US Airlines Ban Humanoid Robots from Flights

United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have banned humanoid and ‘animal-like’ robots from all flights. The ban applies to both aircraft cabins and checked baggage, effective July 23. 

United Airlines said that the ban was not based on a specific incident. The ban will help ensure the safety of customers and crew, the airline said. Similarly, Delta Air Lines also banned “human- or animal-like robotic devices” in both aircraft cabins and checked luggage. The policy specifically bans robotic devices containing lithium batteries that exceed allowed watt-hour limitations, citing safety and security risks. 

Most humanoid robots are powered by large lithium-ion batteries exceeding the FAA’s watt-hour limits for carry-on devices. As per, IATA rules, batteries over 160Wh are banned on passenger flights, and all removable batteries are prohibited in checked luggage .

Neither airline has disclosed whether a humanoid robot has ever caused a fire or serious safety incident on a flight. The bans appear to be preventive rather than reactive.

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Earlier in May, Southwest Airlines issued a similar ban after a passenger bought a seat for a humanoid companion robot. The airline removed the battery of the 3/12-foot robot “Stewie” before continuing the flight. The primary concern being the size of lithium ion batteries that are used in Robots, the airline staff was also unsure of how to handle the robot on board since it’s not a carry-on item. 

The bans highlight a gap between regulations designed for consumer electronics, and  not large, battery-powered machines like Humanoid Robots. The real challenge however not the robot’s shape, it’s the battery. Airlines don’t have the infrastructure to safely transport them. But as humanoids become more common in workplaces, airlines will have to make exceptions to accommodate robots in airports and aircrafts.