What was supposed to be just another day of testing for a humanoid robot turned into a full-blown viral moment. A video making the rounds on social media shows a humanoid robot flailing violently midair, ultimately bringing down the very crane it was suspended from — all while a horrified crew member watches with his hands on his head.
The dramatic clip features humanoid robot named DeREK thrashing wildly as it dangles from a harness. As the robot’s flailing intensifies, it yanks down the crane supporting it, crashing everything to the ground. Off-camera, a stunned female voice reportedly that of REK CTO Amanda Watson reacts with disbelief: “Oh my god, what the fck was that? I’m so sorry.”* Nearby, Cix Liv, co-founder of REK and self-described “chief robot fighter,” responds in sheer exasperation: “What the fck did you guys run?”*
While it’s unclear whether the moment was part of a deliberate PR stunt or just an unfiltered behind-the-scenes mishap, it has undeniably drawn attention to REK’s efforts to fuse combat sports with robotics. The viral appeal is evident, a humanoid going rogue mid-demo is both visually gripping and oddly entertaining. But it also sheds light on the new frontier of robotics-based competition, where machines brawl in the ring in place of human fighters. If nothing else, the concept offers a future of combat sports without the physical toll on actual people.
Following the incident, Cix Liv offered a technical explanation that placed the blame squarely on human error. “The technical reason is we ran a full body policy while the feet weren’t touching the ground,” Liv explained on Twitter. “Don’t do that.” He later joked, “Please make this go viral so I can pay for repairs,” admitting that the incident had left the REK team with a mess and a moment of unexpected internet fame.
The robot, affectionately named DeREK, is a G1 model built by Chinese robotics firm Unitree. Known for its surprisingly nimble movement and range of expressions, the G1 has already turned heads online for its kung fu antics and slang-slinging street chats. Despite the spectacular meltdown, Liv later confirmed, “Surprisingly, he still walks,” when asked whether the robot had suffered permanent damage.
REK is working on a concept that blends VR gaming with real-world robotics, allowing humans to pilot fighting robots remotely through headsets. With Liv’s decade-long experience in the VR space, the company is pushing toward a bold new entertainment format that merges immersive tech with physical performance. If this recent incident is any indication, it’s going to be a bumpy (and highly watchable) road.
In true internet fashion, onlookers have already turned the moment into a meme-worthy event. One user commented, “DeREK saw the simulation and said nope.” Others praised the accidental destruction as “the most realistic robot rage quit ever caught on camera.”
