Kochi | The Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) here has introduced robotic assistance at the airport as part of its efforts to enhance passenger services and convenience.

In the first phase, a passenger assistance robot has been deployed at 'Kalangan', the art museum located in the Domestic Security Hold Area, according to a CIAL statement on Saturday.

The service was inaugurated by CIAL Managing Director S Suhas IAS, it said.

The robot welcomes passengers, provides directions and real-time flight information, and guides them to boarding gates and other airport facilities.

Passengers can also interact with the robot for travel-related assistance, including information on CIAL services, flight schedules, and gate numbers.

The robot will also promote Keralam's cultural heritage by providing information on traditional art forms such as Kathakali and Ottanthullal, as well as the sculptures and artworks displayed at 'Kalangan'.

It will also direct passengers to the relevant exhibits.

In the next phase, CIAL plans to deploy passenger assistance robots in the airport's check-in halls, the company authorities said adding that the airport operator is also exploring the introduction of delivery robots that could bring food and other products directly to passengers inside the terminal.

The robot was developed for CIAL by Pune-based Kinetics Robotics.

CIAL Executive Director Santhosh Poovattil, Head of Commercial Manoj P Joseph, Kinetics Robotics representative Jignesh Nair, and others were present at the inauguration, the statement added.