A humanoid robot's inappropriate touching of a reporter shows the machines still have so much to learn

• Saudi Arabia's first male humanoid robot inappropriately touched a female reporter last week.
• The video of the incident went viral and some X users called the robot a "pervert." 
• But robots aren't self-aware, so it probably wasn't intentional

 

The incident involving Saudi Arabia's first "male" humanoid robot, named Mohammad, inappropriately touching a female reporter at the DeepFest conference in Riyadh, has sparked a significant discussion about the nature of robotics, AI autonomy, and human-robot interaction ethics. While robots lack self-awareness, emotions, or intentions, such incidents underline the complexity of creating and deploying autonomous systems in public spaces.

The backlash on platforms like X, labeling the robot a "pervert," reflects a common tendency to anthropomorphize robots, attributing human traits and intentions to machines that operate based on algorithms and programming. Mohammad's creators at QSS claimed it is "fully autonomous" and operates "independently without direct human control," which raises questions about the level of autonomy granted to robots and the safety measures in place to prevent unintended interactions.

This event is not isolated in demonstrating the potential for robots to cause harm inadvertently, as seen in the 2022 incident where a robot broke a child's finger during a chess match. Such occurrences emphasize the current limitations in AI and robotics, highlighting that despite advancements, these technologies are still far from achieving human-like capabilities or understanding nuanced social cues and physical boundaries.

The response from QSS, emphasizing the need for attendees to maintain a safe distance from the robot and planning additional measures to prevent close interactions, points towards a recognition of the need for stringent safety protocols in human-robot interactions. It also opens up a broader conversation about the ethical, moral, and safety considerations that developers and operators of humanoid robots must consider, especially as these technologies become more integrated into public spaces and daily life.

While the robotics industry is rapidly advancing and attracting significant investment, particularly in applications for warehouse and logistic settings, incidents like these serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and ethical considerations. They call for a balanced approach to innovation, ensuring that as robots become more present in our lives, they do so in a way that is safe, respectful, and beneficial to all.

https://ownsilent.international/blogs/news/a-humanoid-robots-inappropriate-touching-of-a-reporter-shows-the-machines-still-have-so-much-to-learn