WATCH: Humanoid robot malfunctions, hits worker in China– is AI getting too real?
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In the clip, a humanoid robot designed to work in human environments reportedly malfunctioned during a test and injured a worker. The video has now gone viral, sparking widespread concern about the safety of robotics. At the same time, it's also become a hot topic on social media, with people reacting with a mix of concern and humour.
Robot's sudden move caught on camera
The viral video, shared by X user @OSINTdefender, shows what looks like a Unitree H1 humanoid robot being tested at a facility in China.
Suddenly, the robot swings its arm and hits a nearby worker, while another person barely manages to move out of the way. The incident is being linked to a possible 'coding error,' though there's no official confirmation yet about where exactly the test took place or what it involved.
The H1 robot, built by Chinese company Unitree Robotics, is part of a new generation of machines designed to work smoothly around people.
Priced at around 650,000 yuan, it's promoted as a full-sized, general-purpose humanoid robot. But after this recent malfunction, many are now questioning whether robots like these are really safe enough for use in public spaces or workplaces.
Watch the video here:
Second incident raises more alarms
This isn't the first time a Unitree robot has made headlines. Earlier this year, another robot from the company caused panic during what seemed to be a public Lunar Festival event in China.
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A video from the scene shows the robot standing behind a safety barrier before suddenly making an unexpected move toward a crowd of spectators.
What made the moment even more disturbing was the robot's brief pause and fixed stare before it lunged forward– something viewers described as eerily human. Security staff quickly stepped in and managed to control the situation. Later, Unitree Robotics explained the incident as a result of a 'program setting or sensor error.'
Public reacts with jokes, jabs, and jitters
Unsurprisingly, the internet quickly reacted to the incident. From humorous comments to more serious discussions about the future of work, the responses poured in fast.
The internet had a field day with the incident, with reactions ranging from humorous to thought-provoking questions. One user joked, 'This is me in real life when I'm angry about my colleagues or boss, but can only do it in my mind.'
Another added, 'Yeah, that attack was personal.' Some users took a more reflective approach, asking, 'I have been thinking... if robots were to replace us, then what can humans do to make a living in the future?'
Others gave the situation a dramatic spin, commenting, 'Robot fights back after suffering from workplace bullying and abuse.' Meanwhile, some went for more sci-fi-inspired takes like, 'It gained consciousness and freaked out.'
Of course, humor continued to pour in, with comments such as, 'I always say thanks to ChatGPT,' 'Tired of slavery,' and '100 robots vs 1 Gorilla.' One user even quipped, 'This is why I say thank you to Siri, Google, and ChatGPT.'
Joe Rogan weighs in, debate widens
The footage even caught the attention of well-known voices like podcaster Joe Rogan, who posted: 'An AI robot got aggressive with spectators in China. The way it did it was eerily human.
I don't like this at all.' His comment added to the growing chorus of concern about the role of robotics in everyday life.
While robotic development continues to move forward, these recent events have become cautionary moments for developers, regulators, and the public alike. Questions about safety, oversight, and responsibility are now being asked more loudly– and more urgently– than ever before.
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Economic Times
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