Saudi AI Robot Makes Inappropriate Physical Contact with Female Reporter... Manufacturer's Explanation Is Even More Absurd

Robot Developed as Saudi National Project
Manufacturer States, "No Unexpected Behavior Observed"
Netizens Criticize, "Just Like Reality"

Saudi Arabia's artificial intelligence (AI) humanoid robot has sparked controversy after touching a female reporter's body at an event.

Robot company QSS showcased the humanoid robot 'Muhammad' at the DeepFest event held in Riyadh last week. [Image source=Business Insider capture]

On the 12th (local time), Business Insider reported that Saudi robot company QSS showcased the humanoid robot 'Muhammad' at the DeepFest event held last week in Riyadh. However, Muhammad became the subject of controversy from its first public appearance. While Al Arabiya's female reporter Rawiya Kasim was broadcasting live, Muhammad inappropriately touched part of the reporter's backside. Reporter Kasim turned around when the robot's arm touched her, made a firm gesture with her hand as if to stop it, and then looked at the robot's face with a displeased expression.

As the video of the incident spread, netizens around the world criticized the robot for inappropriate behavior toward the reporter. The video recorded 1.2 million views in about a week. Comments included mockery such as "It's just like reality," "Saudi Arabia has realized AI most realistically. This is Saudi's victory," and "That kind of robot should be dismantled."

The humanoid robot 'Muhammad,' showcased by the robot company QSS at the DeepFest event held last week in Riyadh, inappropriately touched the body of a female reporter who was broadcasting live.
[Image source=Capture from X (formerly Twitter)]

In response, the robot manufacturer QSS reviewed the video and circumstances and explained, "There was no behavior beyond expectations." They added that the robot operated completely autonomously and without control. They also stated, "When demonstrating the robot, we informed reporters and staff to maintain a safe distance from the robot," and explained that additional measures would be taken to prevent people from approaching.

Muhammad is the first male robot developed by Saudi Arabia. Muhammad wore traditional Saudi attire and spoke both Arabic and English. DeepFest introduced Muhammad on its official social media as "the first humanoid robot of Saudi Arabia" developed as a national project and "a representative work to showcase Saudi Arabia's AI development achievements."