United and Delta Ban Humanoid Robots From Flights
The carriers have barred human- and animal-like robotic devices from cabins and checked bags, citing lithium battery fire risks, months after a robot companion boarded a Southwest flight.
United Airlines has banned "humanoid and animal-like robots" from both aircraft cabins and checked baggage, joining a growing list of carriers restricting the machines over battery safety concerns.
The airline told CBS News the policy took effect July 23 and described it as a "proactive" step in case such technology becomes more common in everyday life. United did not say whether any passenger had previously tried to bring a humanoid robot aboard, but said the rule was not prompted by a specific incident.
"We believe this change will help further ensure the safety of our customers and crews," a United spokesperson said, noting that lifelike robots are often powered by the same kinds of batteries the airline already prohibits.
Delta Air Lines imposed a similar ban in June on "human- or animal-like robotic devices" in cabins and checked luggage. The carrier said the policy specifically covers robotic devices with lithium batteries that exceed allowed watt-hour limits, because they can pose safety and security risks.
"We continually review emerging technologies and update our policies to maintain the highest safety standards," a Delta spokesperson said in a statement to CBS News.
The restrictions follow an episode earlier this year in which a passenger boarded a Southwest Airlines flight with a robot companion. The discount carrier announced its own ban in May, citing battery safety.
JetBlue and American Airlines, which do not currently ban humanoid robots, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Humanoid robots remain rare outside laboratories and factory floors, though numerous companies are developing the technology and its boosters predict the machines will eventually become common.
Ravinder Dahiya, a professor and roboticist at Northeastern University's College of Engineering, told CBS News that most humanoid robots today run on heavy lithium-ion batteries that can pose a fire hazard if they explode or are mishandled.
"When it comes to safety, I'm not opposed to the bans at all. But as a researcher, you desire to carry out your research freely, without hindrance," Dahiya said, noting that "sometimes you have to take robots along with you for demonstrations."
This article was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), in accordance with our editorial policy.
