UJJAIN, India — A humanoid robot was given the kind of welcome usually reserved for a politician, celebrity or other VIP when it arrived as the chief guest at the opening of a sandwich shop in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. 

The robot, identified as a Unitree Robotics G1, was welcomed on a red carpet and escorted by human bodyguards as organizers performed an aarti, a Hindu ritual traditionally conducted to welcome or honour guests. It was then marked with vermilion on its forehead and draped with an orange scarf. 

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The humanoid also took part in the shop's ceremonial ribbon-cutting before breaking into dance moves for the gathered crowd. 

Footage of the unusual inauguration has since circulated online, drawing strong reactions from social media users and highlighting the increasingly unconventional ways robots are being used to attract public attention. 

 
The Ujjain appearance is part of a broader pattern of humanoid robots being brought into public celebrations, commercial launches and other high-footfall events across India. 

Earlier this month, a Unitree G1 humanoid appeared at Onam festival celebrations in Kochi, Kerala, where it danced and entertained crowds. The appearance similarly positioned the robot as an attraction at a traditional cultural celebration. 

Humanoid robots have also made appearances in India's political and civic landscape. During the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections earlier this year, humanoid robots were deployed at select polling booths as part of an experimental voter-engagement initiative. 

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While the robots' roles in these events remain largely focused on entertainment, interaction, and attracting crowds, their growing visibility reflects a wider shift in how humanoids are being introduced to the public. 

For businesses and event organisers, the novelty of a humanoid can offer an immediate draw, generating crowds and social media attention. At the same time, these appearances provide the public with an increasingly common opportunity to see and interact with humanoid robots outside controlled demonstrations. 

Humanoid robots are increasingly moving beyond labs and factories and into public-facing events across India.