US airlines restrict transport of humanoid and pet-like robots

Leading US airlines, including Delta and United Airlines, are preparing to implement new restrictions aimed at enhancing flight safety. According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the new regulations will prohibit the transport of robots resembling humans or pets, both in the aircraft cabin and in checked baggage.

The primary reason for this ban is the fire and explosion risk posed by the lithium-ion batteries used in these devices. Aviation safety experts note that, in the event of a malfunction or improper handling, these batteries can pose a significant threat to aircraft integrity and passenger safety.

Southwest Airlines has previously adopted similar measures following an incident where a passenger attempted to board a flight with a robotic device. Industry analysts suggest that these collective actions are aimed at establishing unified safety standards for the transport of robotic technology across the US civil aviation sector, as the proliferation of consumer robotics continues to challenge existing regulatory frameworks.