Jan 8, 2018

Pepper the Robot Lands at New North American Airports

HMSHost brings robot to greet airport diners and offer menu recommendations

BETHESDA, MD — Pepper the robot is coming to an airport near you. Travelers can expect to see more of the 4-foot tall humanoid robot at select HMSHost North American airport restaurants. Pepper greets and engages traveling guests, provides menu details, and even offers menu recommendations.

Pepper is a new airport experience that will surprise and delight guests and start their journey off with a fun, memorable experience. Pepper recently debuted at Avenue des Canadiens in Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport where travelers can select to speak with Pepper in French or English. Pepper also debuted at the Washington Redskins Burgundy & Gold Club in Washington Dulles International Airport and at Point the Way Café in Los Angeles International Airport. In addition to these three new airports, Pepper will remain at HMSHost’s Pyramid Ale Taproom in Oakland International Airport.

“HMSHost is the industry leader in culinary innovation, but we’re also at the forefront of bringing travelers the latest airport dining technology to help ease their travels. We are excited to bring something as unique and entertaining as Pepper to help us further enhance the experience we offer our guests,\" said HMSHost Vice President of Innovation Jim Schmitz. “We’re thankful to these airports for being willing to explore innovative methods with us that bring new ways to elevate travelers’ journeys.”

Pepper customizes her features for each airport so her interactions with travelers will vary from location to location. At select locations, Pepper helps travelers with airport directions such as gates, the nearest restrooms, and finding other HMSHost-operated food and beverage options throughout the airport.

HMSHost launched a pilot program with SoftBank Robotics America in January 2017 to bring Pepper to her first North American airport location at Oakland International Airport to provide an entertaining and informative guest experience. Since then, Pepper has taken the airport by storm, entertaining guests, providing menu recommendations, helping with directions, and even posing for selfies.

Catch Pepper during your travels? Share your sighting with us using #MeetPepper.