London Streets Buzz with 'Humanoid Robot' Video: Fact or Fiction?

Daily Technology

23/02/2026

A video circulating online in February 2026 has sparked debate, with many claiming it shows a "humanoid robot" walking the streets of London. The clip, recorded in the Hoxton area, features the figure interacting with what appear to be students, answering questions about its identity and origins.

Key Takeaways

A video purportedly showing a "humanoid robot" in London gained traction online.
The figure in the video appears to be a woman in a costume, not an actual robot.
The "robot" is likely "Joy," an invention by AI company Joyous AI, which is set to be unveiled at an upcoming event.

The Viral Video

The video, which spread across platforms like X, YouTube, and TikTok, captured a figure interacting with young people. One X user shared the footage, writing, "Meanwhile, in London.. an AI humanoid was seen walking the streets and was surrounding by intrigued school kids. Spooky."

Investigating the 'Robot'

Upon closer inspection, the footage does not appear to depict a genuine "humanoid robot" – a robot designed to resemble the human form. Evidence suggests it is a woman in a costume. At one point in the video, the individual briefly breaks character and laughs, a moment that points towards a human performance rather than robotic behavior.

The figure is believed to be "Joy," an invention promoted by the AI company Joyous AI, which claims it is "The World's First Indistinguishable from Human, Humanoid Robot." Joyous AI's Instagram profile has featured multiple videos of "Joy" in various London locations.

Snopes reached out to Callum Scott, identified as Joyous AI's chief robotics officer, for clarification. Scott deflected direct questions about whether "Joy" was human, referring inquiries to the company's spokesperson, who had not yet provided a comment.

Upcoming Unveiling

Joyous AI is advertising an event titled "Joy In The Flesh" scheduled for February 27, 2026, in London, where it appears "Joy" will be officially unveiled. The reason for the public "walkabout" prior to the official unveiling remains unclear.

Precedents and Context

This is not the first time "humanoid robots" have been spotted in London. In 2023, individuals in costume were seen at London Bridge train station as part of a promotion for the sci-fi movie "The Creator."

Globally, the humanoid robot industry is rapidly advancing, with China reportedly producing 90% of the world's humanoid robots, boasting highly developed technology that includes robot soccer matches.

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