UPDATE: Russia’s first humanoid robot, AIDOL, experienced a significant setback during its highly anticipated debut on October 3, 2023, in Moscow. The robot stumbled and fell flat on stage in front of approximately 50 journalists, turning what was meant to be a groundbreaking moment into a viral embarrassment.
As AIDOL was introduced with the theme song “Gonna Fly Now,” it raised its hand in greeting but quickly lost its balance and fell hard, scattering several pieces of its frame across the stage. The public spectacle prompted immediate reactions, with handlers rushing to conceal the robot behind a black curtain as the crowd watched in stunned silence. The irony of the song’s lyrics, “Trying hard now! It’s so hard now!” further fueled the moment’s embarrassment.
The creators of AIDOL, a small independent team of 14 individuals, have downplayed the incident, emphasizing that such mishaps are typical in the development of advanced technology. They stated, “We are puzzled by the surprise around this situation in the media,” asserting that their work represents some of the most advanced robotics efforts in Russia.
Despite its rocky start, AIDOL is designed to walk, talk, and interact with its environment, capable of carrying 22 pounds and demonstrating 12 different emotions. The team insists that the fall was not alarming but rather a part of the development process. They speculated that a voltage fluctuation and challenging stage lighting may have contributed to AIDOL’s tumble.
AIDOL’s unveiling is part of a broader push in the robotics sector, where tech giants like Elon Musk’s Tesla are also developing humanoid robots. This incident highlights the challenges faced by Russia in catching up with global advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence.
As footage of AIDOL’s fall rapidly circulates online, reactions have varied, with some users drawing comparisons to other high-profile tech failures. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges inherent in pioneering technology and the public’s expectations surrounding innovation.
What’s next for AIDOL? The creators remain optimistic, planning to refine their design and continue testing the robot’s capabilities. They aim to position AIDOL as a serious contender in the global robotics landscape, despite this rocky debut.
Stay tuned for further updates on AIDOL’s development and future performances.
