Miami International Airport (MIA) will soon have three new technologies based on artificial intelligence (AI), whose objective is to facilitate transit within this air terminal and offer better service to passengers in general.
The compelling proposals emerged as part of the second Miami-Dade County Innovation Challenge and the testing phase will begin in the second quarter of this year.
The three selected companies were:
RouteMe, which uses artificial intelligence to enable travelers to navigate the airport using their camera phones, offering detailed assistance via audio, text and touch to help prevent people from getting lost.
Synapse, which uses artificial intelligence software to translate airport texts and announcements into sign language videos to ensure that deaf and hard of hearing people understand digital signage.
Mapsted, which provides passengers with digital maps that allow them to more easily navigate the airport and include step-by-step instructions, as well as accessibility and integration tools through the use of smart technology devices.
The Miami-Dade Innovation Authority (MDIA) will invest $100,000 per company from a combination of public and private funds to help implement these innovations at MIA, although there are plans to expand them to other airports around the world.
County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said, โAs Miami-Dade Countyโs primary economic engine, MIAโs success deeply impacts the livelihoods of our residents and local businesses. We are making historic investments to ensure our airport is future-proofed to provide the highest level of service to our visitors and residents for generations to come. This innovation challenge furthers our mission by partnering with visionary innovators to position MIA as a global leader in sustainability and innovation.โ
The second challenge was launched in December 2023 to attract entrepreneurs with futuristic projects that would ensure the incorporation of significant improvements in MIA operations for the benefit of passengers. 136 local and international technology companies participated in this competition and finally the MDIA together with representatives from the airport and the county's innovation and economic development office chose the winners.
Test sessions for each of the technologies will take place over the next three months, with the possibility of extending them independently for up to 12 months.
Francesca de Quesada Covey, Director of Innovation and Economic Development, said: โBy integrating cutting-edge technology and fostering cross-sector collaboration between our local government and innovators, we are improving the passenger experience and aligning with our core values โโof agile, solution-oriented governance. This initiative not only advances our goal of creating a thriving and inclusive economy, but also ensures that Miami-Dade remains a global leader.โ
The countyโs Innovation Authority is a nonprofit entity that emerged in January 2023 as an initiative of the mayor. It had initial public, philanthropic and private funding totaling $9 million, with funds contributed by the county, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and Citadel founder and CEO Ken Griffin.
