Robot Hitchhiker News 2015: 'hitchBOT' Meets Untimely End In Philadelphia, Twitter Mourns Loss
The Canadian-created hitchhiking robot has officially been destroyed, mere weeks into its trip to the U.S.
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hitchBOT, which was created by a Canadian research team, was tarnished when it reached Philadelphia on Saturday.
The team behind hitchBOT tweeted an unfortunate message on Saturday, revealing the mishap in Philadelphia.
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Oh dear, my body was damaged, but I live on with all my friends. Sometimes bad things happen to good robots! #hitchBOTinUSA
— hitchBOT (@hitchBOT) August 1, 2015
The tweet was favorited and retweeted by thousands of followers. There are currently over 52,000 people following hitchBOT. It is currently unknown who vandalized the robot and its creators are unable to locate it, with its battery dead.
The robot was able to take photos and have limited conversations, according to the Associated Press. It had a GPS located in its system. hitchBOT traveled to the U.S. back on July 17, going through Boston, New York and more.
The robot had previously gone through Germany, the Netherlands and Canada. Those invested in the robot's success were devastated on social media. Here are some of the horrified tweets in response to hitchBOT's "death."
@hitchBOT I am ashamed of my fellow Americans that did this to you Hitchy. Your trip here should have been another high point in your life. — Chrissy The Blesser (@ChrissyzTweet) August 1, 2015
@28Loki @hitchBOT I'm heartbroken. Been watching hitchbot travel since the Canadian journey. Never have I been so disappointed in the U.S.
— phair (@phair1) August 2, 2015
@hitchBOT @ThatKevinSmith Americans can't have anything nice — Sean (@seanseansean) August 1, 2015
@hitchBOT Aww hitchBOT, I loved following your journey! : (
— Rachel Wang (@rwangca) August 3, 2015