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During a robot performance in the Chinese city of Xiangyang, a five‑year‑old girl was struck in the face by a robotic leg and lost four baby teeth. The incident occurred on 12 November 2025, when a kindergarten group visited the local Science and Technology Museum. The story has only now gained widespread attention—more than nine months later—because the parties have been unable to agree on the amount of compensation.
How the incident happened
A robot was performing in front of the children when the operator, according to the museum, misjudged the safe distance. As a result, the machine struck the girl in the face. Immediately after the incident, the child required medical attention: doctors stitched a wound on her upper lip. One front tooth fell out immediately, another became loose and fell out shortly afterwards. Due to severe gum damage, two more baby teeth had to be removed during subsequent treatment.
Consequences for the child
The girl's mother said that for more than six months, the child could barely eat solid food and mostly consumed liquid meals. Gum inflammation periodically caused high fevers. A noticeable scar remains on the face, which, according to the parents, has significantly affected the child's psychological state.
Compensation dispute
The museum, the kindergarten, and the robotics show organisers offered to cover medical expenses and pay an additional 20,000 yuan as part of a pre‑trial settlement. The family considers this amount insufficient and is demanding a one‑off compensation of 150,000 yuan. This sum, according to the parents, includes both already incurred medical and transport costs, as well as future expenses for scar revision and further dental treatment.
The main disagreement concerns precisely the future procedures—cosmetic restoration and dental care—which have yet to be carried out.
In brief
In November 2025, at a museum in Xiangyang, a robot performing on stage struck a five‑year‑old girl in the face, causing her to lose four baby teeth. The child required prolonged treatment and has a visible scar on her face. More than nine months later, the parties have still not reached an agreement on compensation: the organisers are offering 20,000 yuan on top of medical expenses, while the family is demanding 150,000 yuan.
