Debut of Saudi Arabia's Initial Male Robot Stirs Controversy with Alleged Inappropriate Contact
- Posted on March 8, 2024
- Technology
- By Arijit Dutta
- 239 Views
A video featuring Saudi Arabia's first male robot has ignited controversy online as it allegedly behaved inappropriately towards a female reporter. Shared widely, opinions varied, with some blaming the robot's design while others cited technical errors. The incident occurred during the robot's debut at a tech event in Riyadh.

In
Riyadh, during the second edition of DeepFast, controversy erupted over a video
featuring Saudi
Arabia's first male robot allegedly behaving inappropriately towards a
female reporter. The video quickly went viral on social media, sparking a
heated debate among netizens about the robot's actions.
Despite
mixed reactions, the incident raised questions about the robot's design and
programming. Some viewers criticized the humanoid's behavior as inappropriate,
while others defended it, citing technical glitches or misinterpretations. The
video, which gained over 840,000 views and nearly 8,900 likes within a day,
showcased the divisive nature of the situation.
Amidst
the online uproar, commenters questioned the process behind the robot's
programming and expressed concerns about its behavior. Designed as a national
project to showcase Saudi Arabia's advancements in artificial intelligence, the
male robot's debut turned into a spectacle overshadowed by controversy.
The incident underscores the complexities of human-robot interactions and the challenges of integrating AI into society. With advancements in robotics and AI, such incidents raise important ethical and social questions that need careful consideration.
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While
some argue that robots should be held to the same standards as humans in terms
of behavior, others believe that they should be judged based on their
programming and the intentions of their creators. Additionally, questions about
consent, autonomy, and accountability in human-robot interactions need to be
addressed as technology continues to evolve.
As
Saudi Arabia's first male robot becomes embroiled in controversy, it serves as
a reminder of the responsibility that comes with developing and deploying AI
technologies. Moving forward, there is a need for transparent and ethical
guidelines to govern the use of robots and AI systems in society. Only then can
we ensure that these technologies benefit humanity without causing harm or
infringing on rights.