Overview
- SJC has deployed José, a humanoid helper from local startup IntBot, to assist passengers at Terminal B’s Gate 24 in a four‑month pilot.
- José greets travelers, answers questions, gives directions, and shares real‑time terminal info in more than 50 languages.
- The robot uses cameras, microphones, and language models to read context in a crowded terminal, and the airport will collect data to judge performance.
- City leaders promoted the test as customer‑service innovation ahead of heavier travel, while an information‑desk volunteer questioned how José will handle complex tasks like lost‑and‑found.
- Coverage split on emphasis, with Business Insider linking the rollout to TSA staffing strains during a partial shutdown and local reports highlighting live passenger interactions and early reactions.