Technology takes off: AI-powered robots help travelers at Incheon Int'l Airport

Two guide robots on a trial run at Incheon International Airport's Terminal 1, Wednesday. The airport will put 14 of the robots to work from July 21. / Yonhap

By Park Si-soo

Incheon International Airport has hired a new breed of helpers for travelers: robots.

Fourteen artificial intelligence-powered robots will start roaming the bustling airport from July 21, guiding people who are lost and offering information on flight schedules, check-in procedures and other useful advice.

Eight will work at Terminal 1 and six at Terminal 2.

The robots, named Air Star, have advanced technologies, including self-driving, voice recognition and artificial intelligence. They interact with people through a touch screen, embedded microphone and barcode scanner.

They can speak and offer information in four languages ― Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese ― and can visualize 14 emotions on their head screen.

“We will continue to introduce high-end technologies to make the airport smarter,” airport CEO Chung Il-young said.

The robots feature advanced technologies to help visitors. / Yonhap

The robots attracted plenty of interest during a trial run on Wednesday. / Yonhap