Zion the humanoid robot goes viral after casually greeting strangers on Detroit’s 7 Mile road
Published on Jul 13, 2025 at 5:24 PM (UTC+4)
by Molly Davidson
Last updated on Jul 09, 2025 at 2:35 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
Zion the humanoid robot shocked locals in Detroit after it was spotted shaking hands with strangers on 7 Mile Road.
The AI-powered machine walked upright, paused to greet pedestrians, and posed for selfies like it had done it a hundred times before.
But this wasn’t a movie prop. It was a real-life promo, and it went viral within hours.
And it has onlookers feeling all kinds of ways… from wonder to I, Robot-fueled apprehension.
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What happened when a humanoid robot shook hands on a Detroit street
Zion isn’t your typical chunk of circuits – it walks, reacts, and connects like it’s been built to fit right into the flow of everyday life.
Created by Detroit-based innovator Art Cartwright, Zion is part stunt, part science project, and part STEM inspiration.
Cartwright runs the Interactive Combat League and says the goal is to get young people curious about tech – but not freaked out.
Zion’s creator says the robot’s purpose isn’t just to perform – it’s to inspire curiosity and get young people excited about robotics.
It’s believed – though confirmation around specifics has not been offered – the humanoid uses facial recognition, proximity sensors, and AI interaction software to recognize people and offer up handshakes.
Like a politician on the campaign trail.
As it moved through Detroit, reactions were varied.
One person online called it ‘adorable.’ Another said: “How long before someone rips it apart for scrap?”
Zion clearly triggering debate as society grapples with whether to welcome this kind of tech with open arms or clenched fists.
What’s next for Zion and why the internet can’t stop watching
Zion will be back on stage (literally) at RoboWar on July 19 – Cartwright’s upcoming robot showcase that promises combat and more close-up demos.
But in the meantime, the robot’s walk has already done its job: it’s got the world watching, and talking.
Some say it’s cute. Others say it’s surveillance with a smile.
Zion didn’t just stroll down a Detroit street – it wandered into a cultural conversation.
One where humanoid robots are already playing soccer, running half marathons, and being recruited for law enforcement.
So, whether you’re ready to fist-bump the future or run for the hills, one thing’s clear: when Zion reached out for a handshake, the bot grabbed our attention just as firmly.
See Zion in action below:
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Molly Davidson is a Junior Content Writer at Supercar Blondie. Based in Melbourne, she holds a double Bachelor’s degree in Arts/Law from Swinburne University and a Master’s of Writing and Publishing from RMIT. Molly has contributed to a range of magazines and journals, developing a strong interest in lifestyle and car news content. When she’s not writing, she’s spending quality time with her rescue English staffy, Boof.
