During a routine evening stroll in Macau, a woman experienced a sudden shock when she unexpectedly encountered a humanoid robot behind her, an incident that led to her brief hospitalisation. The local police responded promptly after receiving a distress call concerning the woman, who was reportedly startled while engrossed in her mobile phone. This unusual encounter has since attracted significant attention both locally and on social media platforms.
Footage circulating widely online captures the tense moment when the woman confronts the robot, visibly upset as it waved its metallic arms in her direction. A crowd quickly gathered around the scene, drawn by the unusual sight of a humanoid machine interacting with a passerby. The woman expressed her frustration loudly in Cantonese, questioning the robot’s presence and demanding why it was disturbing her peaceful walk. Her animated gestures and sharp words highlighted her discomfort and surprise at the robot’s sudden appearance.
Despite the dramatic confrontation, authorities confirmed that the woman did not sustain any physical injuries and there was no direct contact between her and the robot. However, the shock caused her to feel unwell enough to seek medical attention at a hospital. After receiving treatment, she was discharged and chose not to pursue any legal action against the operator of the robot. The incident, which occurred earlier this month, has sparked conversations about the interaction between humans and emerging robotic technologies in public spaces.
Following the event, police officers were seen escorting the robot away from the scene, although officials clarified that the device was not confiscated. The robot’s operator, a man in his 50s from Macau, explained that he was conducting a test run and intended to use the humanoid for promotional purposes related to his business. Authorities advised him to exercise greater caution while operating such machines to prevent causing alarm or potential hazards to the public in the future.
The robot involved in the incident bears a strong resemblance to models developed by the Chinese startup Unitree, known for their advanced humanoid robots. These robots have gained attention for their impressive capabilities, including performing choreographed dance routines, competing in races, and executing complex maneuvers like backflips. While fully autonomous humanoid robots remain a rarity, most current models operate through pre-programmed sequences or remote control. This incident in Macau highlights the growing presence of robotic technology in everyday life and the challenges that come with integrating such innovations into public environments.
