Robot at Amsterdam Schipol Will Help You Find Your Connecting Flight

Robots to the rescue: it’s still in the testing phase, but SPENCER could prove to be a watershed moment in VA technology and a help to wayward passengers at AMS.

Virtual assistants (VAs) at airports are nothing new, but the latest refinements of this technology – which is currently being tested at Amsterdam’s Schipol Airport (AMS) – could see mobile VAs coming to the aid of lost passengers.

Deployed as part of a trial at AMS earlier this week, a robot called SPENCER (socially situation-aware perception and action for cognitive robots) combines advanced spatial detection tools with the nous of a digital help desk. The idea is that wayward passengers can walk up to SPENCER, ask for directions and be guided to their destination.

SPENCER was designed with the input of a consortium of partners and has backing from the European Commission. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the end-user of this partnership, believes that these advances are relevant to the passenger transfer scenario at AMS. The carrier estimates that 80 percent of passenger traffic at Schipol is made up of travelers who are attempting to make connecting flights.

In a statement, the airline said, “Every day, travelers miss their connecting flights for all sorts of reasons, including delays, restricted transfer times, losing their way, and language barriers. KLM intends to use the robot to help transfer passengers find their way from one gate to another as quickly and efficiently as possible at the busy airport.”

Not only is SPENCER capable of shepherding lost passengers, but it can also ascertain the number of travelers within a party and can adjust its speed to their pace. Additionally, the robot can monitor moving objects or other passengers that may stray into its path. Eventually, it is hoped that SPENCER will be able to recognize travelers’ emotions and react spontaneously to unexpected events.

Speaking of this technology, Michel Pozas, Vice President Customer Innovation & Care at Air France – KLM said, “KLM is of the opinion that robotics will have a growing impact on air transport in the coming years … At KLM, the chief purpose of robotics will probably be to offers staff and customers even better support, using innovative technology.”

SPENCER will be on trial in the Schengen section of AMS until December 4.

[Photo: LASS Laboratoire]