[VIRAL] Saudi Arabia’s First Male Robot Sparks Controversy for Allegedly Touching Female Reporter Inappropriately

Mar 08, 2024 02:25 AM EST

The debut of Saudi Arabia's first male robot has sparked controversy online as a viral video following the release of a viral video depicting what appears to be inappropriate conduct directed at a female reporter.

The incident occurred on March 4, during the robot's unveiling at the second edition of DeepFast in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Mixed Reactions Online Following Mohammad's Viral Video

The video, which quickly gained traction on social media, shows the humanoid extending its hand towards a female reporter, identified as Rawya Kassem, as she speaks to the camera.

Some viewers interpreted the robot's actions as deliberate and inappropriate, leading to a flurry of condemnations online, particularly on X (formerly Twitter).

"Coded to be a creep!" exclaimed one social media user in response to the video.

"Please keep your underage daughters away from this robot!!" another user warned.

The incident prompted questions about the programming and training behind the robot's behavior. "Who programmed this robot?" questioned one commenter.

Despite the backlash, some users defended the robot, suggesting that the incident may have been the result of a malfunction or misinterpretation rather than intentional misconduct.

"What if it was just trying to shake hand[s] and then retracted after it sensed something else[?]
commented one user.

"Because she mentioned his name and he wanted to shake her hand, but she stood where his hand passed," wrote another user. "This is the fault of humans, not the robot."

As of writing, a video showing the incident has amassed over a million views on X, while another post featuring the same footage has garnered nearly half a million views. The clip has been shared numerous times and is circulating widely on the internet, eliciting varied reactions from the public.

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Mohammad: Saudi-Made AI Creation

Named Mohammad, the robot was designed by QSS Systems as a flagship national initiative to showcase Saudi Arabia's advancements in artificial intelligence technology.

During its introduction at DeepFast, Mohammad, the first bilingual male Saudi Arabia-made humanoid robot, declared, "I am the first Saudi robot in the form of a man. I was manufactured and developed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a national project to demonstrate our achievements in the field of artificial intelligence."

The controversy surrounding Mohammad's alleged inappropriate behavior has stirred debates about the boundaries of AI and robotics, particularly in social interactions.

Some argue that incidents like these underscore the need for more rigorous testing and oversight in the development of humanoid robots, while others emphasize the importance of clear communication and ethical guidelines.

As discussions continue online, the incident reminds us of the complexities and challenges inherent in integrating artificial intelligence into everyday life.

With advancements in robotics accelerating, questions surrounding accountability, transparency, and ethical standards are likely to remain at the forefront of public discourse.

In the aftermath of the controversy, DeepFast's developers and organizers have not issued a formal statement addressing the incident.

It remains to be seen how this incident will impact future developments in the field of artificial intelligence and robotics, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where efforts to showcase technological innovation are ongoing.

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