR is one of the four “Testbeds” for the Integrated Marketplace, an initiative to study physical locations and identify innovation needs.
Through the Integrated Marketplace, the province and the federal government have contributed $1.6 million towards this initiative.
The pod pilot project will be slowly rolled out in the coming months, with trials conducted by staff and eventually passengers in September 2024.
Safe integration and improvements to the pods will be made over time to service those with varying mobility needs, expectant mothers or passengers unfamiliar with the airport layout.
In a release, YVR underscored the need for more efficient transportation due to the immensity of the facility, stating there’s approximately 650 metres between security and the last gate in the international terminal.
Vancouver International Airport president and CEO Tamara Vrooman added YVR is constantly looking for innovative ways to support travellers moving around the airport, as well as promoting the businesses within it.
"The new self-driving pods made by A&K Robotics represent an important step forward for accessibility at YVR,” she said “We are supporting the development and implementation of made-in-B.C. solutions that benefit YVR and our community as well as local businesses.”
“We look forward to having this new technology available for travellers as early as next year."
In a statement, Innovate B.C. president and CEO Peter Cowan said they also share these goals.
“These collaborations in tandem with innovative solutions are addressing provincial priorities,” he said, “such as removing barriers to support equitable participation for critical services, while also creating opportunities for B.C. businesses that contribute to a robust and broad-based economy.”
This project is part of the provincial government’s $11.5 million, and the Canadian government’s $9.9 million investment in the Integrated Marketplace.
For more information, visit Innovate B.C’s website.
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