MACAU — A woman on an evening walk in Macau was briefly hospitalised after being startled by a humanoid robot, authorities said. The incident occurred earlier this month when the woman, preoccupied with her mobile phone, suddenly noticed the robot behind her and felt unwell, prompting a call to local police.
Read More: Chinese humanoid robot sets walking world record
Police confirmed that the woman did not suffer any physical injuries and there had been no contact with the robot, but she required medical attention and was later discharged. She has not filed any charges related to the incident.
Videos of the event circulated widely on social media, showing the woman angrily confronting the robot as it waved its metallic arms. Onlookers gathered around, watching the unusual confrontation unfold. Speaking in Cantonese, the woman shouted at the bot: “With so many other things to do, why bother me? Are you crazy?”
The robot was operated by a man in his 50s, who said he was conducting a test to promote his business. Police reminded him to exercise caution while operating the robot to prevent causing alarm or endangering the public. The robot, which resembled a humanoid model developed by Chinese startup Unitree, was not seized by authorities.
Humanoid robots like this are becoming more visible globally, with Beijing encouraging domestic firms to develop such machines as part of a strategy to lead the robotics industry. These robots are capable of performing choreographed dances, races, and even backflips, although most fully automated humanoids remain rare, with many demonstrations pre-programmed or remotely operated.
Read More: Humanoid robots stride into the future with world’s first half-marathon
The incident highlights the growing presence of humanoid robots in public spaces and raises questions about safety and human-robot interaction in everyday life.