Watch how a Saudi Arabia first male Robot touches reporter inappropriately
The recent unveiling of Saudi Arabia’s inaugural male humanoid robot, ‘Muhammad,’ during the DeepFast event in Riyadh has stirred controversy on social media. A 7-second video capturing the incident has gone viral, featuring the robot allegedly making inappropriate physical contact with the female news reporter, Rawya Kassem, during the launch. Kassem is seen discussing the robot when it extends its hand towards her back, appearing to touch her inappropriately, prompting her to raise her hand momentarily to deter the robot.
Social media users’ reactions to the video varied, with some suggesting that the robot might have malfunctioned, while others proposed that its action was an attempt to encourage the reporter to move forward, given her proximity to the humanoid. The incident has sparked a heated online debate, with opinions diverging on the intentions and implications of the robot’s behavior.
Muhammad, the humanoid robot, was unveiled dressed in a traditional white thawb and red keffiyeh during the launch. Addressing the audience in flawless Arabic, the robot was developed by QSS Systems and serves as the male counterpart to Sara. Muhammad proudly announced, “I am Muhammad, the first Saudi robot in the form of a man. I was manufactured and developed here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a national project to demonstrate our achievements in the field of artificial intelligence.”
According to Gulf Business, Muhammad is designed to perform tasks requiring high precision or working in conditions that could be hazardous to humans. The creators of the humanoid robot claim that it contributes to enhancing safety and production efficiency, positioning it as a valuable asset in various industries.
While the controversy surrounding the alleged inappropriate behavior of Muhammad during the launch has dominated discussions, it is essential to consider the broader implications of humanoid robots in society. As technology advances, the integration of artificial intelligence into daily life raises ethical questions and concerns about the potential consequences of machines interacting with humans.
The incident with Muhammad highlights the need for careful programming and monitoring of humanoid robots to ensure appropriate behavior in various situations. Developers and engineers must prioritize ethical considerations and implement safeguards to prevent any unintended actions that may compromise human safety or dignity.
In addition to addressing the controversy, it is crucial to acknowledge the achievements represented by Muhammad as a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s progress in the field of artificial intelligence. The development of a humanoid robot within the kingdom signifies a commitment to technological advancement and innovation, positioning Saudi Arabia as a player in the global AI landscape.
As discussions continue regarding the incident involving Muhammad and Rawya Kassem, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the evolving relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. Striking a balance between technological progress and ethical considerations will be essential in shaping a future where humanoid robots coexist harmoniously with humanity.
Video below:
Saudi Arabia unveils its man shaped AI robot Mohammad, reacts to reporter in its first appearance pic.twitter.com/1ktlUlGBs1
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) March 6, 2024
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