Arabic-speaking Robot travels on-board Emirates flight

Dubai, February 08, 2010 (SPA) -- Ibn Sina, the Arabic-speaking humanoid robot,
recently thrilled other passengers as Emirates Airlines flight EK817 was
transporting one of the world’s most advanced robots from Dubai to Riyadh,
the UAE news agency "WAM" reported.


A first for Emirates, Ibn Sina the robot, traveled as a First Class passenger
on the flight accompanied by Dr Nikolaos Mavridis, Assistant Professor of
Computer Science at the United Arab Emirates University College of Information
Technology in Al Ain where the machine was developed, along with two of his
assistants.


Able to verbally interact with people, Ibn Sina stunned fellow passengers as he
was checked in at Emirates’ dedicated First Class check-in counters and
relaxed in Emirates’ First Class lounge prior to boarding his flight. The
transportation of Ibn Sina required countless hours of planning and input from
multiple Emirates Group departments to ensure the humanoid was cleared for
travel by the Dubai Police Authorities, the Dubai International Airport and
Emirates’ safety team.


Mohammed Mattar, Divisional Senior Vice President, Airport Operations said:
"The planning and integration of numerous Emirates departments is testament to
our commitment to give every passenger, human or not, the best level of care
and service possible. Ibn Sina embodies the forward thinking and innovative
ethos of Emirates and we were honored to have him fly with us.


"This was certainly an interesting challenge for the team however through
careful planning Ibn Sina was successfully transported to his destination and
we look forward to many more trips of the same nature."


Ibn Sina safely made the trip to Riyadh where he was the key exhibit at a
conference and exhibition on higher education.

--SPA