the chairs drive themselves

Three wheelchairs at the Anchorage airport are now driving themselves from security to your gate with nobody pushing them. A set of cameras mounted under the seat reads the terminal and follows a programmed map of the whole airport.

You can request a free ride when you book your flight online or just ask at the ticket counter. Staff help you get settled at a kiosk where you pick your destination, and the chair rolls you there on its own.

If someone walks in front of it, the brakes kick in immediately. The sensors are built to dodge obstacles and slow down around crowds. Alaska-based NANA Management Services helped bring the program to life, and it's designed to free up staff so they can focus on travelers who need more hands-on help.