Categories: Technology

Memorial setup for suicidal robot that was in way over its head

An impromptu memorial is setup to commemorate the suicidal robot that wandered into a DC fountain, expired, and went to meets its maker.

Even before Kevin James’ overweight, mild mannered Mall Cop was released, the life of security guards never quite lived up to the uniform.

The job may have proven to be too much for one little security robot who was found floating in a fountain by an office building in Washington DC.

Perhaps it was searching for the Fountain of Youth, but like Ponce De Leon, it met with a bitter, albeit flam-BUOYANT, end.

The unfortunate robot, made by Knightscope, quickly became an internet celebrity on social media. Users posted a number of comical tweets highlighting our disappointment regarding modern technology.

Peter Singer, the Author of Wired for War –– a book about military robotics, chipped in with his observation, “Steps are our best defence against the Robopocalypse” — notably an old tactic you could use to avoid Doctor Who’s evil Daleks.

Other users were quick to point out the resemblance between this robot’s potentially unbearable existence with that of Marvin, the depressed robot in Douglas Adams’ famed novel The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy.

Now, a memorial has been setup in its honor.

This is not the first issue this little robot has encountered while on duty. Previously the robot was suspended after running over an infant in California which caused a bruised leg.

The little guy also had a run in with a drunk man that assaulted the poor security guard. However, its quick reactions and alarms helped draw attention to the suspect, resulting in his apprehension.

Despite the below optimistic Knightscope video highlighting the benefits of our little security robot, it looks unlikely that intimidating robocops will be patrolling the streets anytime soon. Now onto the more important issue of “Where’s my flying car?!?!”

Sam Brake Guia

Sam is an energetic and passionate writer/presenter, always looking for the next adventure. In August 2016 he donated all of his possessions to charity, quit his job, and left the UK. Since then he has been on the road travelling through North, Central and South America searching for new adventures and amazing stories.

View Comments

Recent Posts

10 Independent Writers Leading the Design Conversation in 2025

While major design houses and celebrities often steal the spotlight, it’s the independent voices behind…

3 days ago

Building trust across clouds: Expert insight on how AI cloud-native MFT platforms are empowering businesses (Brains Byte Back Podcast)

For modern, data-driven organizations, managing data effectively is an ongoing challenge.  (more…)

4 days ago

Securing the future of healthy code: “Make it simple, scalable & a no-brainer for teams of all sizes”

A dream is often born when things get tough and tedious. While DevSecOps is a…

4 days ago

G20 South Africa commits to advancing digital public infrastructure globally

DPI involves giving everybody electricity & internet, making them sign up for digital ID, and…

5 days ago

Nisum, Applied AI Consulting partner-up to turn the promise of AI into tangible results

Across industries, AI has been promised as the magic bullet, poised to solve different business…

6 days ago

WEF blog calls for an ‘International Cybercrime Coordination Authority’ to impose collective penalties on uncooperative nations

How long until online misinformation and disinformation are considered cybercrimes? perspective The World Economic Forum…

6 days ago