{
  "story": {
    "slug": "the-chairs-drive-themselves",
    "headline": "the chairs drive themselves",
    "deck": "Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport now offers three free self-driving wheelchairs to help passengers get from security to their gate.",
    "url": "https://thedailyalaska.com/story/the-chairs-drive-themselves",
    "section": "Economy",
    "area": "Anchorage",
    "published_at": "2026-04-25T20:00:00+00:00",
    "updated_at": "2026-10-02T06:12:46.98584+00:00",
    "body_md": "Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport has introduced three self-driving wheelchairs that carry passengers from the security checkpoint to their gate without anyone pushing them. Alaska Airlines partnered with Alaska-based NANA Management Services to launch the program, which uses cameras mounted under the seat to read the terminal and follow a preloaded map of the airport.\n\nPassengers can request a ride for free when they book their flight online or by asking at an Alaska Airlines ticket counter. Once through security, staff help travelers into the chair and select their destination on a touchscreen kiosk, then the wheelchair navigates to the gate on its own.\n\nThe wheelchairs' sensors detect obstacles and crowds in real time, slowing the chair down and triggering automatic braking if someone steps into its path.\n\nThe program is meant to free up airport staff so they can focus on travelers who need more direct, hands-on assistance. The fleet is small for now, but it reflects how Anchorage's airport is approaching accessibility and technology inside the terminal.",
    "sources": [
      {
        "url": "https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/anchorage/2026/04/15/anchorages-international-airport-rolls-out-self-driving-wheelchairs/",
        "label": "adn.com"
      }
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  },
  "envelope": {
    "story_id": "80c1a6ed-cb75-4a5b-a2e7-b7cf06b1ad23",
    "slug": "the-chairs-drive-themselves",
    "summary": "Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport launched a free self-driving wheelchair program with three units, built with Alaska Airlines and Alaska-based NANA Management Services, using camera navigation and preloaded maps to move passengers from security to their gate.",
    "key_facts": [
      "Three self-driving wheelchairs are now in use at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.",
      "Alaska Airlines partnered with Alaska-based NANA Management Services to launch the program.",
      "Rides are free and can be requested online during booking or at the ticket counter.",
      "Cameras mounted under the seat read the terminal and follow a preloaded map of the airport.",
      "Sensors trigger automatic braking if someone steps into the chair's path."
    ],
    "faq": [
      {
        "a": "Three self-driving wheelchairs are now at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport to take passengers from security to their gate.",
        "q": "Where are the self-driving wheelchairs available?"
      },
      {
        "a": "They're free.",
        "q": "How much do they cost?"
      },
      {
        "a": "Request a ride online when booking a flight or ask at an Alaska Airlines ticket counter.",
        "q": "How do you request one?"
      },
      {
        "a": "Alaska Airlines partnered with Alaska-based NANA Management Services to develop and launch it.",
        "q": "Who built the program?"
      }
    ],
    "claims": [
      {
        "claim": "Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport has three self-driving wheelchairs available to passengers needing assistance from security to the gate.",
        "confidence": "sourced",
        "source_url": "https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/anchorage/2026/04/15/anchorages-international-airport-rolls-out-self-driving-wheelchairs/",
        "source_label": "adn.com"
      },
      {
        "claim": "Alaska Airlines partnered with Alaska-based NANA Management Services to launch the program.",
        "confidence": "sourced",
        "source_url": "https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/anchorage/2026/04/15/anchorages-international-airport-rolls-out-self-driving-wheelchairs/",
        "source_label": "adn.com"
      },
      {
        "claim": "Passengers can request a ride online during booking or in person at an Alaska Airlines ticket counter.",
        "confidence": "sourced",
        "source_url": "https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/anchorage/2026/04/15/anchorages-international-airport-rolls-out-self-driving-wheelchairs/",
        "source_label": "adn.com"
      },
      {
        "claim": "The wheelchair's sensors trigger automatic braking if someone steps in its path.",
        "confidence": "sourced",
        "source_url": "https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/anchorage/2026/04/15/anchorages-international-airport-rolls-out-self-driving-wheelchairs/",
        "source_label": "adn.com"
      }
    ],
    "locations": [
      {
        "area": "Anchorage",
        "kind": "facility",
        "name": "Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport"
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        "area": "Anchorage",
        "kind": "city",
        "name": "Anchorage"
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    ],
    "people": [],
    "organizations": [
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        "kind": "company",
        "name": "Alaska Airlines"
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      {
        "kind": "company",
        "name": "NANA Management Services"
      }
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    "event_dates": [
      {
        "date": "2026-04-15",
        "label": "Article published reporting the program"
      }
    ],
    "story_status": "reported",
    "what_changed": null,
    "keywords": [
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      "anchorage airport accessibility",
      "ted stevens anchorage international airport",
      "alaska airlines wheelchair program",
      "nana management services",
      "airport accessibility technology",
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    ],
    "disclosure": "Produced with AI assistance, narrated with Slav Lund's voice clone with his consent, and reviewed by a person before publishing.",
    "generated_at": "2026-10-01T05:19:39.278+00:00",
    "reviewed_at": null,
    "updated_at": "2026-10-02T06:12:46.98584+00:00"
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    "description": "Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport launched a free self-driving wheelchair program with three units, built with Alaska Airlines and Alaska-based NANA Management Services, using camera navigation and preloaded maps to move passengers from security to their gate.",
    "abstract": "Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport launched a free self-driving wheelchair program with three units, built with Alaska Airlines and Alaska-based NANA Management Services, using camera navigation and preloaded maps to move passengers from security to their gate.",
    "datePublished": "2026-04-25T20:00:00+00:00",
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