Humanoid robots are entering our lives—but are we ready for the risks?

In recent years, humanoid robots have emerged as a growing global trend, heavily promoted by countries like China. Marketed as game changers in industries such as service, healthcare, and manufacturing, these machines are expected to become trusted human companions.

But as robots move closer to everyday life, their potential risks deserve just as much attention as their promises.

Despite being powered by advanced artificial intelligence, robots remain machines. They can freeze, lag, or suffer mechanical failures over time. Sensors, processors, and cameras may degrade, while software systems are prone to bugs. Even a routine system update could trigger serious malfunctions. For example, a cooking robot designed to handle knives could become dangerous if its vision software misinterprets its surroundings.

Although manufacturers implement error-detection systems and behavior limits, no one can guarantee total safety. Much like smartphones, which are produced to strict standards yet still experience faults, humanoid robots are bound to encounter problems. As millions of units are introduced into homes and public spaces, serious incidents may become inevitable.

If a smartphone is hacked, the damage might be limited to lost data or funds. But hijacking a humanoid robot could result in physical harm, or worse. A deeper concern lies in the possibility of manufacturers embedding hidden "backdoors" in the hardware or software.

In times of geopolitical tension, these robots could be exploited for surveillance or even weaponized. Imagine a nursing robot suddenly assaulting a patient after being remotely tampered with. That is no longer science fiction if the technology falls into the wrong hands.

Then comes the question of accountability. If a robot causes harm, who should be held liable, the manufacturer, the software developer, the distributor, or the end user?

Existing laws have yet to catch up with the rapid pace of robotics, especially for models with self-learning capabilities. Determining fault and securing compensation could become legally and ethically complex.

Several scenarios illustrate the concern: a nurse robot miscalculates a drug dosage and a patient dies; a hacked security robot unlocks a door for intruders; or a kitchen robot malfunctions while using a knife and injures someone nearby.

As robots become as accessible and affordable as smartphones, many everyday users may lack the technical know-how to handle system failures or emergencies. Vulnerable groups like children and the elderly could face greater risks. Meanwhile, efforts to cut manufacturing costs could lead to widespread defects, echoing past scandals in the car and phone industries.

To minimize these dangers, I believe it is essential to establish global standards for AI ethics, mandatory safety certifications, and regular security updates. At the same time, independent oversight and clear legal frameworks must be developed to determine responsibility when things go wrong.

Humanoid robots represent a remarkable leap forward in human innovation, but their potential threats must not be underestimated. Without proactive safeguards, the machines we rely on today could become dangerous liabilities tomorrow.

The question remains: Would I truly feel safe knowing a humanoid robot is silently standing behind me every day?