hitchBOT doesn’t look as fashionable as robots depicted in the movies. It has pool noodle arms and legs, rubber glove hands, and rain boots for feet. However, what it loses in style points it makes up in personality and its winning LED display smile.

When hitchBOT is able to secure a ride westbound, it pleasantly talks with the driver about trivia, how it was created, and is also able to answer questions about the history of its journey. It has access to the Wikipedia API in order to have a more fruitful conversation about a variety of topics.

The robot’s power source comes from solar panels around the body that soak up the rays while it waits for its next ride, and there is a power adapter for the car to keep hitchBOT going from one place to the next. [T]rusting strangers to care for hitchBOT properly is a big part of this experiment.

“Usually, we are concerned with whether we can trust robots. This project asks: can robots trust human beings?” Zeller said.

from on .

I am looking forward to hearing about Phase 2 of this project, where after lulling people’s fears they equip hitchBOT with lasers and a buzzsaw.

Well played, Skynet. Well played.

hitchBOT via IFL Science!