Kochi airport deploys robot to guide passengers and showcase Kerala art

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has rolled out robotic assistance at its terminal, starting with a passenger help robot stationed at Kalangan, the art museum inside the domestic security hold area.

The service was inaugurated by CIAL managing director S. Suhas. The robot has been developed for the airport operator by Pune-based Kinetics Robotics.

The machine is designed to greet travellers, point them towards boarding gates and other terminal facilities, and share live flight information. Passengers can also use it to seek travel-related help, including details about CIAL's services, flight schedules and gate numbers.

Beyond wayfinding, the robot is meant to serve as a cultural guide. It offers information on Kerala's traditional art forms, including Kathakali and Ottanthullal, along with the sculptures and artworks on display at Kalangan, and directs visitors to the relevant exhibits.

CIAL said it plans to extend the deployment to passenger assistance robots in the airport's check-in halls in a subsequent phase. The operator is also examining the possibility of introducing delivery robots that could carry food and other products to passengers within the terminal.

CIAL executive director Santhosh Poovattil, head of commercial Manoj P. Joseph and Kinetics Robotics representative Jignesh Nair were present at the launch.