Rick Hansen Foundation and A&K Robotics Partner to Advance Accessibility For All
15 Agosto 2024 - 5:31AM
Traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm
(Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ
(Tsleil-Waututh) Nations -- Rick Hansen Foundation
(RHF), a non-profit dedicated to removing barriers for people with
disabilities and A&K Robotics, the autonomous micromobility
company, today announced a strategic partnership to advance
accessibility and inclusivity. This collaboration aims to catalyze
new methods of accessibility in various settings such as airports,
malls and schools, though the use and adoption of cutting-edge
innovations and self-driving technology, including A&K’s CruzTM
mobility pods.
A&K’s micromobility platform is the industry's first
autonomous, electric robot that can safely transport people with
limited mobility in crowded places. Currently being tested in
airports, Cruz pods enhance traveler experiences by enabling
passengers to get around with more ease and independence, whether
reaching their gates to getting food at restaurants.
"The Rick Hansen Foundation continues to embrace innovation in
removing barriers for the 1 in 4 Canadians with disabilities,” said
Brad McCannell, VP Accessibility & Inclusion, Rick Hansen
Foundation. “People with disabilities continue to face numerous
barriers on a daily basis, and we look forward to collaborating
with A&K Robotics to advance meaningful accessibility for all
through this new and exciting technology."
"Our collaboration with the Rick Hansen Foundation marks a
pivotal step in our journey at A&K," said Matthew Anderson,
CEO, A&K Robotics. "RHF’s unparalleled expertise in creating
inclusive environments makes them the ideal partner to help us
advance our mission of setting new standards in accessible design,
ensuring that our robots are innovative, inclusive and accessible
to all."
The collaboration includes discussions, workshops and
evaluations for improving accessibility in airports and other
spaces using autonomous mobility pods and developing models and
use-cases for technology adoption to optimize the flow of travelers
while maximizing meaningful accessibility for people of all ages
and abilities. Input from people with varying lived
experiences with disabilities will be a key component of the
evaluations.
About Rick Hansen FoundationThe Rick Hansen
Foundation (RHF) was established in 1988, following the completion
of Rick Hansen’s Man In Motion World Tour. For over 35 years, RHF
has worked to raise awareness, change attitudes, and remove
barriers for people with disabilities. To learn more, please visit
http://www.RickHansen.com.
About A&K RoboticsA&K Robotics designs
electric micromobility pods to help improve quality of life and
positively impact the environment. Its autonomous robots empower
people with limited mobility to travel and navigate long distances
in places such as airports, malls and museums. To learn more,
please visit https://www.aandkrobotics.com.
RHF Media Contact: Cynnamon Schreinert, Hartley
PR Cynnamon@hartleypr.com 604-802-2733
A&K Media Contact:Parna Sarkar-Basu, Brand
& Buzz
ConsultingParna@brandandbuzzconsulting.com 781-251-0731
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7d492732-2e06-4607-8912-c6ddc9324869