An unusual incident involving a humanoid robot at a Haidilao restaurant in Cupertino has drawn attention after employees were forced to restrain the machine during a live performance.
According to a video shared on the Chinese social platform Xiaohongshu, the robot—reportedly an AgiBot X2—was dancing when it moved too close to a dining table, knocking over plates, chopsticks, and other dishware. The situation quickly escalated, with at least three staff members stepping in to control the robot as it continued swinging its arms.
Footage from the scene suggests one employee attempted to manage the situation via a mobile device, possibly trying to stop or adjust the robot’s operation. It remains unclear whether the robot had an accessible emergency shutdown mechanism or if staff were trained to use it.
The incident raised safety concerns, particularly given the nature of hot pot dining, which involves boiling liquids that could pose burn risks if spilled. While no injuries were reported, the potential hazards of such malfunctions in crowded environments have sparked discussion.
In a statement to NBC News, Haidilao confirmed the incident but denied that the robot malfunctioned. The company explained that the robot had been moved closer to a table at a customer’s request, which is outside its normal operating conditions. “The limited space affected its movement during the performance,” the company said.
Haidilao has previously experimented with automation, including a “smart restaurant” concept in Beijing featuring robotic servers and automated kitchen systems. In this case, the robot was reportedly used for entertainment rather than service.
The broader food service industry is increasingly exploring robotics, with companies like Pudu Robotics developing service robots such as BellaBot, which can deliver food and guide customers without the use of humanoid limbs. Other startups are also working toward fully autonomous kitchens.
While such innovations promise efficiency and novelty, the Haidilao incident highlights the importance of safety protocols and controlled environments when deploying humanoid robots in public spaces.
