When Reaching Out to the Robot, It Suddenly Snaps Its Head Forward, Creating a Chilling Threat... Visitors React with a Startle

Unexpected Behavior of Humanoid Robot in China
Video Spreads on Social Media
Safety Concerns Over AI Technology Emerge

Safety concerns have arisen in China after a humanoid robot attacked visitors.

According to Reuters and other sources on the 27th, on the 9th, a humanoid robot at a Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) event in Tianjin, China, suddenly thrust its head toward a visitor who reached out their hand and charged at them.

At a Spring Festival event in Tianjin, China, a humanoid robot suddenly leaned its head toward a spectator who reached out their hand, prompting a staff member to restrain the robot. Photo by Joe Rogan Instagram.

The robot, dressed in traditional clothing, staggered toward the visitor when they extended their hand. However, it suddenly moved by thrusting its head forward, startling visitors behind the barricade.

Event staff intervened and stopped the robot’s actions. Although the situation was resolved without any major incidents, videos capturing the scene spread on social media, sparking safety concerns regarding artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

However, the manufacturer explained that it was "an accident" caused by "program settings or sensor errors."

Performance of Chinese humanoid robots broadcasted on China Central Television (CCTV) on the 29th of last month. Captured from Shangguan News, Photo by Yonhap News.

The problematic robot is the humanoid model "H1," produced by the Chinese robotics company Unitree Robotics. It is the same model as the robot troupe that performed a spectacular group dance at the Chinese Central Television (CCTV) Spring Festival Gala on the 29th of last month. The H1 robots featured in the performance reportedly underwent three months of AI-based training.

At that time, 16 robots dressed in traditional Chinese costumes danced in sync with human dancers performing the traditional northern Chinese dance "Niuyangge." The robots easily executed complex moves such as throwing and catching handkerchiefs, attracting significant attention. The Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that this was the most highly praised stage at the Spring Festival Gala.

The H1 model stands 180 cm tall and weighs 47 kg, capable of movements similar to a human. It can also move on flat surfaces at a speed of 3.3 m/s (11.9 km/h), more than twice the average adult walking speed (1.4 m/s). Although priced at 650,000 yuan (approximately 130 million KRW), it sold out quickly after pre-orders began on June 12th through the Chinese e-commerce platform JD.com.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.