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Bridget’s got your back.
Next time you’re traveling out of Terminal B in New York’s LaGuardia Airport, you might encounter the facility’s new “concierge” — in the form of a life-size AI hologram.
Located near Terminal B’s Food Hall, Bridget can give real-time guidance and directions to gates, shops, airport lounges, baggage claim and other essentials within the airport, including live mapping and step-by-step directions.
The hyper-realistic figure that can engage in “natural, intuitive conversations” with travelers, according to LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP), the terminal’s manager and developer, which said it is the first fully interactive AI hologram in the airline industry.
As of now, the hologram can communicate fluently in both English and Spanish, with more languages to come in the future. It also features closed captioning, high-contrast displays, and a physical interface positioned for accessibility to those in wheelchairs.
Bridget is powered by the hologram hardware platform Proto and Holomeida’s AI Concierge Wayfinder application.
However, for those concerned about AI taking over human jobs, LGP noted that Bridget — powered by the hologram hardware platform Proto and Holomeida’s AI Concierge Wayfinder application — is meant to supplement the terminal’s human guest support — not replace it.
“As passenger expectations evolve, airports are increasingly seeking technologies that not only improve operational efficiency, but also create memorable, frictionless, and personalized journeys,” Glenn E. Smith, Spatial Computing XP Architect, said in a statement.
Proto Hologram founder David Nussbaum noted that the digital helper can give more personalized information than static signage and passive video screens.
“Most people think of airports as stressful and confusing environments, but LaGuardia’s Terminal B leads the world in changing all that,” Nussbaum said. “Communication with humans will always be the best way to help travelers find their way, and for the first time in any airport, AI-powered interactive hologram avatars extend the reach of the human guest experience ambassadors.
“The future of travel has begun at LaGuardia,” he added.
The launch of the AI hologram is yet another step in the transformation of LaGuardia’s Terminal B following the completion of the $5.1 billion redevelopment project in 2022.
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