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Fox News
02-06-2025
- 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.
Indian Express
07-05-2025
- Indian Express
Humanoid robot attacks worker during testing in Chinese factory, netizens react: ‘And so it begins'
Videos of humanoid robots in China have always fascinated tech-savvy individuals on the Internet. A new video showing a robot losing control and attacking workers during testing in a Chinese factory is grabbing eyeballs, triggering conversations on the potential risks of artificial intelligence. Shared by NEXTA TV on X, the now- viral clip shows a Unitree H1 humanoid robot hanging from a construction crane. While the workers test it calmly, it suddenly malfunctions, causing violent movements. It wildly flaps its arms and legs, and further drags its stand, sending a computer and other items crashing to the floor. As the incident unfolds, a man quickly attempts to stabilise the robot. 'This is what the machine uprising might look like: a video is going viral online showing a robot going berserk during testing,' the caption on the video reads. Watch here: This is what the machine uprising might look like: a video is going viral online showing a robot going berserk during testing. — NEXTA (@nexta_tv) May 2, 2025 Also Read 'Technologiya': Woman uses ChatGPT to scold son for not refilling water bottle; the Internet 'curious to know the prompt' The video accumulated nearly two lakh views, triggering an array of reactions. 'Clearly unbalanced, then tried using algorithms to rebalance, but the algorithms were not tuned which led to wild oscillations, furthering the imbalance. This is *not* an 'attack',' a user wrote. 'I've had AI legit sabotage entire projects I'm doing with blatant lies. No lie,' another user commented. 'With how this decade is going a robot uprising will just be something else we have to deal with,' a third user reacted. 'This is what worries me about robotic surgery,' a fourth user said. In April, a video of humanoid robots racing against humans for the first time in a half-marathon in Beijing took the Internet by storm. According to Reuters, 20 competitors fielded humanoid robots in the event. The teams made their robots wear boxing gloves, shoes, and even a headband that read 'Bound to Win' in Chinese. A team flaunted their robot as it looked 'almost' human with its ability to smile and wink.
NDTV
07-05-2025
- NDTV
Video: AI Robot Attacks Worker During Testing In Chinese Factory: "Machine Uprising"
A chilling incident in a Chinese factory has sparked debate after a CCTV video showed a humanoid robot lashing out at its handlers, raising concerns about the potential risks of artificial intelligence. The footage, widely shared on social media, has fueled fears about the rapid advancement of robotics and AI. In the video captured at a Chinese factory, a Unitree H1 humanoid robot suspended from a construction crane suddenly malfunctions, sparking fears about the safety and reliability of advanced robotics. The footage shows two men observing the robot's movements with caution, seemingly testing its capabilities. However, the robot abruptly loses control, wildly flailing its arms and legs in a chaotic display reminiscent of a sci-fi horror scene. As the men scramble to avoid the robot's erratic movements, it lurches forward, dragging its stand and sending a computer and other items crashing to the floor. One of the men eventually intervenes, attempting to stabilise the robot by repositioning its stand. Watch the video here: An AI robot attacks its programmers as soon as it is activated in China. — Aprajita Nefes 🦋 Ancient Believer (@aprajitanefes) May 2, 2025 The incident sparked fears of a robot uprising, with many viewers drawing parallels to the Terminator franchise, wondering if machines were on the cusp of taking over. Unitree robots have made headlines multiple times due to various incidents. In February, shocking footage captured a humanoid robot going rogue and charging at a crowd of festival-goers. The video, taken on February 9 at the Spring Festival Gala in Tianjin, northeast China, showed the robot, clad in a vibrant jacket, suddenly lunging towards a group of stunned onlookers gathered behind a barricade. There have been previous cases of rogue AI making headlines, including an instance where a robot attacked an engineer at Tesla's Texas factory. In many of these cases, software malfunctions have been identified as the underlying cause, highlighting the importance of robust testing and quality control in AI development.
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Time of India
WATCH: Humanoid robot malfunctions, hits worker in China– is AI getting too real?
As machines continue to make their way into our everyday lives– from homes to factory floors– it sometimes takes just one unexpected incident to raise serious concerns. A recent video from China has done exactly that. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 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. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 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.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Time of India
Viral video: Industrial robot goes berserk in China, injures workers after ‘coding error'
Video of another industrial robot going berserk has emerged. In a post shared on Twitter, a user going by the name OSINTdefender has shared a video of what appears to be an industrial robot in China. The video shows a robot hitting a worker at a factory in China after what is claimed to be a coding error. "Footage claimed to show a Unitree H1 (Full-Size Universal Humanoid Robot) going berserk, nearly injuring two workers, after a coding error last week at a testing facility in China," reads the post. — jasonscheer (@jasonscheer) It is not clear where the incident occurred. The manufacturer is Unitree Robotics . The H1 Robotic model seen in the video is reportedly priced at 650,000 yuan, and is said to be a part of broader trend in robotics aimed at creating machines that can integrate seamlessly into human environments. Humanoid robot's turns aggressive toward humans at Lunar Festival by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Vietnam (Take A Look At The Prices) Container House Search Now Undo In another similar incident this year, at a festival in China, viral footage captured a robot, part of a performing group, suddenly lurching toward a crowd behind a safety barricade, startling spectators and reigniting debates over robotic reliability. Robot Goes Wild Malfunctions and Scares Woman in Crowd! The video shows the robot pausing, seemingly fixating on the audience in an "eerily human" manner, before making an abrupt, uncontrolled movement. Security personnel swiftly intervened, restraining the machine before the situation escalated. Experts are divided on whether the incident stemmed from a mechanical glitch or a more concerning AI misfire. The manufacturer, Unitree Robotics, reportedly attributed the incident to a "program setting or sensor error." Podcaster Joe Rogan amplified the clip online, commenting, 'An AI robot got aggressive with spectators in China. The way it did it was eerily human. I don't like this at all.' The incident has fueled public unease, with social media buzzing about the implications of advanced robotics in public spaces. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
