Robot tried to be Michael Jackson and ended up going viral on the internet.
Artificial intelligence and robotics are advancing at an impressive pace, with many companies claiming that humanoid robots are now one step closer to being integrated into our daily lives. From factories and warehouses to restaurants, hotels and service departments, machines are increasingly acquiring human-like movements and capabilities. However, a recent viral video from China reminded the public that technology, no matter how advanced it is, still has its… awkward moments.
The incident occurred at an event at robotics store Future Era in Shenzhen, where a humanoid robot attempted to dance to Michael Jackson’s hit “Billie Jean.” The scene started off impressively, with the robot moving rhythmically in front of an audience and television cameras, attempting what looked like a moonwalk. But seconds later, the performance turned into one of the funniest viral moments of the year.
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The moment the Michael Jackson robot "collapsed" that became a meme
As the humanoid robot moved across the stage, it apparently misjudged a small step. The result was that it lost its balance and stumbled in front of the audience. Although stabilization algorithms attempted to restore it, the robot only managed a few unsteady movements before collapsing back at the same spot.
The audience's reaction was almost cinematic. Instead of applause or cheers, there was an awkward silence, while a few seconds later a technician came on stage and dragged the "lifeless" robotic body out of the shot.
The video immediately went viral on social media, with thousands of users commenting humorously on the botched performance. Many likened the robot to a "drunk uncle at a wedding party," while others commented that " Michael Jackson's new movie looks disastrous."
Why are videos like this becoming so popular?
The success of such clips is not just about humor. Humanoid robots are at a technological stage that creates a strange balance between the impressive and the bizarre.
When a robot moves correctly, the result is almost magical. But when something goes wrong, the human-likeness turns into a comic spectacle. The jerky movements, failed attempts at balance, and “mechanical” reactions create scenes reminiscent of a science fiction comedy.
Experts explain that human movement is extremely difficult to replicate. Even a simple step requires thousands of micro-balance adjustments by the human brain. For robots, each such movement depends on sensors, cameras, motors and complex algorithms.
This is why humanoid robots often seem to "fight" with their own bodies when they fall, trying to get back up.
See also: China: Robot beats humans in half-marathon
Future Era and the new culture of robotics in China
The Future Era store in Shenzhen is considered one of the most ambitious robotic retail projects in the world. The city is already a major technology hub in China, home to giants such as Tencent, Huawei and DJI.
The store opened as the first commercial showroom dedicated exclusively to humanoid robots and hosts frequent demonstrations for the public. Robots like the Unitree G1 perform dance moves, interact with visitors, and participate in promotional events.
Customers can also rent robots for events or business use. According to Chinese media, the daily rental cost ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 RMB, and custom modifications are also offered depending on the customer's needs.
Humanoid robots are becoming increasingly common
China is investing heavily in robotics, seeing it as a key part of future economic growth. With an aging population and rising labor costs, humanoid robots are seen as a potential solution for many market sectors.
In recent years, robots have been appearing more and more frequently at school events, shopping malls, sporting events and entertainment venues. However, their growing presence has also been accompanied by safety concerns.
Recent incidents of robots losing control during demonstrations have sparked debate about the reliability of these systems. In some cases, humanoid models have collapsed in front of children or hit spectators during demonstration moves.
See also: The Figure 3 Humanoid Robot in the White House
The future of robotics will also have... awkward moments
Despite the funny moments, many tech enthusiasts point out that even a “failed” dance demonstration is a huge technological achievement. The fact that a humanoid robot can walk, dance, and interact in real time with its environment was unthinkable just a few years ago.
And perhaps this is the most interesting aspect of today's era of robotics: robots are no longer just cold factory machines, but characters that participate in public life, provoke reactions, become memes and – even if unintentionally – provide entertainment to millions of people worldwide.
