Ankara: Delta and United Airlines are set to prohibit humanoid and animal-like robots from being carried in the passenger cabin or checked luggage because of safety concerns over their lithium-ion batteries.

According to Anadolu Agency, Delta and United Airlines will update their carry-on and checked baggage policies. For safety reasons, the airlines will no longer allow robots that resemble humans or pets on board their aircraft.

Southwest Airlines previously adopted a similar policy after a passenger attempted to board a flight with a robot. The types of batteries commonly used to power these robots are already restricted during air travel. Heavy lithium-ion batteries can pose a serious fire hazard if they are damaged, mishandled, or experience thermal runaway.