August 21, 2025
Lost at the airport? There’s a bot for that. Today, Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA), in partnership with Halifax-based start-up Maritime Robotics, launched two custom-built passenger experience robots at Halifax Stanfield. The project is part of HIAA’s ongoing commitment to advancing the Stanfield experience by leveraging technology that improves wayfinding and helps support a seamless journey for travellers and airport visitors.
“We are pleased to partner with a local start-up to test robotic technology at our airport,” said Tiffany Chase, Director of Marketing, Communications & Customer Experience at HIAA. “This collaboration marks an exciting step toward enhancing wayfinding and elevating the passenger experience. By embracing technology solutions like these, we are prioritizing airport efficiency and innovation, with a touch of fun in the terminal. Think WALL·E with a map — and they’re pretty adorable, too.”
The custom-built robots, which are being pilot-tested at the airport over the next several months, are equipped with voice recognition and touch screen interfaces. Users can access information on flights, weather, airport amenities, and more. When requested, the robots will physically guide users to select locations within a programmed perimeter. For destinations outside of that range, a static wayfinding map is available.
“Bringing this kind of innovation to our local airport is especially meaningful,” said Huijing He, Director, Maritime Robotics. “It’s not just about introducing new technology — it’s about enhancing the travel experience for our community and taking a significant step toward the future of travel, powered by the people who make it possible.”
Both robots are positioned pre-security in the Centre Court and Arrivals areas of the terminal building, complementing traveller resources already provided by airport employees and volunteers. The robots offer an additional layer of support for people navigating the terminal, particularly during peak times when in-person assistance may be limited.
Travellers and visitors are encouraged to try out the robots the next time they visit the airport, and experience firsthand what they have to offer.
About Halifax Stanfield
Halifax Stanfield is Atlantic Canada’s principal full-service airport, providing passengers and cargo clients with direct access to markets across Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean Basin, Europe, and Asia. Halifax Stanfield offers Canada Customs services on a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week basis and is the only airport in Atlantic Canada with U.S. preclearance and international-to-domestic processing facilities. The airport is a significant economic generator, contributing $4.2 billion annually to the provincial economy. In 2024, Halifax Stanfield served 4 million passengers and processed 26,000 metric tonnes of cargo. A recognized innovator in the global airport industry, Halifax Stanfield was the first airport in North America to offer a self-service baggage drop system for all passengers and is consistently ranked among the best airports in the world.
About Maritime Robotics
Maritime Robotics is a robotics service provider, established 2018, specializing in robotic software solutions for Retail, Medical, Expo & Conferences, and more. They invest in on-going R&D with Canada’s top research institution, Dalhousie University in areas of computer vision, 3D imaging and positioning, depth sensors, and other exciting advances in robotics.