Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) this week launched a robotic ambassador for its online food & beverage ordering service, LAXOrderNow.com.

In a pilot programme in partnership with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and AtYourGate, the LAX Order Now delivery service has begun using help from a two-wheeled, semi-autonomous robot helper called NomNom.

Robotic ambassador: Cargo robot NomNom accompanies AtYourGate staff who deliver F&B orders across the airport from LAX Order Now

Cargo robot NomNom can carry up to 40 pounds of food at a time as it follows behind delivery staff from AtYourGate, which delivers food ordered via LAX Order Now.

The robot can move at speeds up to 6mph and uses a series of cameras and sensors to recognize and follow its handler throughout the airport.

Robots like NomNom are set to become a regular feature in US airports in the contactless era accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic

LAX Order Now offers contactless order pickup from restaurants, with optional delivery available directly to the gate areas in selected terminals.

Guests can scan QR codes throughout the terminals or visit the LAX Order Now website to browse menus, place an order and pay.

At the checkout stage, guests in eligible terminals who require delivery select that option and pay an additional delivery fee.

Guests are notified on their mobile device when orders are on their way and when they arrive in the designated gate area. Each participating restaurant provides an estimated delivery time to help ensure food arrives prior to flight departure.

A special promotion will run on the upcoming Labor Day weekend, when guests can use the coupon code LAXNomNom for -25% off their online food orders on 12 September.

Original article here.