Robot shop assistant attacks customer in Russia, viral video fuels AI debate
A robot consultant named Syoma attacked a customer at the Volga Electronics store in Saratov, Russia, after the man playfully nudged it. Footage from security cameras spread quickly on social media, drawing both humorous reactions and serious questions about the safety of artificial intelligence.
A video published by a Russian technology store has gone viral on social media after showing a robot assistant attacking a customer. The incident was recorded by security cameras at the Volga Electronics shop in Saratov.
In the footage, a customer enters the store, notices the robot named Syoma and extends his hand in greeting. When the robot does not respond, the man gives it a light push. Seconds later, the machine behaves in an unexpected way – instead of backing off, it begins throwing punches and kicks at the customer, apparently trying to hit him. Two employees had to intervene and struggled to restrain the robot.
Later, the store's representatives commented on the incident with humour. They said the consultant Syoma had gone out of control and tried to attack a customer, but everyone was safe. They added that the robot was currently undergoing an “emotion reset”, while the customer got off with a slight fright and possibly a new phone.
Although some viewers suspect the video could be an elaborate marketing stunt, it has triggered intense discussions about the dangers of artificial intelligence and robotics. One user on X wrote that machines were preparing to take over the world and that people had been warned.
This is not the first time robots have shown combat-like behaviour. A few weeks earlier, a robotic performer in China kicked a child in the stomach during a show.
