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The robot, developed by Russian robotics company Idol, was intended to showcase the country’s progress in anthropomorphic robotics and domestic artificial intelligence.
Video footage of the incident, which was widely shared on social media platform X, shows employees hurriedly trying to cover the robot behind the screen. (screenshot)
Russia’s first home-made artificial intelligence robot, AIdol, made its first appearance on stage at a technology event in Moscow on Monday, falling flat on its face just seconds after being introduced.
The robot, developed by Russian robotics company Idol, was intended to showcase the country’s progress in anthropomorphic robotics and domestic artificial intelligence. As two employees were leading AIdol onto the stage to the soundtrack of the movie Rocky, he took a few unsteady steps before losing his balance and collapsing, leaving several components scattered on the floor.
Russia unveils its first robot in Moscow. The AI robot took a few steps to ROCKY’s music, waved, and then immediately face-planted. Soon the curtain was lowered on the stage, and the fallen “fighter” was carried backstage. @elonmusk He knows how to feel. pic.twitter.com/EE57KR4T2d
– Russian market (@runews) November 11, 2025
Video footage of the incident, shared widely on the social media platform
Public reaction was swift and largely humorous. One user commented: “Joke of the day from Moscow: Russia attempted to unveil its first AI robot, Idol. Keyword: tried. The robot collapsed during its debut, forcing organizers to cut short the presentation. Their hasty attempt to lift the prop only made matters worse.”
Another added: “How embarrassing. Russian robotics company IDOL tried to launch their new AI robot, AIDOL. It took two steps. And it ate up the stage. They called it a ‘test setup glitch’ but come on.”
How embarrassing. Russian robotics company IDOL tried to launch its new AI-powered robot, AIDO, and it took two steps and ate up the stage.
They called it a “test setup glitch,” but come on? pic.twitter.com/ioM3lHtx4v
– Desiree (@DesireeAmerica4) November 12, 2025
Others mocked the robot’s performance, with one writing: “Nothing unusual – just the highly publicized Russian AI robot collapsed on stage during its first show. Apparently, it couldn’t handle Russian reality.”
Another quipped: “Russia’s first humanoid robot was unveiled today. It looks a bit like Mobik. It fell as if it had been shot. Our efforts to hide the disaster did not convince anyone.”
One user joked: “By making him in their image and likeness, the Russians created the world’s first drunkard robot.”
Idol CEO Vladimir Vitokhin attributed the drop to calibration issues, noting that AIdol is still in the testing phase. He said: “I hope this mistake turns into an experience.” Despite the setback, Vitokhin said the robot represents an important step towards Russia’s self-reliance in robotics. TVB World I mentioned.
The machine, which is powered by a 48-volt battery capable of operating for six hours, consists of 77% Russian-made components, a number that the company aims to increase to 93% in future models. Although AIdol cannot stay upright without help, he can smile, think and express surprise, Vitokhin added.
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break down and analyze the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explanations, the office offers…Read more
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break down and analyze the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explanations, the office offers… Read more
12 November 2025 at 7:56 PM IST
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