AI FAIL
Russia’s big humanoid reveal turned into a live malfunction
Russia revealed its first AI humanoid robot this week, but the launch went wrong almost immediately.
“Aldol”, built by robotics firm Idol, walked on stage at a tech forum in Moscow and then collapsed as it tried to wave to the crowd.
The robot broke apart on the floor while developers tried, and failed, to lift it back up.
They eventually covered it with black cloth as it kept moving unpredictably.
Aldol was meant to show progress in Russia’s AI and robotics work, especially its ability to walk, handle objects, and talk to people.
Instead, the fall drew attention to the country’s wider struggles in the sector.
Russia has been lagging behind since foreign suppliers left after the invasion of Ukraine, creating shortages of key parts and pushing developers to rely on limited domestic resources.
In brief:
Aldol’s fall highlighted Russia’s ongoing robotics challenges.
Sanctions and a lack of foreign suppliers continue to slow progress.
The robot will stay in testing after its failed debut.
A real-time ‘oops’ moment
In 2023, Russia installed about 2,100 robotics systems, far fewer than Germany’s 25,000 or China’s 300,000.
Sanctions, the loss of skilled workers, and slow innovation have made it harder for the industry to move forward.
Idol’s chief executive said the fall was due to poor lighting and calibration issues, adding that the robot is still being tested.
State media later showed Aldol standing again with the help of a support harness.
Developers have now removed it from public display while they examine its balance system.
Was that a rage-quit? LOL. - MG