By E.H. Edejer | October 19, 2025

FREEPORT AREA OF BATAAN — A fully-autonomous robot now greets visitors to the administration building of the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), probably a first-of-its-kind among free ports and special economic zones in the country.

No, it’s not yet the C-3PO type of humanoid robot, but close enough to an R2-D2 of Star Wars fame. It moves around the AFAB halls using a combination of laser and visual sensors, greets guests, plays cheerful music, carries information materials, and even shares updates about the Freeport.

“It’s one of the simple ways AFAB is starting to integrate meaningful innovations into its day-to-day environment,” the freeport authority said during the robot rollout last Thursday, Oct. 16.

“In a time where most government agencies still rely on traditional setups, AFAB’s readiness to explore new approaches reflects a Freeport that keeps pace with change,” it added.

The KettyBot, developed by Pudu Robotics based in Shenzhen, China, is designed as a three-in-one robot capable of performing delivery, reception, and marketing tasks.

Along with its capability for autonomous navigation, KettyBot has the ability to carry up to 30 kilograms of load—in AFAB’s case, copies of its newsletter “FABalita”—while navigating crowded spaces. It even returns to its charging dock automatically when idle.

Meanwhile, its 18.5-inch interactive display and smart voice interaction are proving to be a huge boost to AFAB’s quest to enrich visitor experience.

Though still in the early stages of use, the KettyBot “reflects AFAB’s growing effort to explore technology that improves efficiency,” the State-owned firm also said.

The launch of KettyBot is just the latest in AFAB’s innovations under the growing technology-driven economy. Early last week, AFAB announced its “virtual office” that allows digital enterprises to establish a legal and compliant base of operations within the Freeport, without the heavy cost of traditional office space.

The 800-square-meter facility located in the AFAB administration building features executive rooms, coworking areas, meeting spaces, private offices for small teams, and a secure mailbox system.

Through this virtual office, technology-driven businesses can access incentives, register remotely, and operate from anywhere in the world, while remaining part of the FAB’s investment environment.

AFAB also said that by virtue of Republic Act 11453, it is the only investment promotion agency in the country that is legally empowered to license enterprises in blockchain, fintech, and other new and emerging technology-based sectors. 