A woman in Macau required hospital treatment after being startled by a humanoid robot during an evening walk, police confirmed
HONG KONG: A woman in Macau was briefly hospitalised after being startled by a humanoid robot during an evening walk. Police confirmed the incident occurred earlier this month after the woman “was startled when she suddenly noticed a robot behind her while using her mobile phone”.
Video shared online showed the woman angrily confronting the metallic robot as it waved its arms. “With so many other things to do, why bother me? Are you crazy?” she yelled at the unperturbed machine in Cantonese.
Police stated there was no physical contact and the woman sustained no injuries. She was discharged from hospital and did not press charges regarding the incident.
Officers were seen leading the robot away, though police clarified they “did not seize” it. The robot was operated by a local man in his 50s who said he was conducting a test for business promotion.
Police reminded the operator to stay vigilant to “avoid causing danger or alarm” to passersby. The robot resembled a humanoid model made by Chinese startup Unitree.
Beijing has actively encouraged domestic firms to develop such robots to lead the global industry. These machines have demonstrated abilities in choreographed dances and races.
However, fully autonomous robots remain rare, with most impressive displays being pre-programmed or remotely operated.
