AI Robot Wheelchairs Caught In Awkward Face-Off At Changi Airport

You've heard of unruly passengers fighting at the airport before. But what about a showdown between AI robot wheelchairs? 

Local comedian Rishi Budhrani recently shared a hilarious clip showing what can only be described as an awkward face-off between two AI robotic wheelchairs at Changi Airport Terminal 3 on April 14.

The incident involved two of the airport's self-driving mobility devices that came to a complete halt when they met head-on along the terminal's walkways.

According to Rishi, the chairs appeared completely “stuck”, as if both were politely waiting for the other to make the first move. Both AI wheelchairs were heard taking turns saying: "Please step aside." 

Awkward…

Thankfully, things didn’t escalate into a full-blown robot war. After a brief pause, the wheelchairs managed to sort themselves out in a civilised manner, going their separate ways.

Netizens were tickled, with many joking that Rishi had successfully prevented a fight from breaking out.

At least they didn’t end up in a physical fight,” one said, to which Rishi replied: “Not yet.”

Even Changi Airport Group joined in on the fun in the comments section: “They just needed a little time to sort it out on their own.”

Rishi replied: “Common sense prevailed, and one of them had to be the bigger chair.”

For the record, these autonomous wheelchairs aren’t just there for comic relief.

They are part of ongoing efforts to improve accessibility at Changi Airport, especially with Changi Airport Terminal 5 slated to open in the mid-2030s.

Which means there’s still plenty of time for them to work on their social skills.