WCAA, Unifi partnership brings autonomous wheelchairs to Evans Terminal
DETROIT (April 13, 2026) – The Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) is partnering with
Unifi to introduce autonomous wheelchairs to the Warren Cleage Evans Terminal at Detroit
Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW).
The partnership is a pilot program providing support to customers who may have difficulty
walking long distances or navigating independently throughout the airport terminal. The devices are
programmed to transport travelers to designated locations within the terminal, such as
restrooms or concessions, and their departure gate.
All autonomous personal mobility vehicles are designed with Blueberry Technology, which
leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and preloads virtual maps of the airport to help all
customers explore the terminal with ease.
“The introduction of autonomous wheelchairs at the Evans Terminal represents yet another
significant advancement in enhancing accessibility," said WCAA CEO Chad Newton. "This partnership
with Unifi enables us to provide an innovative and efficient service for our
customers, facilitating a more seamless and inclusive experience at DTW.”
Travelers will continue to receive assistance from Unifi team members upon arriving at the airport.
Once security screening is completed, interested customers will be escorted to the loading area of
the autonomous personal mobility vehicles and receive instructions on how to safely operate the
wheelchairs. If preferred, travelers can still opt for traditional wheelchair
service.
Blueberry Technology-powered personal mobility vehicles are designed with user-friendly
functions and safety features:
• Obstacle detection and avoidance capabilities allow the wheelchairs to slow down or stop when
pedestrians or objects are within reach.
• Manual override feature provides an added layer of reassurance and user control.
• Customized speed and motion limits are set for indoor, pedestrian-dense environments.
• Geo-fencing functionality ensures devices remain in authorized areas within the
terminals.
• Emergency stop controls are accessible for passengers and nearby staff.
Through remote monitoring, system updates will be conducted periodically to ensure the most
efficient and effective pathways for customers.
Funding for the program is partially supported by a grant from the Office of Future Mobility and
Electrification, a division of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), as part of the
Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (MMFP).
Last spring, WCAA and Unifi established a similar partnership to implement the deployment of
autonomous wheelchairs at the Edward H. McNamara Terminal.
For additional information, members of the media may contact: [email protected] or Media Line (734) 247-7379
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) welcomed 33 million passengers in 2024. As one of the world’s leading air transportation hubs, DTW offers service from 18 scheduled passenger airlines. Michigan’s largest airport offers approximately 800 flights per day to and from more than 125 nonstop destinations on three continents. With two award-winning passenger terminals, six jet runways, and an onsite AAA Four-Diamond Westin Hotel, DTW is among the world’s most efficient, customer friendly and operationally capable airports in North America. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport earned Airports Council International’s 2020 and 2022 Airport Service Quality Award for Best Airport by Size and Region (25 to 40 million passengers per year in North America). DTW has also garnered three prestigious awards for customer satisfaction since 2010. DTW is operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority, which also operates nearby Willow Run Airport – an important corporate, cargo and general aviation facility. The Airport Authority is entirely self-sustaining and does not receive tax dollars to support airport operations. Visit www.metroairport.com for more information.