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JOIN Supports the Expansion of the Autonomous Mobility Service at Airports in North America

   Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport & Urban Development (JOIN) announces its decision and receipt of approval from the Minister of the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan, to provide capital up to approximately JPY 2.3 billion in expanding the autonomous mobility service at airports in North America jointly with WHILL Inc. (WHILL), a global organization with short-distance products and services offered in over 20 countries and regions.

   With this funding from WHILL and JOIN, Scootaround, Inc., a Canadian subsidiary of WHILL, will provide mobility services at airports in the U.S. and Canada, using autonomous personal mobility (single-person vehicle) designed and manufactured by WHILL. This service will enable barrier-free and comfortable transportation for everyone, as well as contribute to the optimal allocation of human resources and secure social distance by evolving from the conventional wheelchair push service.

   WHILL, established in 2012 with the mission of "Delivering Fun & Innovative Mobility for All", has been attracting attention for its distinctive personal mobilities that combines cutting-edge Japanese technology and modern design. Moreover, WHILL has implemented the world's first autonomous personal mobility service (WHILL Autonomous Service) at Tokyo International Airport to provide safe, comfortable, and seamless transportation experience for all passengers. Through this new investment, JOIN aims to support WHILL’s overseas expansion and its expertise.

   As the needs for Mobility as a Service (MaaS) have grown worldwide in recent years, personal mobility is considered as an effective solution to so called “first and last mile challenges”, by providing means of transportation that supports the connection of the first and last mile from and to the destination after getting on and off the public transportation. JOIN hopes this service will be a steppingstone towards the implementation of MaaS in society, enabling safe and seamless transportation for all people.

   This investment is also expected to contribute to the objectives of the Japanese Government’s “Infrastructure System Overseas Promotion Strategy 2025”.

JOIN Supports the Expansion of the Autonomous Mobility Service at Airports in North America