Humanoid robot suddenly hugged a female student

Theo video do Global Times Posted on April 27, the situation happened last weekend during the opening performance of the sports competition at Xi’an Eurasian University in Shaanxi province. The employee in charge of the robot quickly intervened and pulled the machine out.

Theo Shangyou Newsthe robot’s unexpected behavior immediately generated discussion online. Some people questioned whether the action was remotely controlled, or pre-arranged as part of the performance.

Others even wondered whether the robot would develop “independent consciousness”, especially after a person claiming to be a school employee posted on Weibo and denied that his actions were pre-programmed. “Based on what I knew at the time, the robot made a mistake,” this person shared.

The university representative said that after the incident occurred, they contacted the robot supplier and received feedback that the problem was due to signal interference at the venue. According to the company, multiple drones were operating simultaneously throughout the performance, disrupting signals and leading to unusual behavior.

According to Gao Huan, deputy director of the AI ​​Laboratory of Chongqing Normal University, based on available information, the incident may have been caused by abnormalities in motion control, deviations in execution, or lack of redundant safety systems in place. Robots used in performances often operate based on pre-programmed motion scenarios. Therefore, if positioning errors occur, pose recognition errors occur, execution sequence errors occur, or if the performer deviates from the pre-established trajectory, it may lead to unintended collisions between the robot and the human.

“The problem should not be understood as robots having developed independent cognition,” Mr. Huan told Shangyou News. “The more important question for AI experts is why robots can still come into contact with humans after unusual behavior occurs.”

According to Mr. Huan, after the incident, humanoid robot organizers, operators and suppliers should conduct a prior risk assessment, including testing motion scenarios, on-site rehearsals, establishing a safe distance, equipping an emergency stop mechanism, arranging supervisors and making contingency plans to handle unexpected situations.

“When performing human-robot collaboration, machines should not just be viewed as ordinary stage props, but as smart devices with potential mechanical movement risks,” he added.