Bebop, the viral humanoid robot, makes appearance in Chicago

Monday, May 4, 2026 7:40AM CT
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A viral robot gave Chicago a glimpse into what the future could look like.



Bebop, a humanoid robot, made an appearance on Sunday at Digestive Disease Week at McCormick Place.

The robot made headlines on its way to Chicago after delaying the flight.

Southwest Airlines said Bebop's lithium battery exceeded the airline's maximum allowable size and was confiscated, leading to the delay.

RELATED | Meet Bebop: Humanoid robot delays flight out of California airport

"AI is advancing at quiet a rapid pace," said Ely Ben-Abraham with Elite Event Robotics. "Robotics, especially overseas, is already doing a lot of jobs."

Bebop made headlines after the robot's lithium battery led to a flight delay.



Elite Event Robotics said the company had to deliver overnight batteries to Chicago to ensure Bebop would make his appearance.



Yangtze River Pharmaceutical Group, a company promoting traditional Chinese medicine, hired the robotics company to draw attention to their booth at the DDW expo.



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