Travelers at San José Mineta International Airport, or SJC, now have a new, multilingual concierge: a humanoid robot named José. Stationed at Terminal B, the robot from Silicon Valley startup IntBot Inc. uses real-world perception and contextual reasoning to provide real-time directions and flight info.

IntBot’s robot was recently at GTC 2026, where it greeted visitors and worked the help desk to answer attendee questions. The humanoid is mobile and can be equipped with legs. During its stint at NVIDIA GTC, however, the robot was stationary, secured in a standing position, and wired for continuous operations.

For its role at SJC, IntBot will greet travelers, answer questions, and provide real-time information in 50+ languages.

“San José continues to lead in applying emerging technologies in ways that improve everyday experiences for residents and visitors,” said San José City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “Introducing IntBot at SJC reflects our commitment to thoughtful innovation that strengthens customer service while supporting our city’s reputation as a global technology hub.”

IntBot focuses on interactivity

Founded in 2024, IntBot has focused on designing robots for retail and hospitality, while many other humanoid developers have focused on manufacturing and supply chain applications. The Sunnyvale, Calif.-based company said it is using agentic AI for tasks that robots can do today and that do not require dexterous manipulation.

What also sets IntBot apart from other humanoid designs is its emphasis on interactivity without crossing the uncanny valley. The company said its platform represents a new generation of physical AI agents driven by real-world perception, contextual reasoning, and natural interaction, enabling smooth operation in complex public environments.

“At IntBot, we are defining the category of social intelligence for physical AI, building the foundational layer that enables robots to understand human intent, context, and behavior in real-world environments,” said Lei Yang, CEO of IntBot.

“This deployment at San José Mineta International Airport marks an important milestone in bringing socially intelligent robots into one of the busiest public hubs, demonstrating how these systems can operate reliably at scale,” he added. “We are just beginning to unlock what this technology will enable across industries.”

Editor’s note: At the 2026 Robotics Summit & Expo on May 27 and 28 in Boston, there will be sessions on embodied and physical AI, as well as on humanoid robot development. Registration is now open.

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Robot ready for 2026 World Cup visitors to San José

Levi’s Stadium in the San Francisco Bay Area is one of the host stadiums for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. SJC airport is the closest airport to Levi’s Stadium.

“We expect thousands of visitors from around the world for the FIFA World Cup, and thanks to IntBot, they’ll receive clear directions, real-time terminal information, and answers in more than 50 languages,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan. “We’re partnering with local start-ups to improve service delivery and raise the bar for customer experience.”

The deployment aligns with the City of San José’s broader commitment to responsible innovation and the use of technology to improve public services.

“San José sits at the center of global innovation, and our Airport is a natural place to introduce technologies that are shaping the future,” said Mookie Patel, director of aviation at San José Mineta International Airport. “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.”

As the closest airport to the heart of Silicon Valley, SJC frequently partners with technology companies. The four-month IntBot pilot is part of the airport’s ongoing efforts to explore technologies that improve customer service, accessibility, and operational efficiency while maintaining its reputation as the Bay Area’s most convenient airport.

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