This is the shocking moment a dancing robot suddenly malfunctioned and collapsed while dancing.

Footage shows the humanoid, dressed in a suit and hat, grooving to Earth, Wind and Fire's song September at a robotics event in Shanghai, China.

As it twirled and waved its arms, the bot abruptly lost balance and fell next to another machine dressed in traditional Chinese opera attire on July 13.

It then lay motionless on the ground until an operator stepped in to carry it away.

Humanoid robots have become increasingly popular and were widely exhibited in China recently for their agility and utility.

Human and animal-like robots are being developed in several countries, with China and the United States leading the 'tech arms race.'

A military-style robot dog was even seen protecting President-Elect Donald Trump in Florida.

Eccentric billionaire Elon Musk, who played a prominent role in Trump's recent US election victory, recently presented Optimus, describing it as a multi-functional assistant capable of handling household chores, playing with children, and assisting with various repetitive tasks.