Emirates Group reveals luggage robot for 2027: Face scan, bag drop and automatic tagging in one go

Dubai: The Vice President of Innovation and New Technologies at Emirates Group, Keenan Hamza, revealed that the Group is working on developing a new generation of robots for completing travel procedures and automatically transporting luggage. The new technology is expected to be showcased and officially launched during the first quarter of 2027, as part of Emirates Group’s expansion into advanced technology and artificial intelligence (AI) applications to enhance traveller experience. Hamza told reporters during the fourth edition of Tech Opportunity 2026, an annual event organised by the Emirates Group, that this development comes as an extension of the success achieved by the first robot ‘Sarah’, which was launched as a prototype to complete travel procedures by relying on facial recognition and passport inspection technologies. He noted that the new generation will be distinguished by broader tasks that include carrying and transporting travellers’ luggage directly, as soon as they arrive at the airport. He explained that the objective of the new robot dedicated to conveying luggage, is to identify the traveller as soon as he/she approaches. The robot will scan the person’s face, receive the bag, weigh it, and attach the luggage tag completely automatically. Hamza confirmed that this step comes within a specialised robotics lab established by the Group to expand the automation of operations and raise their efficiency, noting that modern technologies are not limited to improving the customer experience only, but also extend to include the automation of operations, shipping and logistics services, to provide a customised service that suits the aspirations and needs of each traveller. He stated that the Group continues to work on expanding the use of robotics, artificial intelligence, and biometric technologies, focusing on the value these technologies add to travellers, employees, and operational processes. Hamza said the Group presented a model yesterday for inspecting engine parts using drones. He added, "We are the first entity in the region to do this," noting that the shipping sector has seen advanced applications of automation, with the process of measuring pallet dimensions now being fully automated. He explained that the Emirates Group has implemented a large number of technical initiatives over the past three years, noting that some ideas that began as discussions and experiments two years ago have now become part of actual operational processes. He continued: “By leveraging artificial intelligence solutions, we aim to provide the best service and quality for individuals, and to understand what travellers like and prefer to eat and drink." He pointed out that the availability of a vast volume of data about travellers, combined with the use of AI technologies, allows for a significant ability to predict travellers' needs. He explained that the goal in the coming years is to make the service more proactive and personalised, reducing the need for travellers to request services themselves, while enabling systems to anticipate some of their needs based on their past preferences. The fourth edition of Tech Opportunity 2026, the annual innovation platform of the Emirates Group, kicked off yesterday, with the participation of leaders and experts in technology and innovation, and more than 90 events and experiences, and 60 projects and technical solutions showcasing how emerging technologies move from the research and experimentation stage to practical applications that support aviation and travel operations.