Influencer in China rents robot for $1,400 a day to do housework, and go on date with him

A Chinese influencer has made headlines by renting a humanoid robot for $1,400 a day to assist with housework and accompany him on a date.

This story, reported across multiple news outlets, showcases the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and daily life, raising both curiosity and questions about the future of human-robot interactions.

According to the South China Morning Post, the influencer employed an agile humanoid robot capable of performing an impressive array of tasks.

The robot, designed with advanced capabilities, can cook, clean, assist with shopping, and even execute martial arts moves.

The influencer’s experiment went beyond mere utility, as he took the robot on a date, testing its social adaptability in a real-world setting.
However, the robot reportedly struggled to maintain composure during a dance, hinting at the limitations of current robotic technology when faced with complex, spontaneous activities.

Posts on X have echoed this narrative, with users sharing snippets from the South China Morning Post article.

One post highlighted the robot’s versatility, noting its ability to handle chores and entertain, while another emphasized the quirky detail of its dance-floor difficulties.

Though these social media mentions reflect public fascination, they remain anecdotal and inconclusive without broader verification.

The story aligns with a growing trend of integrating robots into personal and social spheres, especially in tech-forward regions like China.

While major outlets like Reuters, BBC, or The New York Times have not yet provided independent coverage of this specific incident, the South China Morning Post report offers a detailed glimpse into the influencer’s experience.

The cost—$1,400 per day—underscores the premium nature of such technology, likely limiting its accessibility to affluent individuals or publicity-driven stunts like this one.

Critics and enthusiasts alike are debating the implications. On one hand, the robot’s ability to perform household tasks could signal a future where domestic labor is outsourced to machines, freeing up time for human creativity and leisure.

On the other hand, the “date” aspect has sparked humorous and skeptical reactions, with some questioning whether such interactions could ever rival genuine human connection.

The robot’s dance-floor stumble, as noted in the coverage, serves as a lighthearted reminder that even cutting-edge AI has its limits.

This incident is not an isolated phenomenon in the realm of robotics. China has been a leader in developing humanoid robots for various applications, from industrial use to personal assistance.

The influencer’s rental, while extravagant, reflects a broader cultural curiosity about how far these machines can integrate into everyday life. As technology advances, stories like this may become less of a novelty and more of a norm.