During its debut in Moscow, Russia’s new humanoid robot, AIDOL, experienced a notable mishap when it toppled over on stage, creating quite a stir. The introduction of AIDOL took place on Tuesday, coinciding with the classic theme song “Gonna Fly Now” from the movie “Rocky,” which played in the background. Following the incident, a video of the robot’s fall quickly spread through media outlets.
The startup behind AIDOL, Artificial Intelligence Dynamic Organism Lab, took to Telegram to assure the public about the robot’s condition. They stated, “We know that many are worried about the robot’s condition. It’s in good hands, and we’ll do everything possible to help it recover soon.” The company even shared a follow-up video showing AIDOL in recovery mode, bandaged and humorously commenting on its healing process, suggesting it was receiving a “drip of pure electricity” to help it recuperate and improve its camera functions.
Humanoid robotics is emerging as a significant investment area, with major companies like Tesla and Figure working on their own projects. Tesla’s Optimus, for example, is a key component of CEO Elon Musk’s ambitious plans, which he believes could potentially “eliminate poverty.”
AIDOL, while relatively unknown until this incident, is led by Vladimir Vitukhin, who has extensive experience in managing IT projects within the Russian government. Since its establishment in February 2023, AIDOL describes itself as the first Russian anthropomorphic robot integrating AI, with plans for both walking and desktop versions.
Despite the unexpected attention from the media due to the robot’s fall, the company expressed its surprise and stated that they are a small independent team dedicated to development. “This is not a government initiative, nor is it funded by large corporations, but a small independent team of 14 people,” a spokesperson emphasized, highlighting the significant endeavor and resourcefulness of the startup.
The excitement surrounding AIDOL not only showcases the challenges that come with developing advanced robotics but also reflects a hopeful future for the robotics field in Russia, signaling potential growth in innovation and investment.