Sudden accident during dance performance

Controversy has arisen after an accident occurred in China's Shaanxi Province where a humanoid robot during a public demonstration struck a child in the face.

On March 21st, local time, a robot that was dancing to the choreography in an area reserved for visitors suddenly turned and rushed toward the audience. According to a video shared on social media, the robot struck the young boy in the face with its arm outstretched while performing spinning and kicking movements.

Officials immediately tried to stop the robot, but the machine continued to dance even while being controlled, adding to the confusion at the scene.

Advanced research robot worth 13.5 million won

The robot in question is believed to be Unitree's 'G1' humanoid robot. This device, which costs about $13,500 (about 18.5 million won) and weighs 35 kg, is designed for research, education, and commercial use. Equipped with advanced sensors and more than 20 joint degrees of freedom, complex movements such as dancing and object manipulation are possible.

Mixed reactions online

As the video quickly spread online, netizens' reactions were divided between concern and black humor. Some pointed out that the unsupervised public demonstration of humanoid robots was premature, while others joked that “the robot rebellion has begun in a humble way.” One of the most shared comments was, “Getting hit by a metal robot really hurts.”

A series of robot malfunction accidents occurred in March.

This incident is part of a series of recent robot-related accidents. In early March, at Haidilao, a Chinese restaurant in San Jose, USA, several employees had to rush in to stop a robot because it did not stop dancing even while breaking plates.

In Macau, another humanoid robot surprised an elderly woman during a street demonstration, causing enough shock that she needed hospital treatment, and the robot was even 'detained' by police.

Although humanoid robot technology is developing rapidly, there are growing voices calling for discussions on safety protocols and supervision systems in public places.