Mobility robot developer A&K Robotics recently deployed its new self-driving robotic pods for testing at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) through British Columbia, Canada’s Integrated Marketplace delivered by Innovate BC.
The pods are designed to provide another option for passengers with varying mobility and guidance needs and those who may need assistance when traveling through the airport.
Innovate BC is working with Vancouver-based A&K Robotics to develop, test, and deploy its assistive mobility technology. This project will support YVR’s and the province’s goals of creating a more accessible and inclusive future, Innovate BC said.
Integrated Marketplace helps B.C. tech companies grow
A&K Robotics’ autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), called Cruz mobility pods, utilize an intelligent navigation system to help connect people with mobility challenges to the full airport experience, including accessing shops, restaurants, accessible restroom facilities, and other amenities.
“B.C. is home to incredible companies that are developing innovative technology and practical solutions that can make people’s lives better,” said Brenda Bailey, B.C. minister of jobs, economic development and innovation. “Through the Integrated Marketplace, we’re helping A&K Robotics to continue developing the tools they need to continue to grow, while supporting people living with mobility challenges access the traveling services they need.”
Delivered by Innovate BC, the Integrated Marketplace works to bolster technological development in the province by linking strategic buyers from some of British Columbia’s largest industries with B.C.-based technology providers to implement, scale up, and ultimately export B.C. technology solutions. This framework allows B.C. industries to receive assistance in adopting technologies, while connecting these solution providers with Canadian reference customers that support their growth.
“We are very happy to see the Integrated Marketplace continue to strengthen partnerships between governments, industry, and local solution providers,” said Peter Cowan, Innovate BC president and CEO. “These collaborations in tandem with innovative solutions are addressing provincial priorities such as removing barriers to support equitable participation for critical services, while also creating opportunities for B.C. businesses that contribute to a robust and broad-based economy.”
Passenger trial expected to begin in September
YVR serves as one of four testbeds for the Integrated Marketplace, with several technology projects underway at each in support of enhancing operations and reducing emissions for sustainability.
Through the Integrated Marketplace, B.C. and the government of Canada, through PacifiCan, are contributing up to $1.6 million towards an initiative to reimagine mobility at YVR. Passenger trials with the autonomous pods are expected to begin in September.
“The new self-driving pods made by A&K Robotics represent an important step forward for accessibility at YVR, helping ensure people of all ages and abilities can independently navigate our terminals,” said Tamara Vrooman, YVR president and CEO. “Through our role as the first testbed under the Integrated Marketplace, we are supporting the development and implementation of made-in-B.C. solutions that benefit YVR and our community as well as local businesses. We look forward to having this new technology available for travelers as early as next year.”
A&K Robotics and YVR will take a phased approach to implementing the new Cruz mobility pods to ensure their safe integration into the airport environment. As more pods come into service, more passengers will have the opportunity to utilize them as part of tailored journeys. During this introductory phase, A&K Robotics will work closely with YVR to solicit passenger feedback that will contribute to the ongoing development of the initiative.
“This collaboration is a testament to how visionary ideas can reshape industries and impact the future of transportation,” said Mathew Anderson, A&K Robotics CEO. “By introducing our micromobility robot pods at YVR, we are setting a new standard of accessibility for every traveler, while driving economic growth and opening the door for innovation in global transportation and aviation.”
Other projects testing at YVR include runway-monitoring drones
This announcement is part of the B.C. government’s investment of as much as $11.5 million, and the government of Canada’s investment, through PacifiCan, of as much as $9.9 million in the Integrated Marketplace. It follows the recent announcement of three additional Integrated Marketplace projects taking place at the YVR testbed.
Two of the projects will seek to bolster operational capabilities at YVR through drone-based runway monitoring and an enhanced paging communication system in the terminal. The third will support decarbonization efforts through the development of a diagnostics component for General Fusion’s Lawson Machine 26 (LM26), a new Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) instrument that creates clean energy.
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