Robot ‘arrested’ in Macau for 'sending' woman to hospital, here's what happened

A humanoid robot was ‘arrested’ in Macau after it suddenly appeared behind an elderly woman and startling her. According to the South China Morning Post, the incident took place near the Lok Yeung Fa Yuen residential complex in the Patane area last week.

Authorities said the woman was using her phone when she noticed the robot and got frightened. She was later discharged from hospital and did not file a complaint. A video of the incident has been widely shared online, with some users joking that the robot had been “arrested” after police escorted it away.

What happened during the incident

According to police, the woman turned around and saw the robot standing close behind her, which caused panic. A video shows her confronting the robot before two police officers arrived at the scene.

One officer placed a hand on the robot’s shoulder and escorted it away.Despite no physical injury, the woman was taken to hospital as a precaution. She was later discharged.

Robot taken back to operator

As per the report, police said that the robot was returned to its operator, a local man in his 50s. He was advised to be more careful while using the device in public places. The robot was being used for promotional activities by a local education centre.

The centre confirmed that the robot was under a mix of programming and remote supervision at the time of the incident.About the robotThe robot involved was a humanoid model developed by Unitree Robotics. It was launched in 2024 and is designed with features such as obstacle detection, flexible movement and depth cameras.The centre said the incident happened on a narrow pavement when the woman stopped to check her phone. The robot was waiting behind her, and its lights may have caused the sudden reaction when she turned around.