# The Tragic Fate of Hitchhiking Robot: A True Crime Story
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Chapter 1: The Birth of Hitchbot
Do you recall the amiable robot resembling a bucket with limbs? This unique creation relied on the generosity of others to hitch rides across the country. Unfortunately, its journey ended in a shocking demise.
In 2015, two Canadian professors, David Smith and Franco Sella, sought to explore human reactions to a friendly, hitchhiking robot that could communicate its need for assistance but was incapable of moving on its own.
Section 1.1: Hitchbot’s Journey Begins
They named their creation Hitchbot, equipping it with GPS technology, a camera, solar panels, and more. The duo then placed Hitchbot on a random street in Canada to observe what would unfold. The robot frequently shared its travel aspirations with those nearby.
Thanks to its ability to capture images of its surroundings every 20 minutes, Smith and Sella received ongoing updates about Hitchbot’s travels. To their delight, their social experiment began exceptionally well. Although Hitchbot relied entirely on the goodwill of strangers, it managed to traverse all of Canada in just a few weeks. Remarkably, it even found its way into the cockpit of a plane and traveled throughout Germany and the Netherlands.
However, the creators decided to send Hitchbot to the United States for further testing. While the robot navigated through Boston and New York City without issue, its luck ran out in Philadelphia, where it met a grim fate at the hands of a stranger.
Section 1.2: A Tragic End
Hitchbot was quietly positioned on the roadside when an individual passed by. Initially, the man walked past but soon turned around and brutally attacked the defenseless robot. This shocking incident marked the tragic end of Hitchbot’s adventure.
Despite its peaceful intent and reliance on human kindness, Hitchbot's journey concluded in violence, highlighting the unpredictability of human behavior.