Autonomous micromobility company A&K Robotics has partnered with the Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF), a non-profit dedicated to removing barriers for people with disabilities, in order to advance accessibility and inclusivity.
A&K’s micromobility platform is an autonomous, electric robot that can safely transport people with limited mobility in crowded places.
Currently being tested in airports, A&K’s Cruz™️ pods enhance traveler experiences by enabling passengers to get around with more ease and independence, whether reaching their gates to getting food at restaurants.
The partnership between the companies aims to catalyze new methods of accessibility in various settings such as airports, malls and schools. This will be achieved through the use and adoption of self-driving technologies, including A&K’s Cruz mobility pods.
The collaboration includes discussions, workshops and evaluations for improving accessibility in airports and other spaces using autonomous mobility pods. It also covers the development of new models and use-cases for technology adoption to optimize the flow of travelers, while maximizing accessibility for all.
Input from people with varying lived experiences with disabilities will reportedly be a key component of the evaluations.
Brad McCannell, VP Accessibility & Inclusion, Rick Hansen Foundation, commented, “The Rick Hansen Foundation continues to embrace innovation in removing barriers for the 1 in 4 Canadians with disabilities. People with disabilities continue to face numerous barriers on a daily basis, and we look forward to collaborating with A&K Robotics to advance meaningful accessibility for all through this new and exciting technology.”
Matthew Anderson, CEO, A&K Robotics, added, “Our collaboration with the Rick Hansen Foundation marks a pivotal step in our journey at A&K. RHF’s unparalleled expertise in creating inclusive environments makes them the ideal partner to help us advance our mission of setting new standards in accessible design, ensuring that our robots are innovative, inclusive and accessible to all.”
