What happened

During a routine capability test at an undisclosed factory in China, a Unitree H1 humanoid robot - suspended from a crane - suddenly lost control, wildly swinging its arms and legs. 

The robot knocked over equipment, broke a computer, and forced two nearby workers to scramble out of its reach to avoid being struck. 

One worker eventually managed to regain control by adjusting the robot's support structure. 

The incident was captured on video and quickly went viral, drawing comparisons to dystopian science fiction and fueling concerns about the risks posed by advanced robotics.

Why it happened

Preliminary reports indicate that a coding or software error triggered the malfunction, causing the robot to move erratically and uncontrollably. 

Such incidents highlight the technical challenges of developing complex humanoid robots, particularly the need for robust safety protocols, reliable control systems, and thorough testing to prevent unpredictable behavior. 

Similar malfunctions have been reported in other advanced robotics settings, often traced back to software glitches or insufficient safety measures.