Pune Airport Trials AI Humanoid Robot to Assist Passengers
Viman Nagar, 21st February 2026: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Pune International Airport has begun trial runs of a social humanoid robot to enhance passenger assistance and airport management. The AI-powered robot, named Speco MI-1, has been developed by Mux Robotics and is currently undergoing testing at the terminal.
The robot’s components were assembled at the airport on Friday, after which preliminary trials commenced. During the testing phase, authorities are assessing how effectively the robot performs in real-time airport conditions, including crowd management, navigation guidance, and passenger interaction.
The humanoid robot is designed to assist passengers with basic flight-related information such as departure timings, flight status, gate changes, delays, and baggage belt numbers. It can communicate naturally in multiple languages, including Hindi, English, Marathi, Tamil, and Telugu, making it useful for both domestic and international travellers.
Officials said the robot can independently guide passengers across large terminal areas. If a traveller appears confused, it can walk alongside them and lead them to designated locations such as check-in counters, boarding gates, or baggage claim areas. It is also equipped to monitor crowd situations and identify suspicious movements during peak hours.
Videos of passengers interacting with the robot have already surfaced on social media, generating curiosity among travellers.
The trial will continue for the next two to three days. After a comprehensive evaluation, a proposal will be sent to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation for necessary approvals and safety clearances before the robot is formally deployed in airport operations.
Santosh Dhoke, Director of Pune Airport, said the robot is being tested to review planning, facilities, and security aspects. He added that the initiative, developed by a private group, is expected to benefit both passengers and airport administration if approved for regular service.
