During the September 7th Parade on the Esplanade of Ministries, a humanoid robot wearing a camouflage uniform of the Brazilian Army drew attention as it passed in front of the authorities' grandstand. The equipment was transported on a Marruá vehicle and saluted President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who was watching the event alongside First Lady Janja da Silva, Senate President Davi Alcolumbre, Chamber of Deputies Speaker Hugo Motta, and Supreme Court Chief Justice Edson Fachin.
The moment was recorded and quickly gained traction on social media. Janja da Silva reacted to the robot's gesture by smiling, applauding, and returning the salute.
The humanoid belongs to the Military Engineering Institute (IME), a teaching and research institution of the Brazilian Army. The equipment is part of studies developed at the institution related to artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation, and was brought to the event specifically to showcase these technological advances.
