Category: Service Robotics

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Southwest Airlines Bans Humanoid and Animaloid Robots from Flights

Southwest Airlines has added a new clause to its baggage policy prohibiting humanoid and animaloid robots from being transported onboard, either in the cabin or as checked baggage. The airline defines a “human-like robot” as any robot designed to imitate human appearance, movement, or behavior. Likewise, an “animal-like robot” – more precisely described as an animaloid or zoomorph robot – refers to machines designed to resemble animals. The restriction would likely apply to robotic bipeds such as NAO, Pepper, Unitree G1, Apollo, Figure 03, or NEO, as well as robotc quadrupeds like Unitree Go2, Boston Dynamics’ Spot or Sony’s AIBO. While such machines are still uncommon in everyday travel, they are regularly used in research, engineering, education, and commercial demonstrations, making air transport a practical consideration for some owners and institutions. Southwest has not publicly explained the rationale behind the rule, but battery safety, handling concerns, and operational procedures are likely factors. Other robots and robotic toys remain permitted if they fit inside normal carry-on luggage and comply with existing battery restrictions. More information is available via support.southwest.com.

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Robot Dog Helps Blind Navigation

According to a Golem article published on April 12, 2026, researchers at Binghamton University have developed an AI-powered robotic guide dog designed to assist blind people through spoken interaction. Unlike traditional systems that rely on leash signals, the robotic dog uses large language models to understand voice commands, suggest different route options with estimated travel times, and verbally describe surroundings while guiding its user. As it moves, the robot continuously explains nearby hallways, obstacles, and environmental details to improve situational awareness. In tests with seven legally blind participants navigating an office environment, users responded very positively and especially appreciated the combination of route planning and real-time commentary. The research team plans to further improve the robot’s autonomy and expand testing in both indoor and outdoor settings, highlighting the technology’s potential as a future alternative or supplement to traditional guide dogs. An important practical consideration will also be how real dogs react to the robotic guide dog. This was examined in the Robodog project by Prof. Dr. Oliver Bendel and his student Selina Rohr.

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The Rise of General-purpose Robots

The paper “The Universal Robot of the 21st Century” by Oliver Bendel was published in February 2025 in the proceedings volume “Social Robots with AI: Prospects, Risks, and Responsible Methods” … From the abstract: “Developments in several areas of computer science, robotics, and social robotics make it seem likely that a universal robot will be available in the foreseeable future. Large language models for communication, perception, and control play a central role in this. This article briefly outlines the developments in the various areas and uses them to create the overall image of the universal robot. It then discusses the associated challenges from an ethical and social science perspective. It can be said that the universal robot will bring with it new possibilities and will perhaps be one of the most powerful human tools in physical space. At the same time, numerous problems are foreseeable, individual, social, and ecological.” The proceedings volume comprises the papers presented at Robophilosophy 2024 in Aarhus. Leading philosophers, computer scientists and roboticists met there in August. Like the ICSR, the conference is one of the world’s leading conferences on social robotics. General-purpose robots, the predecessors of universal robots, have now become widespread, as exemplified by Digit, Apollo, and Figure 03. The author accepted manuscript of this article is therefore being made freely available on this site for non-commercial use only and with no derivatives, in line with the publisher’s self-archiving policy.

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Paper on “Robots in Policing”

In January 2023, the Proceedings of Robophilosophy 2022 were published. Included is the paper “Robots in Policing” by Oliver Bendel. From the abstract: “This article is devoted to the question of how robots are used in policing and what opportunities and risks arise in social terms. It begins by briefly explaining the characteristics of modern police work. It puts service robots and social robots in relation to each other and outlines relevant disciplines. The article also lists types of robots that are and could be relevant in the present context. It then gives examples from different countries of the use of robots in police work and security services. From these, it derives the central tasks of robots in this area and their most important technical features. A discussion from social, ethical, and technical perspectives seeks to provide clarity on how robots are changing the police as a social institution and with social actions and relationships, and what challenges need to be addressed.” (Abstract) Robots and AI systems in police work have become a hot topic. The author accepted manuscript of this article is therefore being made freely available on this site for non-commercial use only and with no derivatives, in line with the publisher’s self-archiving policy.

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Launch of Figure 03

On October 9, 2025, Figure unveiled its latest general-purpose robot, called Figure 03. With the help of the Helix AI platform, it can understand speech, analyze and interpret its surroundings, and take appropriate action. Figure 03 is designed for use in the home, where it can do laundry or load and unload the dishwasher. It is covered with soft textiles instead of hard, machine-finished parts. As with earlier models, the face is mask-like and unapproachable. It has integrated palm cameras and fingers with tactile sensors. The company writes: “Each fingertip sensor can detect forces as small as three grams of pressure – sensitive enough to register the weight of a paperclip resting on your finger. This precision enables Helix to distinguish between a secure grip and an impending slip before it occurs, allowing fine-grained, dexterous control over fragile, irregular, or moving objects.” (Website Figure) Hundreds of thousands of models are to be produced in the coming years. Further information is available at www.figure.ai/figure (Image: ChatGPT/4o Image).

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The Mirokaï

The third and final day of ICSR 2025, September 12, 2025, began with a keynote speech by Jérôme Monceaux entitled “Emotivation by Design: The Mirokaï”. Present was one of the Mirokaï, spectacular robots that roll on a sphere, the female Miroka. Jérôme Monceaux’s keynote traced the evolution of robotics toward more intuitive, inspiring, and joyful interactions. From the iconic Nao and Pepper robots at Aldebaran to the latest generation of social robots, The Mirokaï by Enchanted Tools, his innovative approach reshaped design, mobility, and user experience. He shared his vision for humanoid robots built to support people in everyday life and work. By combining bold engineering with endearing character design, embodied AI, and meaningful storytelling, Jérôme Monceaux and his team created a cohesive hardware and software ecosystem that integrated naturally into social environments – especially in care settings like senior living and pediatric hospitals. The approximately 300 participants watched enthusiastically as the inventor and visionary spoke to Miroka on stage and handed it a bubble flower, which it accepted and used.

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A Delivery Robot in Zurich Oerlikon

Since August 2025, food delivery service Just Eat has been testing the use of delivery robots in Zurich Oerlikon, in collaboration with ETH spin-off Rivr. Several Swiss media outlets, including Inside IT und Tages-Anzeiger, reported on this on August 21, 2025. For two months, a four-legged robot with wheels will be delivering orders from the restaurant Zekis World. At first, a human operator will accompany each delivery run. What happens after that remains unclear. Although the robot is frequently referred to as autonomous in media reports, it’s also said to be monitored or even remotely controlled from a central hub. This setup is reminiscent of the Segway delivery robot that’s been operating in the U.S. for years, as well as Starship Technologies’ delivery robot, which Swiss Post tested near Bern in 2016. However, those models are more conventional in designe – ssentially wheeled boxes. The sleeker and more advanced Zurich robot, by contrast, travels at 15 km/h (about 9 mph), can handle obstacles like curbs and stairs, and uses an AI system for navigation. Its delivery container is insulated and leak-proof. The trial is reportedly a European first. If successful, Just Eat plans to expand the rollout to additional cities and retail applications. According to Inside IT, Rivr CEO Marko Bjelonic views the project as an important step toward autonomous deliveries in urban environments. However, some experts advise caution, especially in areas with heavy foot and vehicle traffic. Encounters with dogs and other animals must also be taken into account – initial research on this topic has been conducted in the context of animal-machine interaction.

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Pepper and NAO in Chinese Hands

Shenzhen-based Maxvision Technology Corp. has acquired the core assets of French robotics pioneer Aldebaran, including its iconic humanoid robots NAO and Pepper. This was reported by The Robot Report in its article “Maxvision buys core robot assets of Aldebaran, including Nao and Pepper” from July 19, 2025. The move follows Aldebaran’s bankruptcy and receivership earlier this year. The company, founded in 2005, became known for designing approachable humanoid robots for education, healthcare, retail, and research. Maxvision stated that the acquisition will bolster its R&D in emotional interaction and motion control, expand its product portfolio into humanoid robotics, and support global expansion – particularly in Europe and North America. According to The Robot Report, strategic sectors include eldercare, education, border security, and emergency services. To honor Aldebaran’s legacy, Maxvision plans to establish a French subsidiary, retaining local teams and investing in continued innovation, especially in education and healthcare applications.

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NAO Robotics SA

Following the recent news that French robotics company Aldebaran has entered judicial liquidation, RobotLAB has issued a press release to reassure customers and partners of continued support for NAO and Pepper robots. A new company, NAO Robotics SA, is being formed to acquire Aldebaran’s intellectual property and engineering team. Development on the next-generation NAO V7 has already resumed. RobotLAB, a long-time NAO partner since 2009, remains fully operational with robots, parts, and support services in stock. With over 6,500 NAO robots deployed, the company continues to provide training, repairs, and educational tools, including the recently launched NAO AI Edition with ChatGPT integration. RobotLAB emphasized there will be no disruption for current customers and views this transition as a new beginning for the NAO platform.

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Suzuki Presents its Moqba

“On June 5, 2025, Suzuki made headlines in the robotics and mobility sector by launching the Moqba, a $3,000 four-legged transport robot designed to revolutionize urban commuting, accessibility, and logistics.” (The Jurnals, 6 June 2025) This was reported by The Jurnals in the article “Suzuki’s Moqba Unleashed: A $3,000 Robot Dog Redefining Urban Mobility” on June 6, 2025. “The Moqba’s sleek design features a white-and-black color scheme, a futuristic aesthetic, and a saddle-like seat for riders, blending practicality with a forward-thinking vision. Its four-legged structure, inspired by robots like Spot, allows it to navigate varied terrain, making it a versatile tool for both individual transport and commercial applications. With a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) and a range of up to 50 miles (80 km) on a single charge, the Moqba is well-suited for urban environments, where short, efficient trips are the norm.” (The Jurnals, 6 June 2025) The device looks solid and ready for use. However, it is probably not suitable for people taller than 180 cm. It is also unlikely to be suitable for physically disabled people. For everyone else, it could be an interesting way to get around (Image: ChatGPT/4o Image).