BBGo: Empowering Independence in Airport Mobility

Navigating large airports can be a daunting task, especially for the elderly and those with disabilities. Blueberry Technology Inc. is changing the game with its innovative product, BBGo, an autonomous mobility solution designed to offer accessible and efficient transportation for all. Here’s how BBGo is transforming the airport experience for passengers and operations alike.

The Challenge

Airports are bustling hubs where time is of the essence. Traditional wheelchair services, although essential, often fall short of meeting the growing demand. In the US alone, airlines spend about $1 billion annually on these services, with major airports like Dallas/Fort Worth and San Francisco handling multiple thousands of rides daily, costing up to $45 per ride. This system is expensive and inefficient, with passengers facing long wait times and the only way to scale this solution is to add more Special Service Request (SSR) operators.

Enter BBGo

BBGo is an AI-enabled autonomous vehicle that promises a seamless and independent travel experience. Key features include:

• Seated Person Detection: Ensures movement only when a passenger is seated.

• Autonomous Mobility: Allows passengers to move freely without assistance.

• Always Connected: Enables remote monitoring and dispatching.

• Collision Avoidance: Uses advanced sensors for safe navigation.

• User-Friendly Interface: Multilingual and easy-to-use.

• Luggage Compartments: Designed to accommodate various luggage sizes.

• Joystick Override: Provides manual control with collision avoidance, if needed

Enhancing Passenger Experience

BBGo enhances the passenger experience by providing on-demand mobility and greater freedom within the airport. Key benefits include:

• Passenger Freedom: Passengers can explore the airport at their own pace, without waiting for assistance.

• Easy Journey Planning: The vehicle scans boarding passes to detect gates and plan stops for restrooms, restaurants, and shops.

• Room for Luggage: The design accommodates various luggage sizes, ensuring convenience for all passengers.

• Interactive Display: An 8-inch display provides easy interaction and wayfinding.

• On-Demand Availability: Connected vehicles can be dispatched remotely, minimizing wait times and maximizing availability.

Pilot at San José Mineta International Airport

Blueberry Technology conducted a comprehensive testing phase of their innovative service, BBGo, at the bustling San José International Airport (SJC), and the outcomes were truly remarkable.

• 315 Rides: The BBGo service provided a total of 315 rides to passengers, 42 of which were for passengers with mobility needs. This highlights the inclusive nature and accessibility features of the service, ensuring that a diverse range of travelers can benefit from its convenience.
  

• 6-Minute Average Ride: Throughout the testing period, BBGo maintained an average ride duration of 6 minutes. This swift transportation service not only ensures efficiency but also reflects the seamless operation and prompt response times of the BBGo system. Passengers can rely on this service for quick and convenient transfers within the airport premises.
  

• 98.4% Satisfaction: Passengers rated their ride as "Excellent".

Real Stories, Real Impact

The feedback from the pilot was overwhelmingly positive. Passengers appreciated the newfound independence and ease of use. Here are a few testimonials that make us particularly proud of what we fielded:

• “It is amazing that we have something that a passenger like me can use without feeling dependent on someone else…” – Elderly passenger who uses a cane to walk (took a ride) “Thank you for the ride...she did not want to book a wheelchair as she wanted to walk on her own, but soon realized that she not only wants to try your new product but also that she is exhausted.” – Mother of a child undergoing chemotherapy (child took the ride) “When will SJC deploy this permanently? This is an amazing service that they are offering to the passengers. My mother would love this so she can have her independence” – Passenger who took a test ride prior to her mother’s visit to SJC on Jan 31st “This is perfect for my parents who travel internationally and are usually left waiting…” – Multiple passengers of international origin (took rides) “…it is about time someone put robotics to good use.” – Tech savvy passenger (took a ride) “...we really needed you guys yesterday. The wait time for wheelchairs was 45 minutes…you would have been a great help!” – SSR staff (took a test ride)

The Future of Airport Mobility

BBGo is more than a transportation solution but is a revolutionary service for both airports and passengers. It offers independence and dignity to the elderly and those with disabilities while providing a scalable, cost-effective alternative to traditional wheelchair services for airport operations.

Blueberry Technology’s BBGo is set to revolutionize airport mobility, making accessible travel a reality for all. To learn more or inquire about implementing BBGo in your airport, contact Blueberry Technology at info@blueberry.technology.