Russia’s newest humanoid robot crashed to the stage floor Sunday during its grand debut, scattering parts across a Moscow tech conference.
The robot, called AIdol, fell while two staff members guided it onstage to the “Rocky” theme song at the Nov. 10 event. Video footage posted on X shows workers scrambling to hide the fallen machine behind a screen as they dragged it away.
The mishap occurred as Russia attempts to compete in the global AI robotics race. Vladimir Vitukhin, CEO of robotics firm Idol, blamed calibration issues for the fall. (RELATED: Mark Zuckerberg Mortified After ‘Korean-Inspired Steak Sauce’ Derails $800 Glasses Demo)
“I hope that this mistake will turn into an experience,” Vitukhin said during the presentation, according to Newsweek.
Russia presented its human-like AI robot. It fell down as it walked onto the stage. pic.twitter.com/YAk7w2SsWV
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) November 11, 2025
The company built AIdol with 77% Russian-made components, planning to increase that figure to 93%, according to Newsweek. The robot runs on a 48-volt battery for six hours and uses 19 servomotors to display basic emotions and facial expressions through silicone skin.
“The robot can smile, think, and be surprised—just like a person,” Vitukhin told the audience.
Russian social media users reportedly mocked the failed demonstration, questioning whether the country’s robotics industry can compete globally. Critics pointed to the robot’s obvious instability and the decision to unveil an incomplete prototype.
Vitukhin defended the presentation, calling it part of the testing phase. “This is real-time learning, when a good mistake turns into knowledge, and a bad mistake turns into experience,” he said Wednesday.
Engineers removed AIdol from public view to examine its balance systems and control software. The company said development continues despite the setback, Newsweek reported.
The incident drew widespread attention online as videos of the falling robot circulated across Russian tech forums and international media.
