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Robot's martial arts kick sends boy to ground on Children's Day in China

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • A robot performing a martial arts demonstration in Xinjiang, China, accidentally kicked a young boy in the abdomen on Children's Day.
  • The incident occurred in a botanical garden in Urumqi, with no safety barriers or personnel present to manage the crowd.
  • The boy's parents expressed dissatisfaction with the staff's reaction, though the child was reported to be unharmed.

A robot's martial arts demonstration took a dangerous turn on Children's Day in Urumqi, Xinjiang, when it accidentally kicked a young boy in the abdomen. The incident, which occurred at a local botanical garden, has sparked public concern due to the apparent lack of safety measures. Video footage shows the boy recoiling in pain and collapsing after the robot's swift kick.

This kick was fierce. With the toe and metal material, even an adult couldn't take it.

— NetizenComment on the force of the robot's kick.

Eyewitness accounts and the boy's parents highlighted the absence of safety barriers or dedicated staff to manage the performance area. The parents reported that while they have filed a police report, they are dissatisfied with the response from the garden's management. They expressed relief that their child was not seriously injured but shared their distress upon rewatching the video, cautioning others to keep children away from robots during performances.

This iron block, few people could withstand one kick.

— NetizenComment on the robot's physical impact.

The incident quickly gained traction online, with many netizens expressing sympathy and concern. Comments ranged from acknowledging the force of the kick, especially with a metal robot, to questioning the safety protocols. Some users pointed out the child's proximity to the robot, suggesting a shared responsibility between the organizers and the parents for not anticipating the danger. Others argued that the lack of a safety cordon made it difficult to determine appropriate viewing distances.

Kicked in the chest, the person would be gone. Luckily, it was the abdomen.

— NetizenExpressing relief about the location of the kick.

In a subsequent response, the botanical garden posted a video on social media featuring the robot with a sign that read, "I was wrong! It's all the master's fault (Zhang Sanfeng)." The accompanying text stated, "I am the culprit who accidentally kicked the child." The post, which also advertised the robot's ongoing martial arts shows, elicited mixed reactions, with some finding it humorous and others deeming it an inappropriate response to a serious safety lapse.

This flying kick was not light. At least an apology is due.

— NetizenComment on the severity of the kick and the need for an apology.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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