Robot “Arrested” in Macau After Scaring 70-Year-Old Woman

A humanoid robot was briefly “detained” by police in Macau after it reportedly frightened a 70-year-old woman, sparking a viral video and widespread social media discussion. The incident occurred near the Lok Yeung Fa Yuen residential complex in Patane last Thursday evening, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

The robot, a Unitree G1 model, reportedly stopped behind the woman while she was checking her phone. Startled by the machine, she panicked and yelled at it. “You’re making my heart race. You can do plenty, but you want to cause this mess? You’re crazy,” she exclaimed in Cantonese. The woman was not physically harmed but was taken to the hospital as a precaution and later discharged.

Footage from the incident quickly circulated online, with many users joking that the robot had been “arrested.” Others used the opportunity to raise concerns about safety and the regulation of robots in public spaces.

Also Read: Indian-Origin Man Gets 5 Months Jail in Singapore for Molesting Woman

Two police officers can be seen in the video escorting the robot away while warning its operator, a 50-year-old man, to exercise greater caution when operating the machine in public. The robot was subsequently returned to its operator.

Towin Mak, a representative from the local education centre testing the robot, explained to broadcaster Teledifusao de Macau (TDM) that the confrontation occurred when the robot was leaving the area and had to stand behind the woman to wait for her to clear the path.

The Unitree G1 is a commercial humanoid robot standing about four feet tall, equipped with obstacle avoidance systems and depth cameras, and is primarily used for educational and promotional purposes. The incident highlights both the increasing presence of robots in public spaces and the challenges of integrating advanced technology safely into daily life.

Also Read: Bihar Man Arrested for Molesting Woman on Hanoi to Kolkata Flight at Airport