KIX Hands-on Robotic Exhibition for Practical Use

Kansai Airports (“KAP”), ORIX Corporation (“ORIX”) and ORIX Rentec Corporation (“ORIX Rentec”) jointly announced today that hands-on exhibition “KIX Robot mini Expo” will be held at Kansai International Airport (“KIX”) for four days from March 20, 2018, with an aim to promote practical applications of the next generation robotic technologies.

At the expo, visitors can enjoy interaction with and experience how to maneuver most advanced robots (18 models in total) of 15 companies. Highlights of the event include “automated transport robots” and “cleaning robots”. The former reduces the burden of transporting goods on wide terminal floors where many people come and go, and the latter enables an even more comfortable airport environment and allows for effective use of manpower. The event also features exciting demonstrations and opportunities for inbound travelers and other guests such as dance performances by “communication robots”, a claw game machine using “robot arms” and a female android speaking three languages--Japanese, English and Chinese.

KIX served 21.13 million passengers on international flights in 2017, up 13% year-over-year, setting a record for four consecutive years. As air travel demand is growing, KAP has introduced some latest technologies such as Smart Lanes and a new airport operational database management system to reduce passenger waiting time and stress, while enhancing operational efficiency and optimizing staff allocation. And this January and February saw a trial operation of cleaning robots and robotic check-in kiosks at KIX.

Passenger traffic is expected to further increase ahead of a series of international events such as the G20 Osaka summit and Rugby World Cup in 2019, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and, hopefully, the 2025 World Expo Osaka. By making the most of the synergy effect of the partnership, KAP, ORIX and ORIX Rentec will continue supporting the practical use of the next generation robots at airports, logistic facilities, factories and offices as well as showcasing the latest must-see technologies at home and abroad.