Robot Named Bebop Delays Southwest Flight Over Battery and Seating Concerns
Southwest said Bebop’s lithium battery exceeded allowable size limits, and the robot was moved to a window seat before the flight departed.
- On Thursday, April 30, 2026, a humanoid robot named Bebop delayed a Southwest Airlines flight from Oakland to San Diego after crew members raised concerns regarding the device's lithium battery size.
- Before boarding, the 70-pound robot named Bebop entertained passengers at the gate, representing Elite Event Robotics, a firm that rents humanoid devices for events and was traveling to Southern California for work.
- Safety guidelines from The Transportation Security Administration restrict lithium batteries on planes due to fire risks; Southwest flight crews determined Bebop's battery exceeded maximum allowable size limits after the robot was already seated.
- Crew members removed the battery to resolve the issue, allowing the flight to proceed to San Diego International Airport, arriving approximately one hour late according to FlightAware data.
- Elite is working to recover the confiscated battery for future engagements. Chana Ben-Abraham confirmed, "He'll be there on Sunday," indicating Bebop will continue its scheduled work despite the airport incident.
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12 Articles
US humanoid robot passenger delays flight over banned battery size
A humanoid robot called “Bebop” has delayed a flight out of California Airport due to safety concerns. Booked on a Southwest Airlines flight from Oakland to San Diego, the aircraft finally arrived an hour late on Thursday (April 30). Weighing in at around 70 pounds (32 kg), Bebop was set to travel “for work” with its human team. However, airport security became concerned with the actual safety of transporting the robot as a passenger. While the …
Dancing robot delays Oakland–San Diego flight after Southwest confiscates its oversized batteries
A Southwest Airlines flight from Oakland to San Diego turned into an unexpected comedy show Thursday after a dancing humanoid robot named Bebop caused a delay, confused airline staff, and sparked a lithium battery standoff that grounded the trip before it even got rolling.
Meet Bebop: Humanoid robot causes Southwest flight delay out of Oakland Airport
Passengers on a Southwest Airlines flight from Oakland to San Diego arrived more than an hour late Thursday after an unusual traveler prompted a runway delay. The 70-pound robot, named Bebop, was traveling for work when it became the focus of questions and safety checks before departure.
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