At Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), dining after check-in has taken a futuristic turn — a food delivery robot now brings meals and drinks directly to boarding gates, sparing passengers the hassle of queues or last-minute rushes to outlets.
The initiative is a collaboration between Refresh24Seven Hospitality and GMR Innovex, the innovation arm of GMR Group, with the robot developed by Ottonomy. Currently deployed on the F-level concourse of the domestic terminal, the service caters to passengers between gates 101 and 124. Orders can be placed either by scanning QR codes at kiosks after check-in or directly on the robot as it moves along a programmed loop. The digital menu offers a variety of options from Refresh24Seven outlets, including Minerva Coffee Shop, Pista House, and United Kitchens of India.
After passengers place and pay for their orders, an OTP is sent to their registered mobile number. The robot then collects the food from the outlet, where it is securely stored in one of its two cabins. On arrival at the selected gate, the passenger enters the OTP on the robot’s screen, unlocking only their designated compartment—ensuring multiple deliveries remain separate and secure. Real-time updates on the robot’s journey are also sent directly to the passenger’s phone.
This is the first deployment of its kind at any Indian airport. Currently focused on domestic passengers—particularly during peak breakfast hours—the service will gradually expand to more outlets, gates, and eventually the international terminal, according to Shrudhan Reddy of Refresh24Seven.
The robot, with a battery life of up to 12 hours, alternates between active duty and charging. At present, one unit is in circulation, delivering beverages within about eight minutes and food orders in roughly 15 minutes. Its constant movement around the gates not only aids service but also draws attention—especially from children, who often stop to watch or take photos. “Visibility itself becomes part of the experience,” Reddy noted.
For seamless navigation, the robot uses AI-powered mapping with remote-control backup. If it encounters an obstacle, it issues polite prompts such as, ‘Please excuse me, I have a delivery to make.’ Delivery points at every gate and restaurant have been precisely mapped to ensure smooth operation.
