Key Takeaways
- San José Mineta International Airport introduces an AI-powered humanoid robot named José to enhance the passenger journey.
- José can interact in over 50 languages, providing real-time information and assistance at Terminal B, Gate 24.
- The deployment reflects San José’s commitment to innovation and improving customer service for visitors, especially during the FIFA World Cup.
- IntBot’s technology aims to enhance social intelligence in AI, enabling robots to understand human context and behavior.
- The four-month pilot aligns with the City of San José’s goals of responsible innovation and improving public services at the airport.
As the gateway to Silicon Valley, San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is bringing cutting-edge artificial intelligence directly into the passenger journey. Today, the Airport will debut an interactive AI-powered humanoid robot, named “José,” from local start-up, IntBot. Designed to greet travelers, answer questions and provide real-time information in 50+ languages — José will be stationed at Terminal B, Gate 24 (near Zoom Zone), to help turn one of the region’s busiest public spaces into a live testing ground for emerging technology.
Developed by Silicon Valley-based startup IntBot, the platform represents a new generation of physical AI agents driven by real-world perception, contextual reasoning and natural interaction, enabling seamless operation in complex public environments.
“San José continues to lead in applying emerging technologies in ways that improve everyday experiences for residents and visitors,” said San José City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “Introducing IntBot at SJC reflects our commitment to thoughtful innovation that strengthens customer service while supporting our city’s reputation as a global technology hub.”
“We expect thousands of visitors from around the world for the FIFA World Cup, and thanks to IntBot, they’ll receive clear directions, real-time terminal information, and answers in more than 50 languages,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan. “We’re partnering with local start-ups to improve service delivery and raise the bar for customer experience.”
“San José sits at the center of global innovation, and our Airport is a natural place to introduce technologies that are shaping the future,” said Mookie Patel, director of aviation at San José Mineta International Airport. “By piloting IntBot, we’re exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance the passenger journey while reinforcing SJC’s role as the gateway to Silicon Valley.”
“At IntBot, we are defining the category of social intelligence for physical AI, building the foundational layer that enables robots to understand human intent, context, and behavior in real-world environments,” said Lei Yang, CEO of IntBot. “This deployment at San José Mineta International Airport marks an important milestone in bringing socially intelligent robots into one of the busiest public hubs, demonstrating how these systems can operate reliably at scale. We are just beginning to unlock what this technology will enable across industries.”
The deployment aligns with the City of San José‘s broader commitment to responsible innovation and the use of technology to improve public services.
As one of the nation’s most reliable airports and the closest airport to the heart of Silicon Valley, SJC frequently partners with technology companies to pilot new tools that enhance the passenger experience.
The four-month IntBot pilot is part of SJC’s ongoing efforts to explore technologies that improve customer service, accessibility and operational efficiency while maintaining the Airport’s reputation as the Bay Area’s simplest and most convenient airport.