Humanoid Robots Behave Unpredictably in Videos

A series of videos shows humanoid robots acting strangely near people, making us think about safety rules.

One robot swings its arms in an office, and another moves towards a crowd at a festival. A performing robot kicks a child.

These videos spread quickly because they are surprising. Humanoid robots can move fast, and people have little time to react if something goes wrong.

What do these videos tell us about robot safety, and what needs to change before these machines are near people?

A robot kicks a wall with strong kicks.

A humanoid robot swings towards a worker in an office, and people rush to get away.

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A robot demonstration should make you curious, not make you dodge its arms or legs. People stand too close to powerful machines in these videos.

These robots are fast, heavy, and can cause harm. If something goes wrong, people may not have time to react.

We discuss five viral videos on a podcast and react to each situation.

A humanoid robot is named 'Gabi' and becomes a Buddhist monk.

A humanoid robot moves through dance-like motions, then its arms and legs swing with force, making people step back.

A second clip shows a humanoid robot near a crowd at a public event. The robot appears to move towards a person, and staff grab it.

The third clip shows a humanoid robot hanging from a hook, making small movements, then swinging harder and thrashing.

A humanoid robot performs in front of families and kicks a child in the stomach.

A robot moves through a public event, and spectators stand within reach of its arms and legs.

A humanoid robot on a slick floor appears to start a stand-up routine, then its body twists, and its legs kick as someone reaches toward it.

These incidents point to changes that event organizers and robot companies should make before inviting a crowd close.

The safety zone should extend beyond the robot's longest possible step or swing. Children should remain farther back.

A trained operator should hold a dedicated emergency control throughout the demonstration.

A public demonstration needs a lower-power operating mode, and the robot should slow down when a person enters its safety zone.

Engineers should verify how the robot responds on the actual flooring and test what happens when a stand-up routine fails.

Any strike or collision deserves a written review, and organizers should preserve the footage and explain what changed.

As humanoid robots move beyond labs, you may encounter them at public events. Look at the space around the robot.

Keep children beside you, avoid photo opportunities near the robot's arms or legs, and move away if it falls or repeats a violent motion.

A tethered humanoid robot begins flailing during a test, and a nearby worker jumps away.

These videos show physical machines failing in ways people cannot predict. Innovation should not come at the cost of our well-being.

Would you feel safe letting one of these robots perform beside your child or grandchild?

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Kurt 'CyberGuy' Knutsson is a tech journalist who loves technology and gadgets, and he has a newsletter and podcast.

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