Deutsche Bahn Trials AI Ticket Assistance at BER Airport

Travelers at Berlin's Brandenburg Airport (BER) can now access information about train connections to the city center through an innovative artificial intelligence system. The Deutsche Bahn has installed an interactive kiosk named 'Kiana' on the mezzanine level of Terminal 1, equipped with a touchscreen, speakers, and a microphone.

This AI-powered kiosk utilizes advanced language models to provide passengers with details about the next train and the most affordable travel options. However, the system does not facilitate ticket purchases; instead, users are directed to the Deutsche Bahn website or mobile app via a QR code.

The service is not available 24/7. 'Kiana' can be accessed only on weekdays from 9 AM to 3 PM, as a railway employee is present during these hours to assist travelers with their inquiries. The initial operation of the voice assistant has experienced some hiccups, with the technology occasionally struggling to comprehend user requests. Additionally, users must pay close attention to the audio output to fully understand the information provided.

This initiative is part of a pilot project set to run until mid-October, after which the gathered data will be analyzed to determine the next steps. Carmen Maria Parrino, Managing Director of Public Transport at DB Vertrieb, expressed optimism about the potential for expanding this smart advisory service to other train stations in the future. Discussions are reportedly underway with local transportation authorities regarding this expansion.