Humanoid Helper Debuts at Pune Airport: Spaceo M1 Begins Passenger Assistance Trial

Travelers stepping into the arrivals area at Pune Airport are now greeted by more than just airport staff and information desks. Moving smoothly across the terminal floor, a humanoid robot named Spaceo M1 has begun interacting with passengers, marking a new chapter in tech-driven airport services in the city.

Developed by Pune-based Muks Robotics, the AI-powered robot is currently undergoing an 8- to 10-day pilot run at the airport. This is its first deployment at the facility, with testing focused primarily on the arrivals section.

What Spaceo M1 Can Do

Spaceo M1 is designed to function as a mobile airport assistant. It helps passengers navigate the terminal, locate restaurants, book cabs, and explore information about local attractions across Pune. Unlike static kiosks or digital information boards, the robot is wheel-based and can move autonomously on flat surfaces, accompanying travelers who require personal guidance.

According to The Indian Express, Dr Mukesh Bangar, Founder and CEO of Muks Robotics, said, “Spaceo M1 has been built to interact socially and can independently handle more than 35 different functions. It delivers real-time flight updates, informs passengers about gate changes, and guides them to check-in counters, boarding gates, washrooms, and other essential facilities.”

He further explained, “If a traveler scans the QR code on their ticket, the robot can instantly display the boarding gate details, provided it is linked with live flight schedule data, which is part of our integration plan.”

Beyond guidance, the robot can carry luggage weighing up to 60 kilograms. It is also fitted with sensors capable of identifying suspicious activity, allowing it to contribute in a limited capacity to airport security monitoring alongside its assistance duties.

Breaking Language Barriers

One of Spaceo M1’s most notable strengths is its multilingual capability. The robot can communicate in over 85 languages, including Hindi, English, Marathi, Tamil, and Telugu, making it suitable for both domestic and international passengers.

Trial Monitoring and Future Possibilities

Confirming the ongoing trial, Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke stated, “A private company approached us with a proposal to test the robot for passenger assistance. We have granted permission for an 8 to 10-day trial to evaluate its performance, passenger feedback, and technical efficiency.”

The trial, which began on Friday, is assessing how well the robot operates across different airport zones — from entrances and check-in counters to boarding gates and baggage claim areas — while also measuring its response under varying crowd densities.

If the pilot proves successful, Spaceo M1 could become a permanent addition to airport operations. Dr Bangar indicated that “An airport the size of Pune would ideally require at least three such robots to ensure comprehensive coverage across all areas.”

Expansion Plans Beyond the Airport

Muks Robotics is not limiting its ambitions to aviation hubs. The company plans to conduct another trial at the Civil Court station of the Pune Metro in early March. There are also discussions about deploying the robot at the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport near Nerul.

At present, the wheel-based version operates only on flat surfaces and cannot navigate stairs or elevators. To address this, the company is developing a bipedal model capable of walking on two legs and functioning in multi-level environments.

Once fully integrated into daily operations, Spaceo M1 is expected to expand its responsibilities to include assisting senior citizens, scanning tickets, and making public announcements.