Depending on the kindness of strangers, at least for transportation, didn't end well for HitchBOT, the robot Canadian scientists invented as a social experiment to test human kindness.
Adorned with an adorable pixelated smile and a sign that read "San Francisco or bust," HitchBOT was supposed to hitchhike across the U.S. relying only on strangers for transportation. But HithBOT's trip hit a snag when one of those strangers was not kind, dismembering and decapitating the robot in Philadelphia.
Not to be lumped in with the bad apple that did HitchBOT in, however, strangers have taken to the Internet to help identify the perpetrators and get HitchBOT repaired and ready to hit the road again.
Until he's back on his metal feet, HitchBOT said via Twitter that the experience hasn't dampened his faith in humanity.
"My trip must come to an end for now, but my love for humans will never fade," HitchBOT tweeted. "Thanks, friends."
Email: chjohnson@deseretnews.com
Twitter: ChandraMJohnson