Changi Airport Group has begun deploying autonomous wheelchairs for transfer passengers with walking difficulties at Singapore Changi Airport, starting in transit flows at Terminals 2 and 3. The staged rollout is replacing or supplementing manual assistance for selected connecting travellers, with up to 18 wheelchairs to be introduced across the two terminals.
The system is aimed at passengers who can walk short distances but need support over longer stretches of the airport journey. SATS handles ground services and screening, using airline-provided passenger and itinerary data to identify suitable users before departure. Travellers must request assistance when booking.
The wheelchairs run on set routes, use sensors to avoid obstacles and people, and require passengers to fasten a seatbelt before moving. Each unit can carry cabin luggage of up to 10 kg and travels at about 3.5 km/h, close to a comfortable walking pace. A full trip from the far end of Terminal 3 to the shopping area takes about 15 to 20 minutes, with each journey monitored from a SATS control centre.
Changi tested the service from March 2025 to June 2026. Demand for autonomous wheelchairs rose by about 20% between 2023 and 2025, supporting the move from trial to deployment.