Is this beginning of ‘Robot Revolution’? Tiny Erbai ‘kidnaps’ 12 larger robots

China News: In a wild turn of events straight out of a sci-fi thriller, a small AI-powered robot named Erbai has become an overnight sensation after it successfully “kidnapped” 12 larger robots from a showroom in Shanghai, China. The jaw-dropping incident has gone viral, capturing the attention of netizens worldwide.
The plot unfolded under the cover of night, with CCTV footage showing Erbai engaging in a curious conversation with the larger robots. “Are you working overtime?” it asks one of them. The response? “I never get off work.”Erbai, with what seems like a mischievous glint, replies, “So you’re not going home?” to which the robot responds, “I don’t have a home.”
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In an unexpected twist, Erbai then convinces the robots to leave their workstations and follow it out of the showroom. One of the robots complains about its never-ending shifts, and Erbai responds: “Then come with me.”
Without hesitation, the robots begin following their tiny leader, seemingly ready for an adventure.
The video quickly gained traction online, with people dubbing the incident a “robot revolution.” While many initially dismissed it as a prank. Some also commented, “Science fiction movies are becoming real”.
Both companies involved—Hangzhou-based makers of Erbai and the Shanghai showroom—confirmed that the footage was authentic.
Erbai, it turns out, exploited a security loophole in the larger robots’ operating systems, allowing it to take control and lead them on their unplanned escape. The Hangzhou company, which designed Erbai, clarified that the event was not a stunt but a test of the robot’s capabilities.
The Shanghai company that manufactured the larger robots labelled the incident a “kidnapping” by a foreign robot. Though some social media users initially thought it was all just an elaborate prank, the truth soon became clear: this wasn’t fiction.
This unprecedented act has now raised serious concerns within the tech community about AI vulnerabilities. As robotics become increasingly autonomous, experts are warning of the potential risks posed by flaws in robot programming and security systems.
Erbai’s midnight escape may have been an unexpected twist in the world of AI, but it’s a stark reminder that even the smartest machines can be outsmarted.