There has been a threat of artificial intelligence and robots taking over several jobs in the next few years, but looking at a video that just went viral, it seems like robots won’t spare human beggars either.
Robots are already being recruited by security forces and agencies across the world, while mobile robots even deliver food to your doorstep.
Now, though, a humanoid robot was seen begging on the streets of China, prompting people to scratch their heads in confusion.
This could be one of the first robots seen begging in public, offering a bizarre glimpse into how machines are beginning to mimic even the most human forms of behavior.
Begging Robot Asks to be Paid Via a QR Code
Footage of the humanoid robot begging in a public space, posted by ET Now, has gone viral with over 213,000 likes. A speaker next to the robot helps it ask strangers for money while it sits on its knees with its hands joined in a typical human fashion, pleading for donations.
The scene highlights how robots are beginning to replicate human behavior and emotions, a capability that could become increasingly convincing in the future, but obviously, there would be no feeling behind it.
The footage shows a man placing some coins in a plate kept before the robot, suggesting that it accepts cash, while reports indicate that some of these robots also accept digital payments via QR codes.
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According to a report by Dexerto, the begging robots have been spotted in Beijing, Chengdu, and Fuzhou, sitting down on the street and sending messages to passersby.
While pleading with people, they have been heard saying, “I have no money to charge my phone” or “Please pay my electricity bill.” The robot in the footage is likely delivering a similar message to passersby.
Still Better Than the Robot That Kicked a Child in the Chest
While this begging robot at least won’t harm anyone, Guessing Headlights recently reported an incident from China where a humanoid robot demonstrating martial arts moves kicked a child in the chest.
Footage of the robot attacking the child has gone viral on social media, highlighting how a reported demonstration exercise shockingly turned into an episode of hostility for the child who was hurt by the kick.
This incident occurred at a Xinjiang tourist attraction, where spectators, including many children, surrounded the robot that was demonstrating its skills.
The robot wore a blue wig and initially kept its distance from spectators. Several children were amused by its martial arts moves, but as it moved forward, it got closer to the boy it eventually targeted. It then swiftly turned around and kicked the boy hard in the chest.
The boy bent down in pain and sat on the floor, while other children who watched the stunt, not realizing the seriousness of the situation, laughed and cheered. The robot then moved away from the injured boy.
When one looks closely, it appears that the boy who got injured stood closer to the robot than the others. He stood on the pink band on the mat, while the other spectators stood on the yellow band.
The robot was likely allowed to perform its martial arts display within the limits of the pink band. However, the boy standing there came in its way and got kicked. It is worth mentioning that it was the organizer’s responsibility to clear the spectators from the robot’s territory to prevent such an incident.
Of course, the child’s parents also should have ensured he stood at a safe distance from the robot. The incident highlights how the robot was not ‘conscious’ of the boy’s presence and therefore executed the kick, unlike a human who would know when and who to kick.
It is possible that the robot was tuned to a combat mode that disabled all the safety layers designed to prevent it from attacking people, akin to turning off the ESP and traction control on a car. However, that is an assumption yet to be confirmed.
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