Passengers Groan as Humanoid Robot on Flight Causes Hour-Long Delay at Oakland Airport

A robotics team flying from Oakland to San Diego brought a 77-pound humanoid robot on a Southwest flight.

After being told it could not be checked as luggage, the team bought the robot its own seat.

Airline staff questioned the robot’s lithium battery, removed it, and the dispute delayed the flight by more than an hour.

The incident shows how unusual robots can complicate airline safety and handling rules.