A remotely operated humanoid robot was removed from a Chinese street by police after following a 70-year-old woman and causing her such distress that she required hospitalization, raising new questions about the regulation of artificial intelligence technology in public spaces.

Woman Hospitalized After Robot Encounter

The incident occurred last week in Macau when the elderly woman noticed something following closely behind her as she walked while looking at her cellphone. The machine, identified as a Unitree G1 model retailing from $13,500, trailed the woman until she confronted it. Video footage captured the distressed woman yelling at the 4-foot 4-inch robot about her racing heart and questioning the operator’s judgment. Despite no physical contact occurring between the woman and the machine, she was taken to a local hospital for examination before being released.

Remote Operator Testing Robot in Public

The robot belongs to an education center in Macau and was conducting promotional activities in the area. A 50-year-old man operating the android remotely told police he was testing the machine to improve its operation. Viral video footage shows the humanoid raising both arms while being scolded, before two police officers arrived to remove it from the street. Authorities warned the operator to be more mindful of endangering or frightening pedestrians during future testing operations.

Growing Concerns About AI Technology

The bizarre encounter highlights mounting concerns about the deployment of advanced robotics in public spaces without proper oversight or safety protocols. As humanoid robots become more affordable and accessible, incidents like this demonstrate the need for clear regulations governing their operation near civilians. The viral nature of the footage has sparked debate about whether commercial testing of such technology should occur on public streets where vulnerable populations, including the elderly, could be frightened or harmed. The case also raises questions about liability when remotely operated machines cause distress or injury to bystanders during promotional or testing activities.