A service robot meant to entertain diners caused a sudden disruption at a restaurant in Cupertino, after it moved too close to a table and began knocking over dishes. <\/p>\n
The incident, which surfaced in a video posted on Chinese social platform Xiaohongshu, highlights growing concerns about the real-world safety of robots operating in public spaces.<\/p>\n
Robot dance takes a chaotic turn<\/p>\n
The mishap took place at a branch of Haidilao, a popular hot pot chain known for experimenting with automation and tech-driven dining experiences. According to the video shared<\/a> by a user named Meooow, a dancing robot suddenly veered too close to diners while performing.<\/p>\n What followed was a chaotic scene. The robot began swinging its arms uncontrollably, smashing plates and sending chopsticks and dishware flying across the table. At least three staff members rushed in to stop the machine, struggling to restrain it as it continued moving erratically.<\/p>\n One employee appeared to check her phone during the incident, possibly trying to control or shut down the robot remotely. The machine is believed to be an AgiBot X2, which had previously been showcased<\/a> at CES 2026 earlier this year.<\/p>\n Terminator: Rise Of The Machines<\/p>\n Demanding its $25 per hour Federal minimum wage<\/p>\n A dancing robot at a Haidilao hotpot restaurant in the US state of California malfunctioned, slamming onto a table in one of its dance moves, forcing staff members to step in. pic.twitter.com\/yhBybjQD06<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 SynCronus (@syncronus) March 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Safety concerns in a hot environment<\/p>\n The situation raised immediate safety concerns, especially given the nature of hot pot dining. The experience typically involves boiling pots of soup placed directly on tables, often reaching temperatures that can cause serious burns.<\/p>\n If the robot had knocked over these containers, the consequences could have been far more severe than broken plates. Spilled hot broth could lead to injuries, while the forceful movements of the robot itself posed a risk of physical harm to nearby customers.<\/p>\n The incident underscores how even non-industrial robots, when placed in crowded environments, can create unexpected hazards. While the robot<\/a> appeared to be performing a programmed routine, its proximity to diners turned a novelty act into a potential safety threat.<\/p>\n Company response and explanation<\/p>\n Following the incident, Haidilao confirmed the event in a statement<\/a> to NBC News but rejected claims that the robot had malfunctioned.<\/p>\n \u201cIn this case, the robot was brought closer to a dining table at a guest\u2019s request, which is not its typical operating setting,\u201d the company said. \u201cThe limited space affected its movement during the performance.\u201d<\/p>\n The explanation suggests that the issue may have been caused by environmental constraints rather than a technical failure. However, it also raises questions about how adaptable such robots are when taken out of their standard operating conditions.<\/p>\n Robots in restaurants face real-world tests<\/p>\n Haidilao has been experimenting with automation for years, including a \u201csmart restaurant\u201d concept in Beijing that features robotic servers and automated kitchen systems. In this case, the robot was reportedly used only for entertainment, not for serving food.<\/p>\n Across the food service industry, several companies are working to integrate robotics into everyday operations. For example, Pudu Robotics has developed the BellaBot<\/a>, a cat-like robot that can guide customers and deliver dishes. Another company, Shin Starr, is building fully autonomous kitchen systems.<\/p>\n Compared to humanoid robots with moving limbs, simpler designs like BellaBot may pose fewer risks in tight spaces. The recent incident suggests that while robots can enhance dining experiences, their deployment in busy, unpredictable environments still requires careful control and safety planning.<\/p>\n