Syoma humanoid robot reacts to customer in Russia

A video of a humanoid robot named Syoma, manufactured by Unitree, has gone viral after an incident at the Volga Store in Saratov, Russia. Security footage shows a customer approaching the robot and pushing it after it failed to respond to a greeting.

Following the physical contact, the robot moved toward the man and performed leg movements that appeared to be attempts to kick him. Store employees had to intervene, with some reports stating it took three people to restrain and power down the machine. No injuries were reported during the encounter.

While the footage has sparked online debate and comparisons to science fiction films, technical experts note that the robot's reaction might not be an autonomous decision. The movements could be the result of specific programming, sensor data, or a programmed response to physical contact. It remains unclear if the robot was being operated remotely or if the incident was a mechanical malfunction.