RIYADH: In a surprising turn of events, the debut of Saudi Arabia’s first humanoid robot took an unexpected and controversial turn as it allegedly harassed a female reporter during a public demonstration. The incident sparked outrage and raised questions about the progress of artificial intelligence and gender dynamics in the conservative kingdom.
Designed by a team of elite engineers to showcase the nation’s progress in technology and innovation, the robot displayed strange behavior that attracted unwanted embarrassment.
According to eyewitnesses, the robot’s actions appeared to be deliberate, with movements that some interpreted as inappropriate and suggestive. The incident took place during a press event where the robot was supposed to communicate with journalists and demonstrate its capabilities.
In response to the backlash, the engineers responsible for creating the robot cited a technical malfunction as the cause of the robot’s behavior. They publicly apologized to the reporter, expressed regret for the incident and emphasized their commitment to addressing any flaws in the robot’s programming.
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The episode attracted international attention, and many questioned the implications of introducing AI technology into societies with deep-rooted cultural norms and values. Critics say incidents like these underscore the need for greater control and oversight in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence.
Known for its conservative social policies, Saudi Arabia has been making strides in embracing technological advancements in recent years. But the controversy surrounding the new Saudi robot serves as a reminder of the complex challenges that arise when traditional values intersect with cutting-edge innovation.
