A shocking AI Robot Attack at a China festival has sparked widespread debate about the dangers of AI after a humanoid robot suddenly lunged at a crowd.
The alarming viral video, recorded on February 9 at the Spring Festival Gala in Tianjin, northeast China, shows the robot—dressed in a vibrant jacket—charging towards festival-goers gathered behind a barricade.
Panic ensued as security personnel swiftly intervened, restraining the erratic machine and dragging it away to prevent any harm.
Event organisers downplay incident
Despite the unsettling nature of the attack, event organisers downplayed the incident, attributing it to a "robotic failure." They assured attendees that the humanoid robot had successfully passed all safety tests before the event and emphasised that additional measures have been implemented to prevent a recurrence, as reported by Metro.
The rogue machine, identified as a humanoid agent AI avatar developed by Unitree Robotics, is believed to have malfunctioned due to a software glitch. However, this incident has reignited concerns about the unpredictable nature of AI-powered machines.
Not the first AI robot attack
This is not the first case of an AI-powered machine displaying dangerous behavior. A recent incident at Tesla’s Texas factory saw a robot attacking an engineer, pinning him down, and inflicting injuries with its mechanical claws, leaving a trail of blood, according to official reports.
These occurrences underscore the risks associated with AI-driven automation. Software malfunctions and system failures have been cited as major causes, emphasizing the need for stringent quality control and safety protocols in AI development.
Social Media Reacts to Viral Video
The unsettling footage has sparked intense discussion on social media, with users expressing fears over the increasing integration of AI in daily life.
One user ominously remarked, "So it begins... An AI-controlled robot attacked a human."
Another added, "Just a little preview of our bright future."
A third commenter urged caution, saying, "Can we please work out ALL the glitches before releasing these robots to the public?"
A fourth questioned, "Should we be worried that AI and robots can turn dangerous due to glitches?"
As AI continues to advance, incidents like these raise pressing concerns about the safety and control of intelligent machines, fueling debates about the need for stricter regulations and oversight in AI technology.
Also Read: China’s booming AI industry and the global tech power shift
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