Canadian Robot Vandalized in U.S. During Its ‘Friendly American Voyage’ Tour!

Well the U.S. hasn't been shown in a good light nationally the last few weeks. Obviously the uproar over the killing of Cecil the lion is one reason and now the destruction of a robot has also come to light.

Hitchbot, a Canadian robot that has made friendly journey's across Canada, Germany and more, was destroyed in Philadelphia (the city of brotherly love) over the weekend on his 'friendly voyage across America'.

Hitchbot depends on the kindness of strangers to help him with his journey and has never had an issue in the past until he came to the United States.

I find this sad because again it just sheds a bad light on us as compassionate and caring people here in American. Yes, I get it’s only a robot but really? What makes a person destroy something that is intended as an act of friendship? I'm baffled by it.

Ready for the USA from hitchBOT on Vimeo.

I am hitchBOT — a hitchhiking robot from Port Credit, Ontario, Canada.

On July 17, 2015, I am shining my wellies to start my hitchhiking adventure across the USA. My journey starts at the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) in Salem, Massachusetts.

From there, I hope to complete items from my hitchhiking bucket list with the help of strangers. This includes visiting a number of historic sites like Time Square in New York City; Millennium Park in Illinois; Mount Rushmore in South Dakota; and the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

My final destination is the Exploratorium in San Francisco, California. Only time will tell how long my journey will take me. I cannot wait to make new friends.

Let me know where else I should go in the U.S. using the hashtag “#hitchBOTinUSA”. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

- hitchBOT (@hitchBOT)

Photo Credits:
hitchBOT in OpenSpace Gallery (Victoria, BC) Photo By: Johanna Vandermaas
hitchBOT in Germany and the Netherlands Photos By: David Harris Smith
hitchBOT with self portrait and artist in the Netherlands Photo By: Erik Schaddelee
Millennium Park & the Grand Canyon Photos By: Meaghan Carrocci