Aeroporti di Roma enhances accessibility at FCO with autonomous mobility solution from WHILL

The following article was published by Future Travel Experience Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) and WHILL have launched an autonomous mobility solution at Rome Fiumicino Airport, enhancing accessibility and supporting ADR’s vision of a more personalised airport experience. Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – and WHILL have launched an autonomous driving chairs service, designed for passengers with […] Article originally published here: Aeroporti di Roma enhances accessibility at FCO with autonomous mobility solution from WHILL

Mar 25, 2025 - 18:20

Aeroporti di Roma enhances accessibility at FCO with autonomous mobility solution from WHILL

The following article was published by Future Travel Experience

Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) and WHILL have launched an autonomous mobility solution at Rome Fiumicino Airport, enhancing accessibility and supporting ADR’s vision of a more personalised airport experience.

Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – and WHILL have launched an autonomous driving chairs service, designed for passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs), at Rome Fiumicino Airport.

Designed to offer travellers greater autonomy and comfort, the new service is a further significant step towards a more accessible and safer airport experience provided by ADR Assistance, the Aeroporti di Roma Group company that provides assistance to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility.

After setting the destination, the new self-driving device will autonomously transport the passenger to the gate. Thanks to its smart sensors, it will avoid all obstacles and will guarantee greater comfort and independence. At the end of the route, the chair will automatically return to its starting position.

“The WHILL self-driving devices represent another step forward in our vision of a more personalised airport experience,” said Marina Maschio, Managing Director of ADR Assistance, the Aeroporti di Roma Group company that provides assistance to passengers with reduced mobility. “This new service actively enhances the accessibility of our infrastructure, making the customer journey smoother for those who need assistance. We remain committed to improving travel accessibility, with innovation as a key driver in our ongoing efforts to rank among the world’s top airports for passenger satisfaction.”

Rome Fiumicino Airport is one of the first in Europe to have tested and then adopted WHILL, which is already in use at major hubs in North America and Japan. The company is one of the startups that took part in the ‘Runway to the Future’ programme in ADR’s Innovation Hub at Rome Fiumicino Airport’s Terminal 1.

“We are proud to introduce our service to Europe,” said Satoshi Sugie, Co-founder & CEO, WHILL. “WHILL offers personal transportation solutions and Mobility-as-a-Service, improving accessibility in public spaces worldwide. Operating in about 30 countries, we are excited to continue expanding our reach to new locations.”

Hear more from Aeroport di Roma at the co-located APEX FTE EMEA and APEX FTE Ancillary & Retailing events, taking place in Dublin – the ‘Silicon Valley of Europe’ – on 10-12 June 2025. Giovanni Gennaro, Head of Open Innovation, Aeroporti di Roma, is among the speakers already confirmed. Register for APEX FTE EMEA and APEX FTE Ancillary & Retailing – one registration provides access to both events >>