Humanoid robots fall, collide with audience at China demonstrations
Two humanoid robots failed during public demonstrations in China in late January and early February 2026, with XPeng's 'Iron' robot falling and another unnamed robot colliding with and injuring an elderly audience member, prompting concerns about the safety and readiness of the technology.
What happened
On January 31, XPeng's humanoid robot 'Iron' fell forward during its first public demonstration in Shenzhen in front of hundreds of citizens. A nearby staff member attempted to catch the robot but was unable to prevent the fall.
On February 3, an unnamed humanoid robot collided with an elderly audience member during a demonstration in a shopping mall lobby in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Video from Chinese social media showed both the elderly person and the robot falling to the ground simultaneously, with people rushing to help. A witness said the elderly person was startled by the approaching robot and tried to avoid it before colliding with the machine.
Reported impact
The elderly person struck by the robot in Chengdu was taken to a hospital for treatment. The robot involved in the Chengdu incident was taken away by the company, and subsequent demonstrations at that location were halted.
Index analysis
Chinese online discussions raised concerns that the technology had not fully matured and that public demonstrations were being rushed without adequate safety readiness. The incidents prompted debate about the safety and commercialization readiness of humanoid robots.
Governance controls
XPeng responded on social media stating that Iron had walked multiple times and fell once, which resulted in ridicule from internet users. XPeng said the research team was aware of the incident and that it would encourage the team's research efforts.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.