Dancing Robot Causes Minor Chaos at Cupertino Hot Pot Restaurant

At a Haidilao hot pot restaurant in Cupertino, California, a humanoid robot designed for entertainment became the center of unexpected chaos when a dance performance took a wild turn. The robot—believed to be an AgiBot X2 model previously showcased at CES 2026—began flailing its arms uncontrollably, knocking dishes and chopsticks off nearby tables. Staff members rushed to restrain the machine, with at least three employees struggling to subdue it as one tried to use a mobile app to stop its movements. Although no one was seriously injured, the scene raised concerns about safety in human-robot interactions, especially given the presence of hot soup pots that could have caused burns. Haidilao later confirmed the incident but denied that the robot malfunctioned, explaining that a guest had asked for a closer view, forcing it to perform in a tighter space than usual, which interfered with its movement sensors. The company emphasized that this was a matter of operational setting, not a system error. AgiBot has not yet released a statement. The episode highlights both the promise and risks of using humanoid robots in hospitality, a growing trend as companies experiment with automation for entertainment and service. Alternative robotic systems like Pudu Robotics’ BellaBot, which lacks limbs, may present fewer safety concerns when deployed in restaurants.