Under normal circumstances we would never encourage or endorse slathering someone in BBQ sauce, beating them up, and leaving them lying on the side of the road, and that goes for both humans and robots. But we’re not exactly short-circuiting with anger over this one mechanical security guard who had that exact thing happen to it, because it’s tasked with harassing homeless people.
In a story we first came across at New York Magazine, a Knightscope security bot used by a non-profit organization in San Francisco in part to discourage homeless people from congregating, was found lying on its side wrapped up in a tarp and marinating in some barbecue sauce. (No word on what flavor or brand.) The five-foot tall, 300-pound machine that fittingly looks like it was inspired by Doctor Who‘s Daleks, is designed to alert the local authorities of any untoward behavior, but apparently it wasn’t able to get help for itself in time.
We doubt there will be any great outcry or anguish for this bullied Knightscope from the community, though, because while these robots have been used for other, less upsetting reasons, they haven’t been very popular with residents or the local government.
If you were looking for a great backstory for your dystopian novel, robot security guards that scare your dog and harass the homeless while roaming one of the richest cities in the world is a pretty fantastic foundation. Whether you keep the BBQ sauce or go with another condiment is up to you.
Would you be bothered by one of these roaming your neighborhood? Tell us why in the comments below.
Featured Image: TechCrunch
Prepare for the robot invasion:
- Competitive robot mouse speed trials!
- This basketball robot could win Space Jam for real.
- Baby skunk vs. robot skunk.
