Robotic Airport Innovations: The Future Of Air Travel?

The use of robots in airports is becoming increasingly common, with the global airport robots market projected to reach USD 4.29 billion by 2034. Robots are being used to provide services that are typically associated with human labour, such as manicures, as well as for security, customer interaction, and luggage handling. Airports in the United States, such as San Francisco International Airport and San Jose Airport, are adopting robotic technologies to improve passenger experiences, while China is expected to become the world's largest aviation market, surpassing the United States. The use of robots in airports has sparked debates about the potential benefits and drawbacks, including improved efficiency and the potential loss of jobs for human workers.

Robots at airports can improve efficiency, security, and customer experience

The integration of robots into airport operations has led to improvements in efficiency, security, and customer experience. Airports are busy places with a constant flow of passengers, so the implementation of robotics helps streamline processes and enhance security and customer service.

One of the most prominent areas where robots are deployed is airport security screening. Companies like Smiths Detection and Secom have developed advanced robotic systems that improve the efficiency and accuracy of baggage and passenger screening. These robots use sophisticated sensors and algorithms to detect prohibited items, reducing manual labour and minimising security risks. By automating the screening process, airports can process more passengers while maintaining high security standards. For example, Smiths Detection's iCMORE Prohibited Items uses AI-based algorithms to identify security risks, such as firearms, knives, and explosives.

Robots also improve operational efficiency in airport retail spaces and restaurants. At Munich Airport, Jeeves, a self-driving service robot, sells food and drinks to passengers, offering a quick and convenient purchasing experience through a touchscreen and cashless payment methods. Similarly, at Belfast International Airport, SSP Group trialled six service robots at a restaurant to assist human servers. Two of these robots, BellaBot and HolaBot, helped with serving food and collecting used plates and cutlery, respectively, allowing human staff more time to focus on customer service.

Additionally, robots can improve the overall passenger experience by offering convenience and personalised services. For instance, XWELL and Clockwork introduced the world's first robot manicure service, Clockwork MiNiCURE, at XpresSpa locations in US airports. This service allows travellers to get a quick manicure while waiting for their flights, enhancing their overall experience. Vinci Airports in Japan has also deployed travel assistant robots at Kobe Airport to answer questions, help with wayfinding, and provide recommendations on dining options.

Furthermore, robots are being utilised in airport construction and maintenance projects to improve efficiency and safety. For instance, London Heathrow Airport employed 'Dave', a robotic dog developed by Boston Dynamics, to assist in the refurbishment of a cargo tunnel. Dave can safely gather data from the construction site, which is then used alongside 3D models and augmented reality to track the progress and accuracy of the construction work.

The use of robotics in airports is expected to continue evolving, promising even greater efficiency, security, and convenience for travellers in the future.

The airport robots market is projected to surpass USD 4.29 billion by 2034

The use of robots in airports is becoming more common, with North America leading the way. The global airport robots market size is projected to surpass USD 4.29 billion by 2034, growing from USD 1.18 billion in 2024 at a CAGR of 13.76%. This growth is driven by the potential for improved efficiency, streamlined processes, enhanced security, and a better customer experience.

Robots can be used for a variety of tasks at airports, from performing manicures to handling luggage and providing seamless navigation for travellers. They can also be used for security, with the ability to monitor and record human and vehicle activity, and detect, survey, and assess potential threats. The use of robots in airports can also provide revenue opportunities through advertising and customer interaction based on passenger data.

The non-humanoid segment of the airport robots market generated the major share in 2024, as these robots can increase productivity and safety while reducing labour costs. Non-humanoid robots can perform repetitive tasks such as cleaning, driving passengers, security checks, and scanning boarding passes. The humanoid segment, however, is projected to expand rapidly in the coming years. Humanoid robots can be useful in mimicking humans and providing personal assistance, caregiving, entertainment, and supporting human workers.

The major players in the airport robots market include SITA, ICM, Vanderlande Industries, Siemens Logistics, Pteris Global, Avidbots, SoftBank, Hitachi, ABB Robotics, and KUKA. The North America region is expected to lead the market during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034, with Asia Pacific showing the fastest growth. The implementation of robots in airports is expected to continue to grow and revolutionize the airport experience.

Airports in the US are increasingly adopting robots for security and customer service

The use of robots in airports is becoming increasingly common, with the global airport robots market projected to reach USD 4.29 billion by 2034. Airports in the US are among the early adopters of this technology, deploying robots for a variety of tasks, including security and customer service.

One prominent area where robotics are being utilised in US airports is security screening. Companies like Smiths Detection and Secom have developed advanced robotic systems that enhance the efficiency and accuracy of baggage and passenger screening. These robots use sensors and algorithms to detect prohibited items, reducing manual inspections and minimising security risks. For instance, Smiths Detection's iCMORE Prohibited Items system employs AI-based algorithms to automatically identify security risks at checkpoints. Additionally, robots like Sanbot, developed by Qihan, use facial recognition software to recognise known criminals, expediting customs inspections.

US airports are also employing robots to enhance the customer experience. For example, XpresSpa has introduced Clockwork MiNiCURE, an AI-powered express manicure service at several US airports. This service utilises 3D camera technology to paint nails quickly and accurately without human intervention. Similarly, Jeeves, a self-driving service robot, offers food and snacks to passengers at Munich Airport, while "BellaBot" and "HolaBot" assist servers at the Sip & Stone Restaurant and Bar in Belfast International Airport.

Robots are also being used in US airports for cleaning and disinfection purposes, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Heathrow Airport, for instance, has implemented UV light cleaning robots to disinfect surfaces and provide a safe environment for passengers and staff.

The adoption of robots in US airports offers several advantages, including improved efficiency, enhanced security, and a better customer experience. However, it has also sparked concerns about job displacement and the appropriateness of certain services being provided by robots instead of humans. Despite these concerns, the increasing involvement of robots in airports is expected to continue, shaping the future of air travel.

Robot manicures are available at several major airports in the USA

The use of robots in airports is becoming more common, with many airports looking to enhance their robotic involvement. While some people are shocked by the idea of robots providing services they believe should be performed by humans, others welcome the innovation. One such service is manicures, which are now available at several major airports in the USA.

Robot manicures are provided by XpresSpa, a company that advertises self-care as a "travel essential". Their Clockwork MiNiCURE robotic manicures are quick, easy, and affordable. For just $10, travellers can be in and out in 10 minutes with freshly painted nails. The process is simple: travellers select their nail polish, load the cartridge into the machine, and follow the instructions on the touchscreen. Once the user's hand is in place and they say "ready", the robot begins painting each nail precisely and safely using 3D camera technology.

Robot manicures have been spotted at LA Airport, as well as MIA, JFK, and DCA, with more airports expected to follow suit. A video of a passenger receiving a robot manicure at LA Airport went viral on TikTok, with many commenters expressing concern about the potential loss of jobs for nail technicians. However, others welcomed the convenience and affordability of robot manicures, especially in an airport setting.

The use of robots in airports extends beyond manicures. For example, Detroit, Michigan's regional airport has deployed SCOT security robots to monitor and record human and vehicle activity. These robots are capable of performing many of the tasks of a manned post at a fraction of the cost. As the airport robots market continues to grow, we can expect to see even more robots in airports, revolutionizing various aspects of the travel experience.

China is projected to overtake the US as the world's largest aviation market

While robots are increasingly being used in airports worldwide, there is no major airport in the world named "Robot."

Now, here is a response to your query about China's aviation market:

The aviation industry in China is experiencing such rapid growth that it is projected to overtake the US as the world's largest aviation market sooner than previously thought. In 2018, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicted that China would become the largest aviation market by 2030. However, by 2022, IATA revised its forecast, indicating that China would overtake the US as early as "around 2022."

The increasing demand for air travel in China is not without its challenges. To meet the growing demand, the country will require a significant number of additional pilots and planes, as well as new airports and supporting infrastructure. Aircraft manufacturer Boeing forecasts that airlines in Asia will need an additional 261,000 pilots and 317,000 cabin crew members by 2037.

To summarize, China's aviation market is expanding rapidly due to economic growth, rising incomes, and an expanding middle class. This growth is expected to continue, leading to projections that China will overtake the US as the world's largest aviation market within the next decade.

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