ANA to deploy remote-controlled robots for passenger service at regional airports

All Nippon Airways will launch a remote passenger assistance service using robots at several regional airports in Japan starting August 21, 2026. Staff based at Osaka-Kansai Airport will operate the machines remotely to help travelers at other locations, according to the airline.

The rollout begins at Hiroshima, with Tsushima following in September. Tottori, Nagasaki and Komatsu are expected to join the program in October. Each airport will be assigned one to two robots, the airline said.

ANA said it believes it is the first Japanese carrier to introduce this kind of cross-airport remote assistance system. The robots, called "newme," are made by the technology company avatarin.

Before the wider deployment, the airline tested the system at Tokyo Haneda Airport, handling more than 25,000 customer interactions. ANA said 98.4 percent of inquiries during the trial were resolved remotely, without requiring an on-site staff member.

The goal, the airline said, is to cut wait times at airports with lower staffing levels, letting centralized personnel support several locations at once.