Will Airports of the Future Include Self-Driving Shuttles?
Soon, travelers will have personal self-driving buggies before takeoff
The way we get around airports could change in a big way soon. Alden Computer Transport Systems envisioned the future of airport ground transportation by designing a concept for a driverless car that looks like a self-driving golf cart. It’s called the STAR — Self Transit Automated Ride. The vehicle is a two-passenger electric vehicle designed to navigate travelers through the airports.
CEO of Alden, William Alden said in a video about the STAR vehicles, “We will revolutionize the airport experience worldwide.” He is best known for his work on the sale and fabrication of the three hundred million dollar Morgantown fully automated personal rapid transit system carries over 15,000 riders each day.
The Verge recently published an extensive feature article on the Alden and his company; it explores his origins as a pioneer of personal rapid transit. Now, years after the first project he is still at it in his late-80s. With his next invention set to disrupt travel hubs across the world.
What can you expect the experience to entail? Prior to arriving at the airport, users would reserve a star when booking airline reservation. They will receive confirmation of the reservation with instructions on where in the airport garage to park. Upon arrival to the parking bay the STAR would be waiting for the passenger. They roll on their bag and sit down, and identify themselves via credit card or mobile device. They then are brought directly to the terminal safely and at a fraction of normal walking time.
Key features of the smart buggies include:
Fully handicapped accessible design
Omnidirectional wheels for effective maneuverability in all direction
Front ramp loading for boarding the vehicle safely and easily
Control panel for personal identification and start system
Flashing lights to alert others to the vehicle’s presence
A multi-phase sensing device for obstacle detection
Alden Computer Transport Systems
People at airport via Shutterstock
Originally published at www.psfk.com on March 2, 2016.