A video of Saudi Arabia’s first male robot, named Mohammad, has gone viral amid accusations that it inappropriately touched a female reporter. The video, shared on X, shows the humanoid reacting to a reporter during its first appearance.
While some viewers believed the robot behaved improperly, others argued that it might have been programmed to move in a certain way or experienced a malfunction.
During a live event introducing the robot, an incident occurred where a viral 8-second video showed the robot, programmed to move its hands, standing next to TV reporter Rawiya Al-Qasimi. In the footage, the robot extended its hand towards the reporter’s back, seemingly attempting to touch her posterior. To prevent contact, Ms. Al-Qasimi had to raise her hand momentarily.
Saudi Robots were announced today🤖
— Tansu Yegen (@TansuYegen) March 5, 2024