8 cases where robotics surprised the world in 2024

There have been interesting moments in robotics in 2024 that went viral on social media, such as a group of robots planning to attack dissatisfied workers in the same way. Robotaxies honked their horns in the early hours of the morning, causing traffic congestion and disturbing the public.

Machines, which are becoming increasingly smarter, especially when powered by artificial intelligence, have also been seen doing sports and participating in military defense activities. However, robots have also begun to be used maliciously by some people.

Below we remember: 8 cases where robotics surprised the world in 2024.

1. Robots are on strike in China

A small robot named Erbai “kidnapped” 12 large robots from the showroom of a robotics company in Shanghai, China. Erbai, an artificial intelligence-supported product of a manufacturer from Hangzhou, had a human-like conversation with showroom robots. #Erbai #Shanghai #hangzhou #Chinese #Robot pic.twitter.com/fSRWKqmQLi

— Salar News (@EnglishSalar) November 21, 2024

We start the list with a video that went viral on YouTube. On the record, a A group of AI-powered robots was convinced to quit their job In a store owned by a rival company, by someone who wasn’t part of the team.

He occupied the exhibition hall and asked his colleagues “if they were working overtime” and if they would go home after work. Then, the robot named Erbai persuaded the others to strike and caused the machines to escape, making some internet users laugh and others worried.

2. Google table tennis robot

Do you love playing table tennis but are having trouble finding someone willing to play? The robot developed by Google’s DeepMind laboratory may be the solution.

Powered by Artificial Intelligence, The machine has various capabilities and can analyze the opponent in real timetrying to develop techniques to defeat it. The robotic arm won 55% of matches against intermediate athletes, but it still has some limitations.

3. Robot dog with a machine gun

A robot dog with a machine gun is China’s newest weapon of war, showcasing its innovation during military exercises with Cambodia. The remote-controlled model can jump, crouch, move in different directions and perform other activities.

Its battery has an autonomy of four hours and, in addition to going to the battlefield, it should be used for off-road reconnaissance, replacing human soldiers on riskier missions. Information about the firepower of the weapon was not disclosed.

4. Robot vacuum cleaners trigger racist attacks

The opportunities offered by technology were used in unpleasant ways in 2024 as well. One notable example was robot vacuum cleaners in the US shouting racial slurs at their owners.

The problem arose after Ecovacs brand smart robots were hacked. As a result, cybercriminals took control of the camera and speakers remotely, using the attack to monitor and curse users of the equipment.

5. Robotaxis are causing traffic jams in China

Baidu’s driverless taxi service cars in Wuhan, China, are having trouble coping with the antics of human drivers. To avoid getting involved in accidents, They follow traffic rules, drive extremely carefully and at low speeds..

However, this situation causes traffic congestion on many streets, leading to many complaints. Another complaint about robotaxis is that workers may fear losing their jobs by replacing taxi drivers.

6. Robotaxies honk at dawn

Imagine waking up at 4 a.m. to cars honking at each other. That’s what some San Francisco residents have been dealing with for weeks, as Waymo’s can be heard in this video honking their horns and flashing their headlights in the parking lot outside their apartment buildings. https://t.co/2cVmDfUk4i pic.twitter.com/pkxNTT5vXd

— ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) 13 August 2024

In the USA, Waymo’s smart cars that function as taxis were caught honking their horns in the early morning hours in San Francisco. This enabled the population to live near the gardens where they stayed awake.

The noise starts around 4 a.m. and Warnings given by robotaxis when maneuvering in a parking lot. Additionally, the company’s fleet owned by Alphabet has become the target of complaints for dangerous driving.

7. Xiaomi robot dog dances and does somersaults

CyberDog 2 is designed to move like a real dog and can simulate pet movements such as pawing, running, playing, skateboarding and much more. In the video published by Xiaomi, the novelty also seems to dance and somersault.

It can also obey gestures and commands, becoming smarter with each interaction and Owners can identify via image or sound. The robot dog has an integrated camera, touch, vision and hearing sensors, and customizable software to add new functions.

8. Tesla humanoid robot serving drinks

The future will be broadcast live

10/10, 7pm PT https://t.co/YJEjZIYoTA

— Tesla (@Tesla) October 9, 2024

At the Tesla robotaxi presentation event, Elon Musk’s automaker showed off other innovations in development. One of the highlights, according to the billionaire, was Optimus, a humanoid robot that can perform a variety of tasks.

During the party, The robot walked around the guests, served them drinks and even talked to people.showing off some of his skills. Rumors indicate that Optimus will cost between US$20,000 and US$30,000 (R$121,000 to R$182,000 at the current price).