A hard-up humanoid robot has been spotted begging for cash on its knees in the street after apparently hitting rock bot-tom. The AI beggar was filmed pleading with passers-by for change in China's Sichuan Province last week, after sourcing a donation bowl, a QR code and a sign.
Robot's Plea for Electricity Fees
The cash-strapped cyborg told shocked locals that it had "no money to recharge" and begged "please help with electricity fees." While nobody has officially claimed responsibility for the bizarre stunt, the machine was identified as a Unitree G1 humanoid model, made by Hangzhou-based firm Unitree Robotics.
Previous Robot Failures
The robot's begging routine follows a widely mocked event at the Beijing Yizhuang half-marathon in April, where over 300 humanoid robots competed. The much-hyped showcase quickly turned into a hilarious online meme after many of the bots collapsed shortly after the start, fell over mid-race, or smashed face-first into barriers.
Industry Criticism
Just a month before that, Wei Zhejia, chairman of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), slammed the current standard of robot tech during a speech at Asia University. The CEO said that Chinese robots "jump around, bounce about" and are generally "just for show" and little else. He also pointed out that up to 95 per cent of the "brain" - the core computing chips - in the robots relies on Taiwanese semiconductors.
Industry analysts backed the savage takedown, describing Wei's assessment as "already very polite." They noted that Chinese robots largely remain in the entertainment or demonstration stage rather than offering any genuine practical utility.
Viral Reaction
The footage of the begging bot has since gone viral on Chinese social networks, leaving users divided. Many questioned whether the video was genuine or just staged for satire, highlighting the massive clash between over-hyped AI and growing economic pressures. But one witty local couldn't help but joke: "even beggars are being replaced."
