Robot ‘Spencer’ to Guide KLM Passengers at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

KLM this week launched the first tests at Schiphol Airport with the project robot Spencer.

The goal of the project Spencer is to develop a robot that guide passengers, in a socially acceptable manner, from one gate to another as quickly and efficiently as possible at the busy airport.

The test phase took place in the Schengen area of the airport with no passengers involved.

According to KLM, the project goes “far beyond the skills of the current generation of robots”. Spencer should eventually be able to compose groups and to recognize emotions, consider group behavior and use these elements in guiding groups of passengers in a busy area. Besides the personal contact with KLM passengers at the arrival gate, Spencer offers an additional service namely the guidance of Chinese passengers during the transfer process from gate to gate.

The final demonstration will be in March 2016 with Chinese passengers.

Besides KLM, also SME Bluebotics, several universities, and Schiphol Airport are participating in the project.