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Autonomous check-in kiosk ‘KATE’ unveiled at Japan’s Kansai Airport
Roving check-in kiosk KATE is being trialed at Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport, aiming to cut passenger check-in times by moving to areas where it is most needed.
The fully mobile KATE will autonomously move to the most congested areas in the airport using artificial intelligence and geo-navigation tech.
It has collision avoidance technology to move around freely and safely within a terminal and decides where it should be, from helping to reduce long check-in queues or returning to its docking station when its power source runs low.
KATE, developed by aviation tech provider SITA, is undergoing a one-month trial at Kansai Airport’s Terminal 1, which houses airlines such as Air France, Air China, Cathay Pacific Airways, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, KLM, All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airlines and United Airlines.
"Japan has always been a forerunner in robotic innovations and intelligent technology. It is no surprise that Kansai Airports is leading the industry with the trial of SITA’s intelligent check-in kiosk, KATE," said Sumesh Patel, SITA president, Asia Pacific.
"SITA has been the technology partner of Kansai Airports for the past three years, and we are thrilled to be partnering with the airport to introduce intelligent machines to improve the passenger experience. We will work with Kansai Airport to evaluate how this new technology is able to provide an even better traveller experience at the airport."
SITA develops communications and IT solutions for airports, airlines and other aviation service providers, and has a presence at more than 400 airports around the world.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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