On March 20, 2026, a service robot malfunction at a HaiDiLao Hotpot restaurant surprised diners and quickly became a viral topic online.
The incident happened in Cupertino, where a restaurant robot suddenly began moving erratically. The machine knocked over plates, bowls, and chopsticks while appearing to “dance” uncontrollably across the dining area.
A short video of the moment spread rapidly across social media platforms and sparked discussion about the growing use of robots in restaurants.
Robot Glitches and Sends Plates Flying
In the viral video, the service robot appears to suddenly glitch during normal operations.
Instead of delivering dishes to tables, the robot starts spinning and jerking unpredictably. As it moves around the dining area, it bumps into tables and sends utensils and food onto the floor.
Several diners nearby appear startled as the robot continues moving wildly.
Restaurant staff quickly step in and try to control the machine.
Staff Struggle to Stop the Robot
Three employees from HaiDiLao Hotpot are seen attempting to stop the malfunctioning robot.
They eventually manage to grab the machine and drag it away from customers. For a few seconds, the robot continues its strange movements before finally being removed from the dining area.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident. However, the unexpected disruption caused confusion and concern among diners.
Growing Use of Robots in Restaurants
Haidilao International Holding Ltd. is known worldwide for combining traditional hotpot dining with modern technology.
Many of its restaurants use service robots to help deliver dishes and assist staff with table service. The technology aims to improve efficiency and reduce workload during busy hours.
While these systems usually operate safely, experts say occasional technical glitches can still occur in real-world environments.
Viral Video Sparks Online Discussion
The video quickly gained attention across platforms like TikTok, X (Twitter), and Instagram.
Many users reacted with humor, calling the malfunctioning robot a “dancing robot.” Others raised questions about the safety of automation in busy public spaces.
The incident has renewed debate about how restaurants can balance technology with safety and human oversight.
Final Thoughts
The HaiDiLao robot malfunction in California shows both the promise and challenges of using robotics in hospitality.
As more restaurants adopt automation, companies will likely focus even more on safety checks and quick response systems to prevent similar incidents in the future.
