Unitree G1 Robot Causes Psychological Distress to Woman in Macau, Police Intervene
A 70-year-old woman in Macau was startled and psychologically distressed when she encountered a Unitree G1 humanoid robot being tested by an operator on a public pavement late at night. The robot, unable to navigate around her, stopped behind her with illuminated lights activated, causing her to require hospital treatment for stress-related symptoms. Police issued a warning to the operator about safer public operation of robots.
What happened
On Thursday, 5 March 2026 around 21:00 near a residential complex in the Patane district of Macau, a 70-year-old woman standing on a pavement using her mobile phone noticed a humanoid robot model Unitree G1 directly behind her. The robot was being walked by a 50-year-old operator who was testing it for promotional purposes on behalf of a local education centre.
Shocked and frightened by the late-night encounter, the woman reacted emotionally and verbally, shouting at the robot. Video footage shows the robot raising both arms. Police officers attended the scene and escorted the robot away. The investigation found that the robot could not pass the woman on the pavement after she stopped to check her phone, so the robot stopped behind her and waited, with illuminated lights on the machine causing her fright.
Reported impact
The woman reported feeling weak and distressed due to stress caused by the encounter. She was transported to hospital for examination and treatment and was discharged the following morning. Police confirmed there was no physical contact between the robot and the woman, and she sustained no bodily injuries.
The woman decided not to file a formal complaint against those responsible.
Index analysis
The robot's inability to navigate around a stationary person on a public pavement, combined with its illuminated lights activating when in close proximity, created an unexpected and frightening situation for a pedestrian. The timing of the incident late at night amplified the woman's alarm at encountering an unfamiliar humanoid object behind her without warning.
Governance controls
Police issued an official warning to the operator, emphasizing the need for greater care when operating robots on public spaces to avoid endangering pedestrians or frightening them in similar ways. The operator was advised to be more cautious in future use of the technology in public areas.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.