KLM says robotics will play as “increasingly important role in aviation”, following a trial at Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands.
The airline started a project to introduce robots to help with ground operations three years ago, with a trial in place at its home airport from December last year.
After the initial testing period, KLM reckons the robot (known as Spencer, for Social situation-aware PErceptioN and action for CognitivE Robots) has now completed tasks such as guiding connecting passengers around the airport.
Part of the pilot was to see if technology to scan a passenger’s boarding pass (and know where to lead them) worked.
Spencer then moves around the airport, adjusting its speed to that of the passenger, avoiding obstacles and letting them know how long it is until they reach the gate.
The project is being steered by the University of Freiburg, with technical expertise from SME Bluebotics.
Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan, has announced its decision to equip five Airbus A320neo‑family aircraft with CFM International LEAP‑1A engine...
Airbus has officially unveiled a new delivery center at its Jean‑Luc Lagardère site, northwest of Toulouse, marking a significant milestone in the industrial ramp‑up of the A320 Family. Purpose...
Global Jet Capital has released its sixth annual Business Jet Market Forecast, outlining a confident outlook for the sector. The updated analysis anticipates steady expansion over the next five years,...
Global trade body The Air Charter Association (The ACA) celebrated another record‑setting edition of Air Charter Expo (ACE’26) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, delivered in partnership with Busines...
