The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is beefing up
customer service at area airports — and getting some James Cameron-style
help in the form of avatars.
The avatar will be seen on a device that is a life-sized flat
screen in the shape of a woman. She will dispense flight information and
tips about services like shuttle bus and taxi pick-ups. It activates
when a customer approaches.
Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye unveiled one of the
computerized, talking avatars at a press conference at LaGuardia Airport
Monday morning. He said the machines are meant to supplement the
airport’s 350 flesh-and-blood customer representatives, who will soon
be joined by 70 new hires.
However, the avatars are not interactive. Foye said he hopes a future
iteration of the talking machines will hold conversations with
passengers.
A total of five avatars are scheduled for installation at LaGuardia, JFK and Liberty Newark airports in early July.
The Authority also unveiled new airport apps and dozens of
new information kiosks and electronic device charging stations to help
travelers.
