Did this humanoid robot attack handlers or malfunction?
A video that shows a humanoid robot attacking its handlers has raised safety concerns around the use of artificial intelligence.
We all expected it, and now video footage of a humanoid robot 'attacking' its handlers feels like our fears are coming to life.
A humanoid robot is suspended from a crane in the video that has gone viral on social media. The handlers seem to be observing the robot while fidgeting with what we assume is a control panel.
Suddenly, the robot begins lunging its arms out as if attacking the handlers. The video has sparked concern over the rapid advancement in robotics and artificial intelligence. Specifically, the public is concerned about the "safety and reliability of advanced robotics".
NDTV reports:, "The handlers 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."
The scene looks like something out of a Sci-fi horror movie and has caused panic.
Watch the video below from X.
An AI robot attacks its programmers as soon as it is activated in China. pic.twitter.com/d4KUcJQvtD
— Aprajita Nefes 🦋 Ancient Believer (@aprajitanefes) May 2, 2025
While it does look like the robot lunged at the handler, like anything in life, the video is up for interpretation.
It's easy to follow the narrative provided by the footage and assume that the robot 'attacked' the handlers. But like most things built mechanically, malfunctioning is a part of testing and development.
We may choose to follow the narrative based on our perception of robots. The entertainment world presents the idea that they are out to get us and replace humankind. Are we then agreeing that humanoid robots can think like humans? That question can only be answered by the programmers.
If that's the case, then we aren't in a worse place than before because human interaction can be just as erratic and uncontrolled...What do you think?
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