The rise of artificial intelligence is upon us. Now, we have an AI-powered, self-driving wheelchair—just like self-driving cars. In theory, it should be convenient and safe for wheelchair users, as it reduces the need for human assistance. However, one TikTok user recently encountered a problem with an AI-powered wheelchair.
In a video that has gained hundreds of thousands of views, TikTok user Grace (@grace_mh525) filmed her grandmother in a wheelchair. “Everyone please watch this video of my grandma at [O’Hare Airport] in their new Al-controlled-wheelchairs as she almost runs someone over,” she writes in the video’s overlay text.
The video begins with Grace’s grandmother already seated in the wheelchair, looking surprised as it suddenly starts moving. While the ride seems smooth at first, things change when someone crosses in front of the chair. The wheelchair stops abruptly, causing Grace’s grandmother to bounce and then burst out laughing. “Maybe I should stand here so I can do the sensors,” Grace says, jumping in to help her grandmother.
Some airports have already employed AI-powered wheelchairs
The chair in the video appears to come from a company called WHILL. The company claims its automatic wheelchairs can be found not only at O’Hare Airport but also in airports worldwide. Some airports have chosen to delegate this task to AI-powered wheelchairs, since assistance requests have risen by around 30% annually in certain airports, according to the International Air Transport Association’s accessibility fact sheet.
Importantly, these machines don’t rely solely on “AI” to transport passengers. Instead, they use a combination of digital mapping, preprogrammed routes, automated navigation, and onboard sensors to ensure effective transportation.
These onboard sensors may have caused the issue shown in Grace’s video. According to the company, its 360-degree sensors can detect obstacles—including people crossing the wheelchair’s path—and will automatically brake in response. As of September 2026, WHILL reports zero injury claims related to its wheelchairs.
In the comments section, viewers shared their opinions about these wheelchairs and their users. “That could cause some serious spinal issues in elders from short stopping like that,” one user speculated. Another noted, referring to the man who crossed in front of the chair, “People always do that with wheelchairs and scooters.” Someone else added, “I push my mom around Disneyland in a wheelchair, and at this point, I think I’ll just keep pushing instead of stopping when people do that.”
Others shared their own experiences. “Almost got taken out by one of these at ORD recently. Nobody was in the thing; it was just going,” said another commenter. According to a WHILL press release, once a passenger has reached their destination, the chair can autonomously return to its base – explaining why this commenter saw a chair traveling through the airport without a rider.
Published: Nov 3, 2026 02:45 pm