A jumping, punching, kung fu-trained robot that protects your house and family—what could go wrong?

A hooded man with a knife approaches a woman in her backyard, but a humanoid robot, the H2-X, intervenes. Unitree, the Chinese robot maker, introduces this Kung Fu Legend Guardian in a one-minute video released on October 21. The robot's video showcases its powerful performance, complete with somersaults, kicks, knees, and a flying kick on a hooded man.

Later, it protects a dummy and a child mannequin from an oncoming car. However, questions arise about the robot's autonomous decision-making capabilities. Can it accurately distinguish between friend and foe? Real-life scenarios might involve hooded strangers running late, delivery drivers, or even teenagers in hoodies. The robot must also determine the appropriate moment to intervene and restrain its strength to avoid causing harm.

Who is accountable if the robot breaks someone's arm? Unitree has not provided clarity on these matters. The International Committee of the Red Cross and other organizations have expressed concerns about autonomous weapons with target-and-kill capabilities, citing the need for human judgment in complex, crowded environments. Unitree advises potential customers to use the robot safely and in a friendly manner, emphasizing extreme testing conditions and warning against imitation, modification, or dangerous use.

The company emphasizes the early stage of humanoid robotics development, leaving the future implications of such a device uncertain.