Don’t Take Your Robot on a United Flight if It Looks Anything Like You (or Your Dog)
United Airlines has updated its baggage policy to prohibit humanoid and animal-like robots not just from passenger cabins but also from checked luggage. This is purportedly due to concerns over battery safety, but you have to admit it’d be pretty creepy to find out your seatmate was a human-size bot.
The policy, spotted by Live and Let Fly, applies to robots that look, move, and behave like humans or animals. United’s definition covers both remotely controlled robots and machines that use AI for movement. Interestingly, the airline’s robot policy is actually separate from its battery rules, which makes you wonder: Is it really about the batteries in these robots?
Thankfully for parents whose kids like to play on the plane, United still allows “other types of robots,” “such as small toys and gadgets,” aboard as long as they follow the airline’s other safety guidelines. These mini bots can’t contain a lithium-ion battery capable of holding more than 100 watt-hours or a two-battery capacity exceeding 160 watt-hours. Three batteries or more cannot fly.
United’s ban on humanoid and animal robots follows those of other airlines, including Southwest and Delta.
