Russia's First AI Humanoid Robot Falls Flat Seconds Into Grand Debut | Watch

Last Updated:November 12, 2025, 19:56 IST

The robot, developed by Russian robotics firm Idol, was intended to showcase the country’s advances in anthropomorphic robotics and domestic AI

Video footage of the incident, widely shared on the social media platform X, shows staff hurriedly attempting to cover the robot behind a screen. (Screengrab)

Russia’s first domestically produced humanoid robot powered by artificial intelligence, AIdol, made a spectacularly awkward debut on stage at a technology event in Moscow on Monday, falling flat on its face just seconds after being introduced.

The robot, developed by Russian robotics firm Idol, was intended to showcase the country’s advances in anthropomorphic robotics and domestic AI. As AIdol was led onto the stage by two staff members to the soundtrack from the film Rocky, it took a few unsteady steps before losing balance and collapsing, leaving several components scattered across the floor.

Video footage of the incident, widely shared on the social media platform X, shows staff hurriedly attempting to cover the robot behind a screen while struggling with a curtain in a rushed effort to hide the mishap.

Public reaction was swift and largely humorous. One user commented: “Joke of the day from Moscow: Russia tried to unveil its first humanoid AI robot, Aidol. Key word: tried. The robot collapsed during its debut, forcing organizers to cut the presentation short. Their rushed attempt to lift the prop only made things worse."

Another added, “How embarrassing. Russian robotics firm IDOL tried to debut their new humanoid AI robot, AIDOL. It took two steps. And ate the stage. They called it a “test-setup glitch," but come on."

Others poked fun at the robot’s performance, with one writing, “Nothing unusual — just Russia’s much-hyped humanoid AI robot collapsing on stage during its debut presentation. Apparently, it couldn’t handle Russian reality."

Another quipped, “Russia’s 1st humanoid robot was revealed today. A bit like a mobik, it fell over as if shot and our efforts at hiding the disaster convinced no one."

A user joked, “By creating it in their own image and likeness, the Russians have made the world’s first drunkard robot."

Idol CEO Vladimir Vitukhin attributed the fall to calibration issues, noting that AIdol is still in its test phase. “I hope that this mistake will turn into an experience," he said. Despite the setback, Vitukhin said the robot represents an important step toward Russia’s self-reliance in robotics, TVP World reported.

The machine, powered by a 48-volt battery capable of six hours of operation, currently consists of 77% Russian-made components, a figure the company aims to increase to 93% in future models. Though AIdol cannot yet stay upright unaided, it can smile, think, and express surprise, Vitukhin added.

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