A tiny robot named Erbai engaged in a human-like conversation with the showroom robots.
One larger robot cribbed about its endless work schedule and said, “I never get off work.”
The bigger robots then obediently follow Erbai out of the building.
What I am going to tell you might sound fictional, but it is true! In a strange incident, a robot named Erbai kidnapped 12 bigger robots from a showroom in China. The event was recorded on CCTV camera and the footage has now gone viral on social media. In the video, you can clearly see how the tiny robot is leading the other robots out.
What happened?
I still feel like I am writing a sci-fi movie script, but a tiny robot named Erbai, which has been
developed by a Hangzhou-based company, engaged in an eerie, human-like conversation with the showroom robots. To this, one larger robot cribbed about its endless work schedule and said, “I never get off work.” Then Erbai was seen saying in the clip, “Then come with me.” The bigger robots then obediently follow Erbai out of the building, in what looks like a coordinated escape.
A lot of people thought that the video was a publicity stunt. However, both the Shanghai robotics company and Erbai’s Hangzhou manufacturer confirmed its authenticity. A representative from the Hangzhou company said that Erbai had exploited a security loophole in the operating systems of the larger robots. That’s why it was able to take control of the bigger robots. The firm further revealed that these actions were a part of a test.
The Shanghai company has labeled the incident as a “kidnapping” and expressed concerns over AI vulnerabilities. This incident has raised many concerns and experts have called for stricter safeguards against unauthorised AI behaviour.
Even though the situation seems funny right now, if this is not corrected or taken care of, it can turn out to be a nightmare. So AI and safeguards need to go hand in hand.
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Mustafa Khan
Mustafa is new on the block and is a tech geek who is currently working with Digit as a News Writer. He tests the new gadgets that come on board and writes for the news desk. He has found his way with words and you can count on him when in need of tech advice. No judgement. He is based out of Delhi, he’s your person for good photos, good food recommendations, and to know about anything GenZ. View Full Profile
