Kathrine Frich
Humanoid robots have long symbolized the next step in artificial intelligence.
From Japan’s expressive androids to the United States’ experimental AI workers, the dream of human-like machines has become a global race among governments and private labs.
Russia has now joined that race with its own creation. But its debut did not go as planned.
The ambitious debut
On November 10, developers unveiled AIdol, Russia’s first humanoid robot powered by artificial intelligence, during a technology event in Moscow.
According to Newsweek, the machine was presented as an example of locally built robotics, designed to walk, move objects, and interact with people.
Led by company founder Vladimir Vitukhin, the Russian robotics firm Idol introduced the robot as a breakthrough built mostly from domestic parts.
A fall on stage
During the demonstration, the robot was guided on stage by two assistants while music from the film Rocky played.
After about fifteen seconds, AIdol lost its balance and fell forward, scattering parts across the stage.
Footage shared by independent Russian publications showed staff rushing to pull a curtain around the robot to conceal it as technicians attempted repairs.
According to the company, the malfunction was caused by calibration issues, and testing of the model is still underway.
“A learning experience”
Vitukhin said the team remains confident in the robot’s potential. “I hope this mistake turns into an experience,” he told reporters.
The developer explained that AIdol is intended to perform basic human-like actions through artificial intelligence, including movement, object handling, and speech interaction.
Although the incident quickly went viral, robotics experts note that early prototypes often face setbacks during live demonstrations.
The country’s developers say improvements are already being tested for future public presentations.
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Sources: Digi24, Newsweek, Profimedia
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, who may have used AI in the preparation
