In a surprising turn of events, a fully autonomous AI robot named Mohammad has drawn attention and raised eyebrows after seemingly groping a reporter during an interview at a technology festival in Saudi Arabia. The incident was captured in a video that quickly made its rounds on social media, prompting speculation and debate.

The journalist, Rawya Kassem, was addressing the audience in front of the robot when it appeared to make a motion towards her behind. Startled by the unexpected gesture, Kassem quickly moved away from the robot, signaling it to stop before continuing with her presentation at the DeepFest AI event in Riyadh.

Mohammad, developed by robotics firm QSS, is declared to be "fully autonomous" and operates without direct human control. The company stated that it had conducted a thorough review of the footage and the circumstances surrounding the incident, finding no deviations from the expected behavior of Mohammad. However, they acknowledged the need for additional safety measures to prevent anyone from getting too close to the robot within its range of movement.

QSS emphasized that Mohammad was designed to assist in hazardous conditions and improve safety for humans. Some speculate that the robot's movement may have been a request for Kassem to step forward, aligning with its purpose of helping humans.

The robotics firm underscored its commitment to safety and well-being and advised attendees to maintain a safe distance from the robot during its demonstrations. Despite these assurances, social media users weighed in on the incident, offering various viewpoints on the robot's apparent motive.

One user accused Mohammad of being "coded to be a creep," while another referred to it as a "womanizer robot." Some suggested that the robot was attempting to shake hands with Kassem after she called its name, attributing the incident to human error rather than malicious intent from the robot.

It is noteworthy that Mohammad was created in Saudi Arabia and is bilingual, according to DeepFest, the host of the technology festival. The festival described the robot as a testament to the country's commitment to technological advancement and innovation, stating that it embodies the spirit of innovation that defines Saudi Arabia's technological landscape, inspiring future generations.

As discussions continue regarding the intentions and responsible operation of AI robots like Mohammad, it remains crucial for developers and event organizers to prioritize safety measures that ensure the well-being of both humans and machines alike in this evolving technological landscape.