A visit to a science museum in China reportedly turned into a traumatic experience for a five-year-old girl after she was struck in the face by a robot during a live demonstration.
The incident happened at the Xiangyang Science and Technology Museum in Hubei on 12 November 2025, when the girl visited the facility as part of a kindergarten outing. During a robot performance, the machine reportedly raised its leg and accidentally struck the child in the face.
The impact left the girl with serious injuries, including facial wounds and damage to her teeth. According to her family, four teeth were eventually lost as a result of the incident, while a scar was also left on her face.
Robot performance reportedly went wrong during kindergarten visit
The child was watching the demonstration with other students when the robot suddenly moved towards her. The impact caused her to bleed heavily, with medical treatment required after the accident.
Hospital examinations reportedly found a cut to her upper lip that required stitches. One front tooth was knocked out immediately, while another became loose and was subsequently lost. Damage to the surrounding gums and teeth reportedly resulted in two additional baby teeth falling out during the treatment process.
The museum reportedly acknowledged that the incident was connected to an operational error. According to its response, staff had failed to properly maintain a safe distance between the robot and spectators during the performance.
Family says child continues to face problems months after accident
The girl’s mother, identified as Wang, claimed that the consequences have continued long after the original incident. She reportedly said her daughter has experienced difficulties eating normally and has at times had to rely on liquid food.
The family also alleged that the child’s gums have repeatedly become inflamed and that she has suffered recurring fevers. Beyond the physical injuries, her mother said the facial scar has also affected the girl’s emotional wellbeing.
The family is therefore seeking compensation not only for medical expenses already incurred, but also for future treatment. These costs reportedly include dental restoration and procedures to reduce the appearance of the facial scar as the child grows.
Three parties remain divided over compensation
The dispute reportedly involves the science museum, the kindergarten responsible for the school outing and Hefei Anda Chuangzhan Technology Co, the company that supplied the robot involved in the demonstration.
The parties have reportedly been unable to reach an agreement over responsibility and the amount of compensation more than nine months after the accident.
The robot company has reportedly offered to cover the medical expenses that have already been incurred, together with an additional 20,000 yuan, equivalent to roughly S$3,700. The family, however, has sought a one-off settlement of 150,000 yuan, or approximately S$27,500, to cover past expenses as well as anticipated future dental and cosmetic treatment.
Company reportedly tells family to pursue legal action
The biggest disagreement appears to centre on future medical costs. Because the child is still young, the family argues that further dental and cosmetic treatment may be necessary as she grows.
With negotiations reportedly failing to produce a settlement, the robot company has suggested that the family pursue the matter through the courts if an agreement cannot be reached.
The case has also renewed questions about robot safety, particularly as humanoid robots and interactive technology become increasingly common in museums, exhibitions and educational venues.
Growing use of robots raises questions over public safety
Robots used for public demonstrations can involve moving limbs, rapid changes in direction and automated movements that may be difficult for spectators to predict. Maintaining an adequate safety zone is therefore particularly important when young children are present.
Reports have previously emerged of robots or other automated machines causing accidents during public demonstrations in different parts of China. The latest case has once again highlighted the importance of proper risk assessments, trained operators, physical barriers and clearly defined spectator zones.
For parents bringing children to technology exhibitions, the incident is also a reminder that seemingly controlled demonstrations can still carry physical risks when visitors are standing too close to moving machinery.
As the compensation dispute remains unresolved, the family and the companies involved may ultimately have to rely on legal proceedings to determine responsibility and the appropriate level of compensation.