Kochi Airport Unveils Passenger Robot

KOCHI: Kochi airport has deployed a passenger-assist robot, whose job goes beyond simply guiding to the flight gates: to share tales of Kerala's culture and tradition with passengers. 

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) said the service had started at Kalangan, the art museum in its domestic departure security area, according to a report by the Press Trust of India. 

It said that passengers could ask the robot for flight schedules, gate numbers and airport services, and that it would explain the directions to facilities, putting practical travel information along with its museum duties. 

Its other duties were to explain traditional art forms such as Kathakali and Ottanthullal, as well as sculptures and other works on display. According to the operator, the robot could also direct visitors to the relevant exhibits. 

Pune-based Kinetics Robotics developed the machine for the airport, according to The Economic Times, citing the airport's announcement. 

The initial introduction is limited to the museum location. The published accounts don't explain whether the robot physically accompanies passengers or provides directions from its position, nor do they give details about the level of human supervision or results from passenger use. 

Check-in halls are next to the operator's list. It said it plans to introduce passenger-assistance robots there and separately is considering the delivery of robots that could bring food and other purchases to travelers inside the terminal.