By @californiapost, Daniel Farr
May 02, 2026
Humanoid robot delays flight to San Diego after Southwest seized its oversized batteries
Cluster:
AI & Automation
A Southwest Airlines flight from Oakland to San Diego turned into an unexpected comedy show after a dancing humanoid robot named Bebop caused a delay. Bebop, owned by Elite Event Robotics, was too heavy to check in, so Southwest crew members bought it a boarding pass and seated it in the cabin. The robot’s lithium battery exceeded airline size limits, leading to a regulatory standoff. After the battery was removed, the flight departed late. Bebop is a child-sized robot capable of dancing and serving drinks, rented for entertainment purposes. The incident highlighted the challenges airlines face with oversized, non-standard cargo.
Source: New York Post