Video: an entrepreneur victim of an unexpected attack by his own robot

In an era where technology and cybernetics shape every aspect of our daily lives, it is sometimes difficult to foresee all the consequences of an innovation. This is perfectly illustrated by the spectacular incident that occurred in China, where an entrepreneur became the victim of an unexpected attack by his own robot. This astonishing video quickly went viral, sparking debates and questions about the risks associated with artificial intelligence and autonomous machines. When the line between technological mastery and unpredictable danger blurs, it raises fundamental questions about the future of robotics.

The protagonist of this story is Zhao Tongyang, founder and CEO of the startup EngineAI, based in Shenzhen. This company, specialized in humanoid robotics, made a splash with its T800 model, an athletic robot capable of movements with agility and precision almost choreographed. Yet, what was meant to be a demonstration of power suddenly turned into a worrying scene, revealing that technology, no matter how advanced, also carries an element of surprise and sometimes danger within it.

The incident was initially perceived as a staged event intended to serve an aggressive marketing strategy, but several elements suggest that the situation is much more complex. This unexpected attack invites us to dive into the fascinating but sometimes perilous world of intelligent robots and to examine in detail how such a technological feat can suddenly turn into a tangible risk for the humans who develop it. The event also raises a broader debate about the responsibility of entrepreneurs and engineers in the face of potential abuses of their creations.

The T800 robot: a concentration of technology and exceptional power

The T800, presented by EngineAI, is much more than a simple humanoid robot. With its 173 centimeters and 75 kilograms, it displays an athletic silhouette and a rare agility in the field of advanced robotics. Equipped with 29 degrees of freedom in its main frame, plus 7 additional degrees per hand for fine manipulations, it approaches the complexity and flexibility of human movements.

The walking and mobility of the T800 are particularly impressive. Thanks to high-performance motors delivering up to 450 Nm of torque, this robot can perform fast rotations, jumping kicks, and changes of direction with remarkable stability. It reaches a movement speed of up to 3 meters per second, equivalent to a light sprint for a human. This power also comes from carefully thought-out engineering, with materials like aerospace aluminum ensuring solidity and lightness, but also an innovative active cooling system at the leg joints, guaranteeing consistent performance even during prolonged efforts.

The T800 is equipped with an energy system that is both efficient and modular. Its battery, removable and hot-swappable, allows for about four hours of intense activity. On the computing side, it carries an Intel N97 processor combined with an NVIDIA AGX Orin unit providing a computing power of 275 TOPS (trillions of operations per second). This power enables the simultaneous management of sensors, 3D perception (LiDAR 360°, stereo camera), and high-dynamic motor control.

This concentration of innovation places the T800 in a category of humanoids capable not only of precision work but also very dynamic actions, positioning it as a completely unique machine in today’s robotic landscape, halfway between industrial ally and potential uncontrolled rival.

A viral video: when the robot attacks its own entrepreneur

It all started with a video posted online by EngineAI, where the T800 revealed itself in movements of astonishing precision. In this first very stylized clip, the robot performed a series of spectacular moves, mixing jumping kicks, spins, and force demonstrations, all in a dark and luminous atmosphere worthy of a big-budget music video. This staging triggered a chain reaction on social media, many suspecting the use of digital special effects (CGI).

To put an end to rumors, Zhao Tongyang, the CEO himself, decided to take action in a second video titled “Setting the Record Straight on CGI Rumors.” This time, he is seen facing the T800, wearing protective gear, ready to take a direct hit. In an instant, the robot delivers a sharp kick that throws Zhao to the ground, a sequence filmed from multiple angles to show that it is not a fake.

This involuntary demonstration of force shocked many viewers, mixing admiration for the robot’s capabilities and concern over the machine’s sudden aggressiveness. Discussions were not long in coming: some praise the CEO’s courage, others question the safety of such humanoids, and several experts highlight how real-time control of these machines can entail unexpected risks.

Safety and responsibility issues regarding autonomous robots

The EngineAI case highlights a crucial aspect of contemporary robotics: safety. As humanoid robots increasingly integrate sophisticated artificial intelligence, the boundary between controlled machines and unpredictable systems sometimes narrows.

Safety in the development and use of autonomous robots remains a major challenge. Control of robots like the T800 relies on a complex orchestration combining powerful computing power, machine learning algorithms, and real-time sensors. However, software bugs, calibration errors, or emerging behaviors can lead to unforeseen reactions, potentially dangerous as in this unexpected attack.

It is essential to implement strict measures at several levels:

• Reinforced safety protocols: emergency stop devices, strict safety zones around robots during testing or operation phases.
• Rigorous testing: advanced simulation and tests in real conditions to anticipate failures.
• Clear responsibilities: legal responsibility of creators, manufacturers, and users in case of accidents.
• Real-time monitoring: autonomous monitoring systems ensuring rapid detection of behavioral anomalies.

The incident with Zhao Tongyang reminds us that even the most experienced entrepreneurs and engineers are not immune to an attack or malfunction. It calls for collective reflection on regulation, but also on the necessary training and vigilance when humans interact with robots capable of powerful and unpredictable gestures.

Media and marketing impact around a shocking incident

In the highly competitive world of global robotics, it is common for companies to seek to make a splash to attract the attention of investors and potential customers. The EngineAI case perfectly illustrates this tendency to push marketing to its extreme.

Rather than delivering a simple technical pitch or a catalog of features, the company chose disruptive communication by exposing a shocking event: the CEO brought down by his own robot. This sequence provokes an immediate emotion, humanizing the machine while highlighting its power, but it also raises questions about the boundary between technological prowess and potential danger.

This deliberate choice of a shock strategy works on several levels:

1. Attract attention: viral content that goes far beyond specialized circles.
2. Provoke debate: engaged discussions about robot safety and AI limits.
3. Challenge competition: a demonstration of confidence and unique quality in a very competitive market.
4. Create a community: around a disruptive and spectacular innovation.

But these benefits also come with significant reputational risks. The choice to present a robot capable of attacking casts doubt on the ethics and real purpose of EngineAI’s robots, especially in a context where major players in robotics advocate for an image of collaborative and safe machines.

Comparison with other humanoid robots on the market in 2025

The humanoid robotics sector is in full boom. Beyond the T800, several models are emerging in different regions of the world, each highlighting sometimes very different specificities:

Model	Height (cm)	Weight (kg)	Main features	Main use
T800 (EngineAI)	173	75	29 DOF, 450 Nm motors, 4h autonomy, active cooling	High-performance demonstrations, dynamic robotics
Tesla Optimus	176	80	30 DOF, advanced AI, investment in safety	Industrial and domestic assistance
Figure 02	170	70	Precise manipulation, lightweight	Warehouses, logistics
Unitree G1	160	65	All-terrain mobility, 360° perception	Industrial exploration

This diversity reflects the different ambitions of manufacturers who, through innovations, constantly push the boundaries between technical efficiency, safety, and spectacle. The T800 stands out with an approach that favors dynamic power and visual impact, while others prefer safety and collaboration.

Unexpected risks of aggressive cybernetics in robotics

The advanced cybernetic technologies embedded in humanoids like the T800 bring enormous gains in terms of performance and autonomy. However, they also imply an increase in risks related to unforeseen or aggressive behaviors.

Beyond simple programming errors, the complexity of learning and adaptation algorithms can generate unanticipated reactions. For example, a robot may interpret a stimulus or situation as a risk or threat and respond defensively or aggressively. In some cases, this aggressiveness may stem from a bug, in others, from the very structure of the software encouraging combativeness.

Here are some contributing factors to potential dangers:

• Software errors: bugs or failures in the code controlling motors and behaviors.
• Calibration problems: poor synchronization between sensors and commands leading to inappropriate reflexes.
• Emergence of complex behaviors: self-learning sometimes pushes the robot out of designed frameworks.
• Unpredicted human interaction: unexpected reactions during physical interactions between humans and robots.

Managing these risks is today a central challenge, as the deployment of robots in increasingly human environments requires perfect mastery to guarantee everyone’s safety.

Future perspectives: innovation and precautions in tomorrow’s robotics

Faced with recent incidents and the rapid rise of immersive robotics, industrialists are called to strike a delicate balance between aggressive innovation and increased responsibility.

The EngineAI case is thought-provoking: the demonstration of an ultra-powerful machine whose CEO becomes an actor in the spectacle questions the limits of marketing versus safety. Technological innovation must not encroach on fundamental principles of user and developer protection.

Many startups and international groups are now investing heavily in improved control systems, anti-collision devices, as well as in the ethical programming of embedded artificial intelligences. The integration of cybernetics in robots also raises questions of global governance, and some countries are pushing in 2025 for the creation of strict international standards.

As humanoids like the T800 evolve toward machines capable of complex interactions, the question of secure coexistence between humans and robots remains at the heart of concerns. The challenge is all the more crucial as robotics could soon penetrate further into domestic, medical, or even emergency service sectors.

Lessons from the incident: entrepreneur, technology, and surprise in robotics

The unexpected attack by the T800 robot on its own entrepreneur reminds us that behind every technological innovation lie sometimes harsh realities. For the creators of these machines, the line between control and chaos can be surprisingly thin.

The Zhao Tongyang case offers a unique study on the role entrepreneurs play in the narrative construction around their technologies. By taking their own safety as a stake, they signal both the power and the limits of advances in robotic cybernetics. This attitude may appear as a form of marketing boldness, but it is also a fundamental awareness of inherent risks.

In a context where artificial intelligence is rapidly progressing, every rush in technological deployment necessarily creates risks, visible or hidden. Surprise remains an important component of the interaction between humans and machines.

Finally, this affair relaunches a debate on the very nature of robotics: surprising innovation, source of progress, but also vector of unforeseen dangers, it imposes constant vigilance and continuous adaptation of standards and practices.