San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) launched a four-month pilot program featuring an AI-powered humanoid robot named José, developed by Silicon Valley startup IntBot. Stationed in Terminal B near Gate 24, José greets passengers, answers queries, and delivers real-time information in over 50 languages.
The robot integrates physical AI with multimodal perception, contextual reasoning, and natural interaction capabilities, enabling operation in busy public environments. SJC Director of Aviation Mookie Patel stated, “By piloting IntBot, we’re exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance the passenger journey while reinforcing SJC’s role as the gateway to Silicon Valley.”
San José City Manager Jennifer Maguire noted, “San José continues to lead in applying emerging technologies in ways that improve everyday experiences for residents and visitors.” IntBot CEO Lei Yang described the deployment as “an important milestone in bringing socially intelligent robots into one of the busiest public hubs, demonstrating how these systems can operate reliably at scale.”
The initiative, debuted on March 24, 2026, evaluates José’s impact on customer service, accessibility, and operational efficiency amid U.S. airport staffing challenges from a partial government shutdown. Airport officials aim to assess potential for wider deployment based on pilot outcomes. The program positions SJC as a testing ground for advanced robotics in aviation.