Pratt Miller Mobility demonstrates Large Area Autonomous Disinfecting vehicle at Michigan airport

July 20, 2020 | AUVSI News

From July 13 to 17, Pratt Miller Mobility (PMM) demonstrated its Large Area Autonomous Disinfecting (LAAD) vehicle at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in front of key stakeholders and members of the press.

The demonstrations were conducted in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and PlanetM, which is Michigan’s mobility initiative representing the collective mobility efforts across the state.

“The new technology from Pratt Miller is a great tool in our Fly Safe. Fly Ford. campaign to restore confidence in the flying public,” says Tory Richardson, CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

“We appreciate the partnership with Pratt Miller and support from the MEDC that enable us to test leading-edge technology to combat the spread of COVID-19.”

According to PMM, LAAD is the first vehicle of its kind to be deployed in the U.S. Described as a “connected, electric and autonomous disinfecting robot,” LAAD uses a multi-head electrostatic sprayer array to dispense FDA-approved disinfecting materials.

The electrostatic technology sprays disinfectant into the air and adheres to surfaces for maximum virus protection, while LAAD uses sensors and data analysis to monitor and guarantee coverage.

“At Pratt Miller we provide solutions to complex mobility problems,” says Simon Dean, Pratt Miller’s vice president of Mobility and Innovation, following the demonstration.

“COVID-19 has significantly disrupted the way the world moves. LAAD-V is one solution that will allow us to safely get back to business and our daily lives – and thanks to our partnership with MEDC and Gerald R. Ford Airport, we are one step closer.”