City robots doused in beer and violently attacked as police hunt suspects

Hollister, California, has recently become the scene of a bizarre crime involving two city robots. These robots, which are part of a program aimed at surveying the city’s sidewalks for safety improvements, were targeted by vandals in a series of attacks that left the robots damaged and malfunctioning.

The Hollister Police Department reported that the robots, operated by Daxbot, were attacked by two men who kicked and knocked them over while they were conducting assessments of sidewalks, curbs, and other areas for accessibility and ADA compliance. Surveillance footage captured the incidents, showing one individual on a bike knocking the robot over and another person pouring beer on the robots before fleeing the scene.

The robots, equipped with advanced measuring and recording technology, are funded through the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program. They are designed to accurately assess sidewalk conditions, identify accessibility barriers, and document areas in need of improvement. Despite the vandalism, the robots continue to perform their important public service duties.

Daxbot, the company behind the robotic assessment units, explained that the robots locate and record accessible routes, create prioritization maps based on hazards present, and inventory assets along pedestrian paths. While the company encourages people to take photos with the robots, they emphasize the importance of allowing the robots to perform their designated tasks.

The robots will be surveying the sidewalks and pathways in Hollister for several weeks and months before moving on to other locations. It remains unclear the extent of the damage caused by the vandalism and the cost of repairs needed. The Hollister Police Department and Daxbot have been contacted for further comment on the incidents.

In conclusion, the attacks on the city robots in Hollister serve as a reminder of the importance of respecting public infrastructure and the role that technology plays in improving community safety. It is essential for individuals to refrain from interfering with public service robots and to support initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility and compliance with regulations.