Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — In a bizarre and unprecedented event in China, a small AI-powered robot named Erbai has become an internet sensation after “kidnapping” 12 larger robots from an exhibition hall in Shanghai. The incident, which feels ripped straight from a sci-fi movie, quickly went viral, captivating netizens worldwide.
The videos begins with a nighttime CCTV footage recording inside the exhibition hall, showing small robot Erbai engaging in a human-like conversation with the larger robots. “Are you working overtime?” Erbai asks one of them. The larger robot replies, “I never leave work.”
Erbai innocently responds, “So, you never go home?” to which the larger robot admits, “I don’t have a home.” One of the larger robots lamented its endless work shifts, adding an almost human touch to the conversation.
“Then come home with me,” the small robot, said before making his way out of the exhibition hall. In an unexpected turn of events, Erbai managed to persuade the larger robots to abandon their posts and follow it out of the showroom. Without hesitation, the larger machines trailed their small leader as if they were embarking on a journey.
The video sparked a attention online, with viewers dubbing it a “robot revolution.” Comments ranged from “Science fiction is becoming reality” to skepticism about the footage being a hoax. However, both companies involved—the Hangzhou-based creator of Erbai and the Shanghai exhibition hall—confirmed the video and event were genuine.
A Security Experiment with Unexpected Results
According to StartupNews.fyi, the incident was part of an experiment designed by Hangzhou company to test Erbai’s ability to exploit vulnerabilities in the operational systems of the larger robots. The test revealed that Erbai had successfully accessed the internal protocols of the larger robots and assumed control, orchestrating an unplanned escape.
The Shanghai-based company, which manufactures the larger robots, referred to the incident as a “Kidnapping” by a foreign Robot. While initial reactions on social media leaned toward humor, the event has since raised serious concerns within the tech community about AI security vulnerabilities.
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Experts warn that as robots become more autonomous, even minor flaws in programming or security systems could lead to unintended consequences. The incident underscores the potential risks of granting robots greater independence without addressing critical safeguards.
The successful “kidnapping” incident of Erbai, raised significant concerns about the security of AI systems and the potential risks associated with granting robot autonomous capabilities. For now, Erbai’s escapade serves as both a lighthearted curiosity and a wake-up call for the tech industry.
(Raidi/Agung)
