A humanoid robot was activated in the departure hall at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport on March 30, to provide helpful advice and service to passengers.

The new employee, nicknamed Cloud, made its worldwide debut at the Boao Forum for Asia in March.

Cloud will help passengers find their way around the terminal, offer guidance on check-in procedures, and even provide entertainment for those waiting in line.

Cloud, a humanoid robot developed by Shenzhen-based UBTECH Robotics Corp, welcomes passengers at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport on March 30. [Photo/South.cn]

Using cameras and facial recognition technology, Cloud can navigate any environment and even determining whether to speak English or Chinese based on who is standing before it.

The robot, which uses cloud-based data, is the product of Shenzhen-based UBTECH Robotics Corp. It is China's first company dedicated to the R&D, manufacture, and commercialization of humanoid robots.

Among Cloud's many skills, it is capable of shaking hands, giving hugs, and even dancing, as well as being able to speak both Chinese and English.

The airport aims to simplify and speed-up its check-in process by adapting more advanced and intelligent technologies.

Reporting for duty, Cloud prepares for his first day of work at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. [Photo by Wang Shengbing/cnr.cn]