31st January 2026 – (Hong Kong) A newly introduced service robot at Domain Mall in Yau Tong briefly went astray this week, trundling onto an upward escalator during a software update before security staff stopped the machine and halted the escalator to prevent any risk to shoppers. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when technicians were recalibrating the robot’s navigation route at the base of the escalator in the ground‑floor atrium. The unit unexpectedly moved onto the escalator heading to the second floor, prompting guards to block other patrons from stepping on. After ensuring those already on the escalator had reached the upper level safely, security paused the escalator and removed the robot.
According to the Housing Department, the robot was immediately intercepted and has since been taken back by the supplier for inspection and repairs. The device, developed by a local innovation firm and trialled at the mall since mid‑January, is designed to roam public areas during trading hours with an electronic display that provides up‑to‑date mall information. It typically follows a pre‑set route on the same floor, returns to its charging dock and repeats the cycle until closing time. Officials noted the robot had obtained EU conformity certification and passed on‑site safety tests prior to deployment, with the supplier responsible for day‑to‑day configuration and monitoring.
When the robot entered the escalator, it tipped forward and fell, shattering its LED display panel and leaving fragments on the steps. No injuries were reported and the escalator itself was not damaged; after checks by the maintenance contractor confirmed normal operation, it reopened at around 5.30 pm the same day. The department has instructed the supplier to ensure safe operation before the unit re‑enters service. Additional safeguards are being introduced, including replanning routes, adding sensors to keep the robot away from escalators and lifts, and confining all maintenance and programming to a designated back‑of‑house area to avoid future mishaps.
