In Northern California, police are actively searching for two individuals responsible for vandalizing city robots designed to monitor sidewalk safety and improvements.
The Hollister Police Department reported that this week, two new robotic assessment units from Daxbot, operating in the city, were vandalized. The attackers kicked and toppled the robots while they were assessing sidewalks, curbs, and other areas for accessibility and ADA compliance.
Surveillance footage from the robot’s camera captured one incident where a person rode up on a bike, knocked the robot over, and then fled. This was detailed in a post by the department on Facebook.
In another incident, a different individual approached a robot, struck it, and then attacked a second robot that was recording the vandalism.
The suspect not only damaged the robot but also poured what police believe was beer over the second robot before leaving the scene.
The Hollister Police Department emphasized the importance of these robots, stating, “While the presence of these robots may naturally generate curiosity, the Hollister Police Department reminds the public that these units are performing an important public service.”
These robotic units receive funding from the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program.
The department noted, “The robots are equipped with advanced measuring and recording technology that allows them to accurately assess sidewalk conditions, identify potential accessibility barriers, and document areas requiring improvement.”
The company explained that the robots are designed to “Locate and record the accessible route, create prioritization maps based on how often a path is traveled and how many hazards are present, and identify/inventory assets along pedestrian paths.”
The company’s Facebook page features numerous photos of people interacting with the robots in various cities.
The Oregon-based company has stated that while taking pictures with the robots is acceptable, they urge the public to allow the robots to carry out their intended tasks.
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The robots will continue to survey the city’s sidewalks and pathways for several weeks and months before they conclude their operations, according to KSBW.
Currently, it is unknown what extent of damage the robots sustained and the repair costs remain unspecified.
The California Post has reached out to DaxBot and the Hollister Police Department for further comments.
