The future of travel assistance just arrived at Pune airport: Meet Spaceo M1, the humanoid robot

Spaceo M1 can communicate in over 85 languages, including Hindi, English, Marathi, Tamil, and Telugu, making it accessible to both domestic and international travellers.

• Pune Airport trials Spaceo M1 robot for passenger assistance
• Robot helps with navigation, info, cab booking, and security
• Spaceo M1 speaks 85+ languages and carries up to 60 kg luggage

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Passengers landing at Pune Airport this week are being welcomed by an unusual guide -- a humanoid robot named Spaceo M1. Developed by Pune-based Muks Robotics, the AI-powered robot has started an 8- to 10-day trial at the airport, marking its first deployment at the facility. The pilot is currently operational in the arrivals area.

Spaceo M1 assists passengers with a range of tasks, including navigating the airport, finding restaurants, booking cabs, and providing information on local attractions.

Dr Mukesh Bangar, founder and CEO of Muks Robotics, as cited by The Indian Express, said, “The robot is socially interactive and can perform over 35 tasks independently. It can provide real-time flight information, announce gate changes, and guide passengers to check-in counters, boarding gates, washrooms, and other facilities.”

He added, “If a passenger scans their ticket’s QR code, Spaceo M1 can instantly display the boarding gate number, provided it is integrated with live flight schedule data, which is part of the plan.”

Unlike conventional kiosks or screens, the robot is mobile.

“Being wheel-based, it can navigate flat surfaces autonomously and walk alongside passengers who need guidance,” Bangar said. The robot can also carry luggage weighing up to 60 kilograms and is equipped with sensors to detect suspicious activity, providing basic security support alongside passenger assistance.

Spaceo M1 can communicate in over 85 languages, including Hindi, English, Marathi, Tamil, and Telugu, making it accessible to both domestic and international travellers.

Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke confirmed the test, stating, “A private company approached us to test the robot for passenger assistance. We have granted permission for 8–10 days to monitor its performance, passenger response, and technical capabilities.”

The trial, which began on Friday, is testing the robot’s performance in various airport zones such as entrances, check-in counters, boarding gates, and baggage claim, while evaluating its ability to manage different crowd levels and passenger volumes.

If the trial is successful, Spaceo M1 could become a permanent feature at the airport. “An airport of Pune’s size would require at least three such robots to cover all areas effectively,” Bangar said.

Muks Robotics also plans to test the robot at the Civil Court station of Pune Metro in early March, with potential deployment at the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport near Nerul.

Currently, the wheel-based model can only operate on flat surfaces and cannot navigate stairs or elevators. To overcome this limitation, the company is developing a bipedal version capable of walking on two legs and handling multi-floor environments.

Once fully deployed, Spaceo M1 is expected to take on additional responsibilities such as assisting senior citizens, scanning tickets, and making public announcements.