Macau, China, March 10, 2026 [Lusa] - Macau police confirmed on Tuesday that an elderly woman had to be hospitalised following an altercation with a humanoid robot on the city streets.
In response to questions from Lusa, the Public Security Police Force (PSP) indicated that the robot belonged to a tutoring centre, was being used for promotional activities and was operated by an employee of the centre.
However, the robot's presence frightened a woman in her seventies in the Patane neighbourhood in northern Macau, resulting in an argument that quickly went viral when a video of the altercation was shared on social media.
On 5 March, at around 9 p.m. (1 p.m. in Lisbon), the PSP received a report that a woman needed help in front of a building on Rua do Campo Sul.
"Police officers immediately rushed to the scene. It was found that the woman, while using her mobile phone, was startled to realise that there was a robot behind her," said the PSP.
The resident "did not come into physical contact with the robot and was not injured, but claimed to feel ill and needed to be hospitalised. She was later discharged and no further action was taken in relation to the incident," added the police.
According to the PSP, the centre employee who was operating the robot said he was conducting a test, with plans to use the humanoid in future commercial promotions.
The police requested that in future the man be "aware of his surroundings" when operating robots, to avoid causing "danger or fright" to other people.
The robot, similar to those made by the Chinese company Unitree Robotics, was taken away by police officers as a measure to prevent any future incidents.
This is the first recorded incident in the Chinese region between humans and a robot.
In recent years, China has accelerated its leadership in the production of humanoid robots, with some used in security, logistical support, commercial activities and even entertainment.
Four emerging Chinese startups - Unitree Robotics, Galbot, Noetix and MagicLab - demonstrated the humanoid robots on 16 February at the Lunar New Year gala, China's largest televised event, performing various acrobatics and martial arts moves.
Analysts estimate that of the approximately 15,000 humanoid robots worldwide in 2025, more than 85% were in China, with only 13% in the United States.
NCM/AYLS // AYLS
Lusa
