The robot rolling around Indianapolis International Airport signifies the next step in customer service at the already best airport in North America.
The Indiana airport introduced the customer-service robot to help answer flyers questions and will act as assistance to the main guest services desk, according to The Indianapolis Star. The robot made its debut on Oct. 9.
The Double Robot interacts with passengers through an iPad head connected to the rolling device that's dressed in a customer service polo shirt. The robot costs $2,500 and is made by Double Robotics.
"Great customer service comes in many forms," Mario Rodriguez, executive director for the Indianapolis Airport Authority, said in a news release. "The Double Robot adds a cutting-edge tool that our staff can use to extened the award-winning service that consistently makes IND the number one airport for service quality in all of North America."
A guest services agent drives the robot remotely through the airport. The agent appears on the tablet screen so customers still are interacting with a human being. A camera lens on the iPad allows the robot driver to have a wide view of its surroundings.
The robot received mixed-reactions from airport guests. Some mistook the robot for a simple greeter and others thought it was a new airport security device, according to the Star. It will work the guest services desk area when the counter is not staffed outside normal hours.
"We've experimented with it at the gates and other places," airport spokesman Carlo Bertolini told the Star. "It seems especially useful to people who want to know where to catch taxis or shuttle busses."
The Double Robot can be driven using a Mac, PC/Windows, iPad or iPhone. It has a standing or sitting height, and is commonly used for office telecommunication.
