A humanoid robot that threatened a woman in her 70s in Macau was taken by police after the incident caused her to feel uncomfortable, leading to a hospital visit.
In Macau, a 70-year-old woman experienced distress when she encountered a 132 cm tall humanoid robot, prompting her to seek medical attention. The incident occurred on the 5th of the month, and it was reported by the New York Post that she expressed her discomfort through social media, stating her heart was racing and questioning why such occurrences happen. Video evidence shows her reacting vocally to the robot, which responded by raising its arms, emphasizing the unsettling effect it had on her during the interaction. She later recognized the robot approaching her as she was momentarily distracted by her smartphone.
The aftermath of the incident reveals that, despite the frightening encounter, there was no physical contact between the robot and the woman. After undergoing a medical examination, she was discharged and chose not to pursue any formal complaint against those involved. The robot was reportedly owned by a large educational institution in Macau and was being operated by a man in his 50s who claimed he was conducting a performance test. Police have since issued warnings to ensure that robots do not startle or endanger pedestrians in public spaces.
The specific model of the robot in question was not disclosed, but local media suggest it is similar to the G1 model produced by Chinese company Unitree Robotics, which is valued at around $13,500. This incident raises important questions surrounding the use of robots in public and their impact on individuals' safety and emotional responses, highlighting a growing concern as robotic technologies enter everyday life.
