Seoul Incheon Airport Launches World’s First Autonomous Self Check In Robots at Incheon Airport

Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC), referred to globally as Seoul Incheon International Airport, has introduced a new generation of autonomous airport service robots, including the world’s first commercially operated self check in robot, as part of its strategy to strengthen its position as a leading digital airport.

IIAC announced on May 18 that it has deployed 31 autonomous robots across three categories including self check in robots, guide and patrol robots, and docent robots. The new robotic services officially entered operation this month at Incheon International Airport.

The latest rollout represents the next phase of IIAC’s smart airport initiative following the launch of “Airstar” in 2018, which was recognized as the world’s first commercial airport guide robot service. The newly introduced robots incorporate advanced technologies such as autonomous driving, artificial intelligence, 5G communications, and digital twin systems.

At the center of the deployment is the autonomous self check in robot, which IIAC described as the first service of its kind in the world. Unlike traditional self check in kiosks that require passengers to move to designated locations, the new robot autonomously approaches crowded check in areas and provides passengers with the same self check in functions directly within the terminal flow.

IIAC expects the robots to improve passenger movement efficiency and reduce waiting times by allowing flexible deployment based on real time congestion and passenger traffic conditions.

The upgraded guide and patrol robots also feature major technological improvements. Equipped with generative AI based large language model technology, the robots are capable of natural voice conversations with passengers in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese. Translation services are additionally supported in French and Spanish, helping international travelers overcome language barriers inside the airport.

Passengers can ask questions such as nearby restaurant recommendations or airport facility directions, while the robots autonomously guide travelers to their destinations. The robots also offer AI and augmented reality based souvenir photo services with QR code download functions.

A key feature of the new system is the robots’ dual operational capability. During normal operations, the robots function as passenger assistants, while in emergency situations they automatically switch into patrol mode, move directly to incident locations, and transmit live video feeds to the airport control center in real time.

Meanwhile, docent robots have been deployed at the Terminal 1 Transportation Center and the Terminal 2 apron control tower. These robots provide multilingual audio and visual explanations of airport facilities and exhibition artworks, offering international passengers an opportunity to experience Korean culture while traveling through the airport.

To support the operation of the new robotic services, IIAC also established a dedicated 5G private network and a digital twin based integrated control platform. The system enables ultra low latency wireless communications while allowing operators to monitor robot locations, operational status, and terminal congestion conditions in real time.

Kim Beom ho, Acting President and CEO of IIAC, said the introduction of the autonomous self check in robot presents “a new paradigm of proactive airport service where the airport approaches passengers first.”

He added that IIAC will continue expanding the use of AI, 5G, and autonomous technologies to further innovate passenger services and reinforce Incheon Airport’s global competitiveness as a digital smart airport.