Video: Saudi Arabian robot ‘inappropriately’ touches journalists at event

At the press conference, Mohammed wore a traditional white shawl and red headscarf.

Saudi Arabia’s first male robot, Android Muhammad, has come under scrutiny after a video showed him allegedly harassing a female reporter at an event.

The incident occurred during a live event introducing the robot. In an eight-second viral video, the robot, programmed to move its hands, can be seen standing next to TV journalist Rawiya Al-Qasimi. The robot was captured on camera reaching towards the reporter’s back, appearing to touch her. Ms. Qasimi had to temporarily raise her hands to prevent contact.

Saudi robot announced today? ? ?

pic.twitter.com/f6QHkxzqQO

— Tansu Yegen (@TansuYegen) March 5, 2024

While some believe the incident was caused by an accidental touch due to programmed hand movements, others believe the robot’s actions amounted to harassment. Many observers pointed to the uncomfortable look on the reporter’s face as evidence to support harassment claims.

“Who programmed this bot?” one user asked on X (formerly Twitter).

Who programmed this robot? ? ? ?

— Mr. Curiosity (@curiositybackup) March 5, 2024

Another user wrote: “Almost touched the host. Sensen!”

I almost touched the host. dense!

— Jules Evans (@JulesEvans11) March 5, 2024

“No matter who programmed the robot or controls it, this is still harassment,” the comment read.

Regardless of whether the robot is programmed or controlled, this is still harassment.

— Ivankshuu (@iVankshuu) March 5, 2024

Mohammed is the first male robot built by QSS Systems in Saudi Arabia and is designed to be the counterpart to Sarah. “I am Mohammed, the first Saudi robot in human form. I was manufactured and developed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a national project to showcase our achievements in the field of artificial intelligence,” said the robot Mohammed. It is also the first bilingual male Saudi humanoid robot to appear on the main stage of DeepFest.

“I am Mohammad, the first Saudi robot in human form. I was manufactured and developed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a national project to showcase our achievements in the field of artificial intelligence.” Android Mohammad said @qltyssthe first bilingual male… pic.twitter.com/SKLgOz3pal

— DeepFest (@deepfestai) March 4, 2024

At the press conference, Mohammed, wearing a traditional white shawl and red headscarf, addressed the audience in perfect Arabic.