Autonomous Universal Access
- Chenhao Zhu
- Feb 11
- 2 min read
A Conceptual Framework to Guide Neighborhood Development Supporting Universal Access to Autonomous Mobility /.
Older adults and individuals with disabilities increasingly rely on their neighborhood environments for essential activities. However, in U.S. car-dependent neighborhoods, where many older adults reside, mobility options are often inadequate, especially for those with disabilities. Emerging autonomous mobility technologies, such as autonomous vehicles, autonomous electric-powered wheelchairs, autonomous motorized scooters, and autonomous delivery robots, offer potential new solutions. Yet, current policies and regulations, like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for accessible design, lag these technological advancements. While previous research has devoted substantial effort to accessible vehicle and interface design, the critical role of the built environment is often overlooked. This research proposes a new conceptual framework, termed “Autonomous Universal Access (AUA),” to support updating existing accessibility policies for better integrating autonomous mobility into the built environment. Based on the concepts of universal access (UA) and universal design (UD) principles, this framework is a practical tool for policymakers to guide neighborhood developments that support universal access to emerging mobility modes including autonomous mobility. A real-world development case demonstrates AUA application in updating existing accessibility policies and formulating new development configurations. The findings of this research underscore the inadequacy of existing policies and research in addressing the implementation of autonomous mobility in the built environment to fully harness its accessibility benefits. As a preliminary concept put into practice through this case study, the AUA framework sheds new light on advancing current accessibility policies to maximize universal access to emerging autonomous mobility services for individuals with diverse mobility needs.
a) A shared bike occupied a curb ramp, hindering access for wheelchair users.
Sources: American Planning Association, https://www.planning.org/planning/2020/mar/access-denied/
b) A man on a mobility scooter has been filmed running down an unsuspecting old lady walking along the pavement. Sources: JP https://www.thesun.ie/news/1529253/shocking-moment-old-lady-is-sent-flying-after-being-hit-by-a-man-on-a-mobility-scooter-but-should-he-even-be-on-the-pavement/
c) A designated accessible route is obstructed by street trees.
Sources: Chenhao Zhu (author), 2022
d) An autonomous delivery robot occupies the curb ramp, hindering wheelchair users’ access.
Highlights:
Comments