"It can totally control itself, but we're gonna have a human control it"
also
"the next version is totally ready, but here's a full-size model"
I am used to thinking of robots having to be physically isolated from the squishy humans. Probably a reasonable safety precaution for what is a gen 0.8 model to not have an opportunity to run amuck while being filmed.
Ever been involved with a demo, especially at an event the size of CES? I'd also choose a human controller. Frankly, the fact that they were honest and wrote it into the script is a positive indication.