An adorable-looking robot by the appropriate name of “Hitchbot” is about to test the goodwill of Canadian motorists. In July, it will embark across the massive country by hitchhiking, presumably the first artificial life form to do so.
Hi, I’m hitchBOT. I’m getting ready to hitchhike across Canada this summer. Stay tuned for more info about my trip! #hitchbot
— hitchBOT (@hitchBOT) May 29, 2014
Hitchbot is the brainchild of Dr. David Smith and Dr. Frauke Zeller. Constructed in Port Credit, Ontario, its goal is to travel 3,871 miles from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Victoria, British Columbia. According to The Verge, Hitchbot is equipped with 3G and Wi-Fi capabilities and can access everything from Twitter to Instagram to Wikipedia.
The only thing it can’t do on its own is move. That’s where friendly (and hopefully non-destructive) motorists come in.
“I can’t wait to make new friends and see new places!” Hitchbot’s Facebook page says. “Follow my journey online or find me by the side of the road and help me get where I’m going.”
Wondering why I’m hitchhiking? Robots cannot get driver’s licenses – at least not yet. #hitchbot #robotrights
— hitchBOT (@hitchBOT) June 4, 2014
If successful, Hitchbot will join other non-human hitchhikers like Scoop the dog. Hopefully he won’t drool as much.
Image via Hitchbot/Facebook