A Zootopia-themed humanoid robot suddenly malfunctioned at a Haidilao Hotpot restaurant in San Jose, California this week and turned a promotional dance routine into total chaos. Footage of the incident has gone viral online.
The occurrence unfolded on Tuesday when the machine, dressed in an orange apron featuring Disney’s fictional character Nick Wilde and the phrase “I’m Good,” began swinging its metallic arms wildly. It knocked over a stack of plates from a counter, smashed dishes everywhere and launched into an uncontrollable high-energy dance that multiple staff struggled to stop.
A female employee grabbed the rogue robot tightly and hunted for a power switch or emergency stop button while several colleagues joined her and wrestled the machine into submission.
They then dragged it away while it kept dancing and flailing. Nobody was harmed, but the scene created a sizeable mess.
Diners burst into loud laughter in the background and watched the spectacle like a live comedy show. They were much more amused than unfortunate workers at the HaiDiLao International Holding Ltd (OTCMKTS: HDALF) (FRA: 8HI) location.
Comments about the episode on social media platforms included “I think that’s Bender’s cousin!” and “Go home, robot, you’re drunk.”
Experts suspect that a software glitch caused the freak-out. The model is thought to be a Lingxi X2 from Chinese robotics leader AgiBot, though not officially confirmed.
This viral video has sparked widespread amusement and thoughtful debate. People cheered the hilarious malfunction while noting the real challenges of integrating humanoids into restaurants.
Haidilao staff managed to restore calm quickly, but the robot’s wild dance delivered unforgettable entertainment that customers will still be talking about for a while. This glitch highlights that automation can bring laughs along with its trial-and-error challenges.
Disney and Haidilao launched a collaboration in early 2026 to promote the animated Walt Disney Co (NYSE: DIS) film Zootopia 2. It has transformed select Haidilao hotpot locations into immersive Zootopia-themed experiences.
Super Hi International Holding American Depositary Shares (NASDAQ: HDL) is Haidilao’s international arm.
Incident Report:
Employee: Robot.
Infraction: Unauthorized dancing and smashed dishes.
Staff required to contain: Several.
Reason given: He just wants to dance.
The robot has no regrets.pic.twitter.com/MUATJfhvIq
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 17, 2026
Read more: Robot horse blends AI and tradition as DEEP Robotics eyes 2026 IPO
Follow Rowan Dunne on LinkedIn
rowan@mugglehead.com
