Roaming AI robots coming to Heathrow airport
Machines will guide passengers through Heathrow during 2020 as part of a British Airways trial.
With fully autonomous AI machines carrying out simple tasks for the 90,000 customers at Heathrow Terminal 5, the airline hopes airport staff will be more free to tackle complex queries.
The BotsAndUs robots will be programmed to answer thousands of questions in multiple different languages, display real-time flight information, and escort passengers around the airport using geo-location technology and advanced sensors to monitor its 360-degree radius.
“We are always looking for new and innovative ways to use automation to help our customers enjoy a faster and smoother journey through the airport and beyond,” said Ricardo Vidal, head of innovation at British Airways.
“These smart robots are the latest innovation allowing us to free up our people to deal with immediate issues and offer that one-on-one service we know our customers appreciate.
“In the future, I envisage a fleet of robots working side-by-side with our people offering a truly seamless travel experience.”
This comes as part of a £6.5 billion investment in BA customer service that included driverless baggage vehicles, 3D printing and biometric facial recognition.
Andrei Danescu, founder of BotsAndUs, added: “We are very excited to partner with BA. The trial will pave the way for other new and interesting services we can provide to improve the customer journey as we work together to reimagine the airport experience.”
Would you like an AI robot to guide you through an airport terminal? 
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