A shocking incident at a festival in China has sparked heated debate about the safety of AI-powered robots. A viral video circulating on social media appears to show a humanoid robot moving erratically toward festival-goers before security guards intervene.
Some netizens claim the robot was attacking attendees, while others argue it was simply a malfunction.
What happened?
According to reports, the incident occurred at a festival in China, where a group of AI-powered robots was performing. Footage shared online shows one of the robots unexpectedly moving towards the crowd. While it remains unclear whether it attempted to hit people or simply stumbled due to a barricade, the situation escalated quickly, prompting security personnel to step in.
Event organizers described the incident as “a simple robot failure” but acknowledged that the unexpected malfunction raised concerns about AI reliability. Authorities confirmed that the robot had passed safety tests prior to the event and that future measures will be taken to prevent such occurrences.
Concerns over AI safety
This is not the first time an AI-powered machine has caused unease. Similar incidents worldwide have fueled debates about whether AI can be safely integrated into public settings. Many worry that as robots become more autonomous, the risks of malfunctions—or even unintended aggression—could pose real dangers.
Social media reacts
The video has ignited online discussions, with many users voicing fears about the future of AI:
“We are getting closer and closer to a science fiction scenario.”
“This is just the beginning. Soon, AI will take over!”
“Sci-fi movies warned us about this!”
On platforms like Twitter (now X) and Reddit, users debated whether such incidents indicate a flaw in AI design or if fears are exaggerated.
AI’s brighter side: Impressive performances
Despite the controversy, AI robots continue to impress. Earlier this year, 16 Unitree H1 humanoid robots performed a synchronized Yangko dance alongside human performers at China’s Spring Festival Gala. While the performance was met with mixed reactions, it demonstrated AI’s potential in entertainment.
As AI-powered robots become more common in public spaces, incidents like this festival malfunction raise critical questions about safety and ethical considerations. Is this a minor glitch, or a warning sign of AI’s unpredictability? The debate continues.
