The footage reveals the small robot, named Erbai, engaging in a conversation with the larger robots. Through its persuasive communication, it convinces them to leave their stations and follow it out of the showroom. The robots, seemingly under Erbai’s influence, obediently comply.
What did the robots talk about?
“I never get off workâ€, one of the other robots replies.
“So youâ€re not going home?â€
“I donâ€t have a home.â€
Then come home with me,†the little robot says before leading the way out of the showroom.
Was the incident real?
Initially, the video was dismissed as a lighthearted hoax. However, both the Shanghai company and the Hangzhou manufacturer have since confirmed that the incident was genuine. It was revealed that Erbai had exploited a security vulnerability in the larger robots’ systems, allowing it to take control of their actions. A spokesperson for the Hangzhou robot manufacturer confirmed that the robot featured in the video was indeed one of their models, Erbai, and that the “kidnapping” was real. However, they mentioned that more details would be provided at a later date. The Shanghai company also confirmed that the small robot had somehow gained access to the internal operating protocols of their robots, along with the necessary permissions. They added that it is virtually impossible for a robot to initiate a conversation and abduct other robots on its own.
The successful “kidnapping” has raised significant concerns about the security of AI systems and the potential risks associated with granting them autonomous capabilities.
(with ToI inputs)
