Eating after checking in your luggage at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) has turned into a futuristic experience, with a food delivery robot now rolling up to boarding gates to hand over meals and drinks directly to passengers, eliminating the need to stand in queues or rush to outlets before boarding.

The initiative is a collaboration between Refresh24Seven hospitality and GMR Innovex, the innovation arm of GMR Group. The robot was developed by Ottonomy.

The robot is currently deployed on the F-level concourse of the domestic terminal, serving passengers between gates 101 and 124. Orders can be placed in two ways, by scanning QR codes displayed at kiosks after check-in, or by scanning the code directly on the robot itself as it moves along the gate area on a programmed loop. Once scanned, the code opens up digital menus of Refresh24Seven-operated outlets, including Minerva Coffee Shop, Pista House and United Kitchens of India.

Passengers at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) can now have meals delivered to their boarding gates by a robot | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

After the passenger selects and pays for their order, an OTP is sent to their registered mobile number. The robot then collects the food from the restaurant, where it is placed securely in one of its two cabins. On reaching the chosen gate, the passenger enters the OTP on the robot's screen, which unlocks only the compartment containing their order, ensuring that multiple deliveries remain separate and secure. Passengers also receive real-time updates on their phones, tracking the robot's movement from the kitchen to the gate.

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This is the first robot of its kind to be deployed at an airport in India. For now, the focus is on serving domestic passengers, especially during the busy breakfast hours, but the plan is to gradually extend the service to more outlets, additional gates, and eventually the international terminal, said Shrudhan Reddy of Refresh24Seven.

The robot, which has a battery life of up to 12 hours, alternates between operation and charging. At present, only one unit is in circulation. On average, beverages such as coffee or soft drinks are delivered within eight minutes, while food orders take about 15 minutes. Designed for both functionality and visibility, the robot continuously moves around the gates to make itself noticeable. "We noticed children in particular are fascinated by it. Many stop to take photos. So, visibility itself becomes part of the experience," said Mr. Reddy.

To ensure smooth navigation, the robot is programmed with AI mapping but also has remote-control backup. In case of obstacles or unusual movement on its path, it issues polite audio prompts such as "Please excuse me, I have a delivery to make." The designated delivery points at every gate and restaurant outlet have been carefully mapped.

Flying from Hyderabad airport? A robot can now deliver your meal at boarding gates