A service robot meant to entertain diners caused a sudden scare at a restaurant in Cupertino after it appeared to lose control, knocking over food and tableware before staff rushed to restrain it.
The incident happened at a location of Haidilao, a popular restaurant chain known for using robots to deliver meals and interact with customers.
A video of the moment quickly spread online, showing the robot acting unpredictably near a table of diners.
In the footage, the robot can be seen starting what looked like a simple dance routine. Moments later, it suddenly struck a nearby table, sending chopsticks, condiments, and dishes flying. Diners nearby appeared startled as the situation escalated within seconds.
Staff members quickly moved in to control the robot, but it continued moving with strong, energetic motions.
At one point, it seemed to keep "dancing" even as workers tried to stop it, adding to the confusion, FoxBusiness reported.
The machine carried on for about a minute, its hand stained with spilled sauces, while maintaining a cheerful digital expression.
Restaurant robot goes haywire, sends tableware flying before breaking out in dance moves https://t.co/wRVDX6GD3U
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) March 20, 2026
Human Error Blamed for Dancing Robot Incident
The restaurant later explained that the incident was not caused by a technical malfunction. Instead, it pointed to human error and the robot's positioning during the performance.
"In this case, the robot was brought closer to a dining table at a guest's request, which is not its typical operating setting," the company said in a statement. "The limited space affected its movement during the performance."
According to LGMCorp, this detail suggests the robot may not have had enough room to safely complete its programmed routine, leading to the unexpected contact with the table.
No injuries were reported, but the scene raised concerns about how robots operate in tight public spaces, especially around food and customers.
For many diners, the mix of technology and dining is exciting—but moments like this can quickly turn that excitement into worry.
Haidilao has long been known for blending food service with advanced tools. The Beijing-based company has introduced robotic servers and automated systems in several locations, aiming to make dining more efficient and interactive.
In 2022, the company launched a smart restaurant concept featuring automated kitchen systems and robot-assisted service.
Originally published on vcpost.com
