A humanoid robot named Syoma became the unexpected star of a viral video after retaliating with a kick against a customer who shoved it in an electronics store in Saratov, Russia. The incident has sparked widespread discussion about the expected behavior of robots.
Captured by security cameras at Volga Store 64, the footage has attracted over nine million views on Instagram, fueling a heated debate about the appropriateness of a robot's reaction to human interaction.
The video depicts a man dressed in black approaching Syoma, attempting a handshake. When Syoma doesn't respond, the man pushes the robot. Syoma, tasked with providing tech advice, quickly shifts into a defensive stance, delivering a kick toward the man. Store employees promptly intervene and deactivate the robot.
The robot's unwillingness to greet, coupled with an immediate and physical response to the push, left many stunned. The store shared the video with a mix of alarm and humor.
"Our tech consultant Syoma lost control and tried to attack a shopper. The cause? Still a mystery. Fortunately, everyone is fine! Syoma is undergoing an emotional reset, and the shopper left with just a mild scare and perhaps a new iPhone."
As of this report, the store hasn't clarified whether the incident was due to a malfunction, remote control, or a marketing stunt aimed at gaining social media attention.
Online Reaction: Laughter and Concern
Social media erupted with reactions ranging from amusement to concern. "Skynet project approved," joked one user, referencing the Terminator series. Others defended the robot: "The customer pushed first, and it defended itself." Encouragements poured in for Syoma: "That's right, don't let anyone push you around, bot." Another warned, "This robot doesn't mess around."
This isn't the first instance questioning the reliability of humanoid robots in public settings. Back in November 2025, AIdol, touted as Russia's first AI-driven robot, had a disastrous debut, toppling over on stage at the Yarovit Hall Congress Center in Moscow. The event's executive blamed calibration issues and lighting sensitivity for the mishap.
Syoma's case reignites discussions about distinguishing genuine technical failures, pre-programmed responses, and orchestrated stunts for viral fame, at a time when artificial intelligence is advancing faster than the security protocols meant to safeguard it.
Understanding Humanoid Robot Interactions
What triggered the robot's aggressive response?
Currently, the cause behind the robot's aggressive response remains unclear. It could be due to a technical glitch, remote control manipulation, or possibly a planned marketing strategy.
How did the public react to the robot's behavior?
Public reactions varied widely, with some finding humor in the situation and others expressing concern about robot behavior in public spaces. Many weighed in on whether the robot's actions were justified.
Is this the first incident of a robot behaving unpredictably?
No, similar incidents have occurred in the past, including a notable one involving the AIdol robot, which fell on stage in Moscow in 2025, highlighting ongoing concerns about robot reliability.