Port Authority to debut avatar at NY-area airports
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — She smiles, answers questions and can guide you to the nearest restroom or to your connecting flight.
But don't try to shake her hand.
That's because "she" is an avatar, the latest high-tech venture at the three major airports in the New York City area.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey unveiled the device Monday at Newark and La Guardia airports.
Those two, along with JFK, will be the first airports in North America to get an avatar this summer. The Port Authority is renting them for about $180,000 for six months.
They cost about $250,000 each.
According to the Port Authority, more than 100 million travelers pass through the three airports annually.
