Latest news with #factory
Fox News
2 days ago
- General
- Fox News
Humanoid robot malfunctions, sparks viral panic
A chilling video circulating on social media has reignited old anxieties about robots turning against their creators. The footage shows a Unitree H1 humanoid robot, a machine about the size of an adult human, suddenly flailing its arms and legs with alarming force during a test, coming dangerously close to two technicians. The scene has sparked heated debate about the safety of advanced robotics and artificial intelligence. But is this truly the beginning of something out of our worst fears, or is there just a straightforward technical explanation for what happened? In the viral clip first posted on Reddit, the Unitree H1 is seen suspended from a crane at a Chinese factory, surrounded by two handlers. Without warning, the robot loses control, thrashing its limbs, knocking over equipment and forcing the technicians to scramble out of harm's way. The chaos is palpable, and the images quickly drew comparisons to movies like "The Terminator" and "I, Robot," with many viewers wondering if the age of rogue machines had finally arrived. The Unitree H1 is not a prototype but a commercially available, general-purpose humanoid robot. Standing 5.9 feet tall and weighing 104 pounds, it's designed to walk, run and even perform dynamic movements like backflips and dancing. Its joints are powerful and capable of generating 365 pound-feet of torque, enough to lift heavy objects or, in the wrong circumstances, cause serious harm. Despite the frightening visuals, the reality is far less sinister. According to engineers and robotics experts, the root cause of the malfunction was a combination of software and design oversight. During the test, the H1 was tethered by its head for safety, a common practice during public demonstrations. However, this physical restraint was not accounted for in the robot's balance algorithm. The robot's sensors interpreted the resistance from the tether as if it were constantly falling. In response, the H1's stabilization software tried to correct its position, but the tether prevented normal movement. This created a feedback loop: the robot made increasingly aggressive corrections, resulting in the violent flailing seen in the video. Investigators concluded that this was not a case of emergent AI behavior but rather a known failure mode triggered by an unanticipated physical constraint and software flaw. Although no one was seriously injured, the incident set off a wave of panic online. Many viewers saw the video without any technical context, fueling fears of a robot uprising. The imagery alone was enough to make people question whether advanced robots are safe to have around humans. Experts, however, were quick to clarify that the malfunction was not evidence of a conscious or rebellious machine. Instead, it highlighted the importance of thorough safety protocols and testing, especially when deploying powerful machines in environments shared with people. This event highlights some important lessons for both the robotics industry and the public. First, safety protocols are essential. Even with the most advanced hardware, unexpected interactions between software and the physical world can create dangerous situations. Second, transparency from manufacturers plays a crucial role. When companies provide quick and clear explanations, they can help prevent panic and stop misinformation from spreading. Finally, it is important to remember that artificial intelligence is not sentient, at least not yet. The Unitree H1's behavior was caused by programming and sensor misinterpretation, not by any independent thought or intent. The viral Unitree H1 video is a reminder that technology, especially when it's powerful and autonomous, demands respect and caution. While the footage is unsettling, the true story is one of technical error, not a robot rebellion. As robots become more common in our workplaces and public spaces, incidents like this will serve as important lessons for engineers, regulators and the public alike. For now, the machines are not plotting against us, but they do need careful supervision and thoughtful design to keep everyone safe. If you saw a robot lose control right in front of you, would you trust having machines like this in your daily life? Why or why not? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
CNN
4 days ago
- Business
- CNN
Rampaging raccoons add to Airbus factory headaches
A family of raccoons recently broke into an Airbus factory in Canada, adding an unusual headache to the planemaker's more familiar troubles with parts shortages and supply chain snags. Five of the baby mammals were found inside the plant near Montreal, which produces A220 airliners, sources told Reuters, after their mother was spotted climbing the landing gear of a jet being produced for a European airline. 'A guy came face to face with the raccoon, after having entered the plane,' a factory worker said. A second source said damage included urine and chewed wires. Workers on the overstretched assembly line had to be pulled off normal jobs to undertake the time-consuming task of quarantining the first jet and inspecting for damage from the furry intruders, which are known for foraging in trash cans for food. Airbus confirmed the discovery of a family of raccoons on one plane but declined to say whether they had further delayed production or caused any damage. 'The aircraft is pursuing its assembly process,' a spokesperson said, adding measures had been put in place to ensure safety and quality. While the incident is only a temporary headache, it comes as Airbus is scrambling to speed up production, having warned airlines that it faces another three years of delivery delays as it works through a backlog of supply-chain problems. Recent snags include missing engines, late arrivals of components and delayed interiors, Airbus has said. But rarely have its contingency plans had to deal with stray omnivores at the rural plant. 'We had to open everything back up to inspect,' explained the second source. Airbus said the animals had been removed to a safe location.
CNN
4 days ago
- Business
- CNN
Rampaging raccoons add to Airbus factory headaches
A family of raccoons recently broke into an Airbus factory in Canada, adding an unusual headache to the planemaker's more familiar troubles with parts shortages and supply chain snags. Five of the baby mammals were found inside the plant near Montreal, which produces A220 airliners, sources told Reuters, after their mother was spotted climbing the landing gear of a jet being produced for a European airline. 'A guy came face to face with the raccoon, after having entered the plane,' a factory worker said. A second source said damage included urine and chewed wires. Workers on the overstretched assembly line had to be pulled off normal jobs to undertake the time-consuming task of quarantining the first jet and inspecting for damage from the furry intruders, which are known for foraging in trash cans for food. Airbus confirmed the discovery of a family of raccoons on one plane but declined to say whether they had further delayed production or caused any damage. 'The aircraft is pursuing its assembly process,' a spokesperson said, adding measures had been put in place to ensure safety and quality. While the incident is only a temporary headache, it comes as Airbus is scrambling to speed up production, having warned airlines that it faces another three years of delivery delays as it works through a backlog of supply-chain problems. Recent snags include missing engines, late arrivals of components and delayed interiors, Airbus has said. But rarely have its contingency plans had to deal with stray omnivores at the rural plant. 'We had to open everything back up to inspect,' explained the second source. Airbus said the animals had been removed to a safe location.
Globe and Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Family of raccoons breaks into Airbus factory in Montreal
A family of raccoons recently broke into an Airbus factory in Canada, adding an unusual headache to the planemaker's more familiar troubles with parts shortages and supply chain snags. Five of the baby mammals were found inside the plant near Montreal, which produces A220 airliners, sources told Reuters, after their mother was spotted climbing the landing gear of a jet being produced for a European airline. 'A guy came face to face with the raccoon, after having entered the plane,' a factory worker said. A second source said damage included urine and chewed wires. Workers on the overstretched assembly line had to be pulled off normal jobs to undertake the time-consuming task of quarantining the first jet and inspecting for damage from the furry intruders, which are known for foraging in trash cans for food. Airbus confirmed the discovery of a family of raccoons on one plane but declined to say whether they had further delayed production or caused any damage. 'The aircraft is pursuing its assembly process,' a spokesperson said, adding measures had been put in place to ensure safety and quality. While the incident is only a temporary headache, it comes as Airbus is scrambling to speed up production, having warned airlines that it faces another three years of delivery delays as it works through a backlog of supply-chain problems. Recent snags include missing engines, late arrivals of components and delayed interiors, Airbus has said. But rarely have its contingency plans had to deal with stray omnivores at the rural plant. 'We had to open everything back up to inspect,' explained the second source. Airbus said the animals had been removed to a safe location.
Bloomberg
4 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
China's Startups Race to Dominate Humanoid Robot Market
Chinese startups are rapidly developing AI-powered humanoid robots for complex roles in factories, households, and schools. Their swift progress has drawn global attention — Elon Musk has even expressed concern that China may soon dominate the field. Bloomberg TV's Annabelle Droulers explains. (Source: Bloomberg)
