Next time you visit Pittsburgh International Airport, you might spot a new crew of robots helping to keep the area clean and safe.
A group of small robots powered by artificial intelligence are set to assist staff at PIT with tasks in the terminal like monitoring air quality and keeping the space free of trash. Powered by artificial intelligence through Skild AI, the robots are being tested to see how they navigate the airport and assist with airport operations.
Here's when and where you might spot them.
Pittsburgh International Airport to deploy AI-powered quadruped robots
In partnership with Skild AI, a company founded by Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute and School of Computer Science faculty members Deepak Pathak and Abhinav Gupta, Pittsburgh International Airport is deploying four-legged robots,
also known as quadrupeds, to patrol its terminal. The AI-powered robots will monitor air quality, detect spills and full trash bins and perform other tasks to support terminal operations, according to a recent release from PIT.
One is already roaming the airport, and eventually, a total of four will patrol the terminal.
The robots are powered by Skild AI's adaptive autonomy software and are equipped with advanced sensors, cameras and AI-driven perception. They can patrol the terminal autonomously while detecting and alerting operations staff in real time to anomalies in the area.
The new robots were made possible through Pittsburgh International Airport’s xBridge innovation program, which collaborates with dozens of tech firms in addition to developing new technologies in-house.
"Pittsburgh is a global leader in robotics and AI. Through xBridge, we’re creating a place where that innovation can move from the lab into the airport environment and ultimately help shape the future of the industry," said Deepak Nayyar, executive vice president and chief technology officer at PIT. "We’re looking at how the latest technology can work alongside our staff and airline partners to enhance efficiency, improve operations and provide an additional level of customer service."
The robots are managed by Skild AI, and the project will progress through multiple phases as both airport staff and Skild AI test the technology on various airport functions.
PIT joins other airports are using AI robots
Earlier this year, Miami International Airport in Florida launched an AI hologram chatbot.
Travelers can speak to projections of artificial people suspended in tubes at "four key entry points" around MIA, according to a release from the airport.
San José Mineta International Airport in California also began using an AI-powered humanoid robot at one of its terminals earlier this year, according to International Airport Review. Through a combination of physical AI with contextual reasoning and natural interaction capabilities, the robot is equipped to greet passengers, answer questions and provide real-time information in more than 50 languages.
Robots can work in airports. But are robots allowed on flights?
While you might see robots wandering airports or offering assistance before boarding, you're much less likely to see them on airplanes.
In May, Southwest Airlines banned passengers from bringing humanoid or animal-like robots onto flights. The ban applies to all humanoid or animal-like robots "regardless of size or purpose," according to an updated policy clarification.
What robots fall under Southwest's ban? The airline defines a "human-like robot" as a robot designed to resemble or imitate a human in its appearance, movement or behavior, while an "animal-like robot" is defined as a robot designed to imitate an animal.
Southwest still allows all other robots as long as they fit inside a carry-on-size bag and comply with existing battery restrictions.
USA TODAY's Anthony Thompson and Sarah Perkel contributed to this report.
Finch Walker is the Pittsburgh Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Walker at FWalker@usatodayco.com. Instagram: @finchwalker_. X: @_finchwalker.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pittsburgh airport staff gets help in form of AI-powered robots
