Advanced Mobility for People With Disabilities: Autonomous Wheelchair Pilot Deployment at the BWI Airport- Phase 3

Chang, Daeyeol; Nyarko, Kofi; West, Michael D.; Cook, Derrick; Dankwa, Charles; Jeihani, Mansoureh; Nyarko, David; Taherpourkomishani, Abolfazl

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Advanced Mobility for People With Disabilities: Autonomous Wheelchair Pilot Deployment at the BWI Airport- Phase 3

2026-03-01
By Chang, Daeyeol ; Chang, Daeyeol ; West, Michael D. ; ...

File Language:

English

Details

Creators:

Chang, Daeyeol ; Chang, Daeyeol ; West, Michael D. ; Nyarko, Kofi ; Jeihani, Mansoureh ; Jeihani, Mansoureh ; Nyarko, David ; Taherpourkomishani, Abolfazl
Corporate Creators:

Morgan State University.Safety and Mobility Advancement Regional Transportation and Economics Research Center (SMARTER) University Transportation Center (UTC) ; Morgan State University
Corporate Contributors:

United States. Department of Transportation. University Transportation Centers (UTC) Program ; United States. Department of Transportation. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
Subject/TRT Terms:

Airport Access Autonomous Wheelchair Bar Codes Cameras Indoor Navigation Laser Radar Mobile Application Mobile Applications Mobility Mobility Assistance Persons With Disabilities Pilot Deployment Pilot Studies QR Code Sensors Smartphones Wheelchairs
Resource Type:

Tech Report
Geographical Coverage:

United States ; Baltimore (Maryland)
Edition:

Final report, November 2024 - October 2025
Corporate Publisher:

Morgan State University.Safety and Mobility Advancement Regional Transportation and Economics Research Center (SMARTER) University Transportation Center (UTC)
Abstract:

This project developed and piloted an autonomous wheelchair system and smartphone-based navigation app at BWI Airport to enhance independent mobility for passengers with disabilities. The powered wheelchair system uses a collection of sensors, including cameras and LiDAR, to detect objects in its environment, while a cloud-based mobile application allows users to request rides and select destinations throughout the airport. An important part of the system is the integration of QR-code-based location identification, user authentication, and guided navigation, which together create a structured and reliable user experience. Technical milestones include the implementation of guided-route and fully autonomous navigation modes, as well as successful field demonstrations in which the wheelchair navigated from the airport entrance to an airline gate while passing through security at walking speed. Beyond technical validation, the project also contributed to workforce development in universal design and received significant media coverage. These results reflect a successful transition from simulation to real-world deployment while identifying key areas for future refinement, such as localization robustness and system scalability for broader operational adoption.
Format:

PDF
Funding:

69A3552348303
Collection(s):

University Transportation Centers
Main Document Checksum:

urn:sha-512:5a3600d7808b45398a5df1f06d95ff0b1561ae97adf62101c934a6603510e91981d829c6be4d40787a2116a9a3740607c6beb20e0d8757e44d40c5aa9b6e77bc
Download URL:

https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/92693/dot_92693_DS1.pdf
File Type:

[PDF - 291.17 KB ]

File Language:

English

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