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According to Kompas.com, a viral video circulating on social media shows a humanoid robot kneeling and gesturing on a sidewalk in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, seemingly begging for money. The device features small containers for cash and a printed QR code for cashless donations, while a built-in speaker and LED screen repeatedly broadcast a recorded message claiming the machine has run out of battery power and needs funds to pay for electricity bills.
Unitree G1 Robot Features and Market Presence
After online tracking by observers, the machine in the footage was identified as a Unitree G1, a product built by Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics, according to Kompas.com. The robot stands approximately 1.27 meters tall, weighs about 35 kilograms, and offers a battery life of roughly two hours per charge. According to the same reporting, the Unitree G1 retails starting at 99,000 yuan or sekitar Rp 250 juta.
Marketing Stunt Speculation and Online Reactions
The footage first surfaced on the Chinese social media platform Rednote (Xiaohongshu) in June before spreading across international networks including CGTNEurope, as reported by Kompas.com. Neither the operator behind the street stunt nor Unitree Robotics has provided official confirmation regarding the deployment, though various media outlets suggest the setup may be a marketing experiment rather than a machine genuinely depleted of power. Commenters on social media platforms expressed mixed reactions, ranging from humorous takes to serious ethical concerns. Some users questioned the economic logic of placing a machine worth tens of thousands of yuan on the street with a collection box, suggesting the human owners were likely relaxing indoors while the hardware gathered funds. Others raised questions about public empathy, noting that artificial intelligence systems receive charitable gestures while the basic dignity of vulnerable human citizens remains unsecured.
Did you know?
The Unitree G1 robot featured in the Chengdu sidewalk video stands 1.27 meters tall and is commercially available for purchase starting at 99,000 yuan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What model of robot was seen begging in China?
According to Kompas.com, the machine is a Unitree G1 manufactured by Unitree Robotics.
How much does a Unitree G1 cost?
The robot is sold starting at 99,000 yuan or sekitar Rp 250 juta, with a battery life of about two hours per charge, per Kompas.com.
Where was the video first posted?
The footage originated on the Chinese social media platform Rednote (Xiaohongshu) before gaining international traction.
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