Robot assistance in Coimbatore airport from Thursday

Coimbatore: AI-based robots will help passengers at Coimbatore International Airport from Thursday onwards. This is the first time that the Airport Authority of India (AAI) is using such technology in Tamil Nadu.

Two robots will be deployed - one in Arrival Bay and the other in Departure Bay. They will navigate through the terminal and help passengers to reach their destination. Robots will greet passengers and help them with their doubts. The customized software for Coimbatore Airport was designed by a multinational robotics company 'Temi', the New Indian Express reported.

Airport Director of l Coimbatore International Airport, S Senthil Valavan said, "The airport operates 50 daily (inbound and outbound) flights to and from Coimbatore, handling 7,200 to 7,500 passengers in 24 hours. With the introduction of the robots on Thursday evening, passengers will be able to get services like flight status, passenger convenience services, directional assistance, retail promotions and Food & Beverage (F&B) outlet information etc."

"If the robot is unable to answer queries, passengers shall be immediately connected to the Airport Help Desk via video call on the robot screen. We are bringing the help desk to the passengers rather than passengers approaching the help desk. AAI introduced a similar facility at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru and this is the first time in Tamil Nadu that the such AI based robots introduced in Coimbatore," he added.

These robot have been given to Coimbatore airport for a six - month pilot study by the company, Temi free of charge according to sources. Although the default language that will be used communication will be English, the company has announced that it will be working on adding other regional languages also.Robot assistance in Coimbatore airport from Thursday