{
  "id": 15620010,
  "title": "Dubai airport tries self-driving wheelchair for quicker trip from check-in to plane",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/dubai-airport-tries-self-driving-wheelchair-for-quicker-trip-from",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-19T13:21:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/10/19/dubai-airport-self-driving-wheelchair/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dubai International Airport is trialing an autonomous wheelchair to transport passengers from check-in to their departure gates, aiming to enhance air travel for individuals with disabilities. The wheelchair, equipped with light detection and ranging cameras, can be programmed to move passengers to their gates and can be manually halted by those traveling alone at any point en route. Emirates, the airport's primary airline, has been recognized as the world's first autism-certified airline, having trained over 30,000 staff and cabin crew to accommodate passengers with special needs. The airline also offers digital sensory guides, sensory products, and tailored assistance, including autism-certified training and business-class lounges with wheelchair access. Dubai Health Authority's Sanadhum initiative seeks to improve healthcare compliance for people with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of accessible, dignified, and independent care. The Dubai AccessAbilities Expo showcased various assistive technologies, including AI-powered smart glasses for visual impairments and advanced electronic prosthetic limbs designed to replicate natural movement.",
  "summary": "Air travel and health care for people with disabilities are set for dramatic improvements as new global assistive technology raises standards. From special airport services to fast-track options in healthcare settings, the latest assisted living options were on show at the Dubai AccessAbilities Expo on Monday. The latest technology was on display to support people with impaired mobility, sight…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}