Xiao Pang robot goes haywire at technology fair

A Chinese-made robot went on the rampage at a Shenzhen technology trade fair, smashing a glass window and injuring a man standing nearby. 

Developed by Beijing Science and Technology, the so-called Xiao Pang (or 'Little Chubby') robot wheeled itself into the glass pane of an exhibition stand, shattering it and wounding an observer, who was hospitalised.

The company apologised for the incident, which it put down to an assistant pushing the wrong button when he was trying to move the robot to one side. 

Marketed as an educational toy for children between the ages of four and 12, Xiao Pang is intended to help parents look after their children. The robot is equipped with a webcam and can conduct two-way video calls. 

The incident highlights the safety risks associated with public demonstrations of robotics, and raises concerns about operator training and safety protocols.