Airline operator Japan Airlines (JAL) and systems integrator Nomura Research Institute (NRI) have been trialing a new service robot that uses interactive dialog commands to convey information to passengers in Terminal 1 (T1) at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan.
The trial will run until February 18, 2016, and will provide travelers with information on flights, weather, airport facilities and local tourist information in Japanese, English and Chinese. The robot uses a digital display monitor to help convey its messages and can be controlled by JAL staff using smartwatches.
Kiyoshi Ishizeki, executive officer, JAL, said, “Through these demonstrative trials, we intend to measure the benefits surrounding the use of robot technology at the airport and also understand the differences between using a robot and conventional digital signage.”
Takahiro Abe, executive officer, JAL, said, “The possibility to offer assistance to airport staff is being examined on these trials. We are striving to provide customers with new and innovative products and services under the banner ‘Embrace New Challenges JAL’.”
Hiroshi Masutani, senior managing director of NRI, said, “NRI has been taking part in this demonstrative trial as an activity of the ‘NRI Mirai (Future) Garage’ project. We will continue to work with multiple corporate partners, taking on new challenges in order to support the creation of innovative products and useful services.”
