Autonomous robots are now delivering food in a US airport
Next time you're at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, you might see some meals on wheels.
Although some people are starting to venture back into air travel, the more that they can continue physical distancing, the better. A new robotic in-airport food delivery service has been introduced in order to help them do so.
Currently in use at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, the system incorporates a fleet of four-wheeled autonomous "Ottobots" made by robotics company Ottonomy.
In the present setup, travellers in the Concourse B area of the airport start by using a dedicated app to purchase food, beverages or travel products from select stores located elsewhere in the facility. Once their order has been placed, staff at the relevant store place the item(s) in the cargo compartment of one of the Ottobots, then send it on its way.
Ottonomy is bringing its Ottobot autonomous robots to CVG for passengers to pick up food, beverage and "lifestyle products" while in the airport, according to a release. Passengers in CVG's Concourse B can order contactless delivery of food, beverage and items sold at retail stores operated by Paradies Lagardere directly from the robots.
How it works
Orders can be made via orderatcvg.com or through mobile devices.
Once an item has been ordered, the customer will receive status updates on their phone and a unique QR code, which can be scanned by the robot's top camera to open its compartment to retrieve their items.
“At CVG, we are redefining the travel experience by combining talent and tech to deliver innovative solutions, We’ve built a culture of innovation at the airport and are excited to partner with Ottonomy to test and advance this technology in a live, airport environment.”
As the robot makes its through the airport, it uses a LiDAR module and other sensors to avoid obstacles such as people, while also utilizing what Ottonomy describes as a "contextual mobility navigation" system to keep track of its whereabouts within the facility. Although we're still waiting to hear back about what that system entails, other indoor navigation systems typically incorporate things like Bluetooth beacons, strategically placed camera-readable QR codes, or Wi-Fi signals.
The app shows the customer where the Ottobot currently is within the airport, and alerts them once it's reached their location – it also provides them with an order-specific QR code. When the customer holds that code up to a scanner on the robot, it responds by unlocking and opening the lid of its cargo compartment so they can retrieve their purchase.
The current delivery system was designed based on user feedback from a pilot project that took place in the same airport late last year. Customer feedback from this program will in turn be used when further expanding the system.
The original pilot program of Ottobots at CVG began running in late 2020.
