Authorities in Northern California are actively searching for two individuals responsible for a recent assault on city robots assigned to monitor sidewalk safety enhancements.
The Hollister Police Department reported that vandals targeted two newly deployed robotic assessment devices from Daxbot. These units, engaged in assessing sidewalks, curbs, and other areas for accessibility and ADA compliance, were kicked and toppled during their operations.
Surveillance footage from the robots revealed one incident where a person approached on a bicycle, then shoved a robot onto its side before swiftly departing, according to a Facebook update from the department.
In a separate occurrence, another individual was seen confronting the robot and subsequently attacking a second unit that was documenting the vandalism.
The assailant struck the robot and proceeded to pour what police identified as beer over it before escaping the scene.
“Although these robots may intrigue the public, the Hollister Police Department emphasizes that they play a crucial role in delivering vital public services,” the department noted in their statement.
The robotic units are funded through the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program.
“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 post read.
The company said the robots “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 is filled with photos people have taken with the robots in their cities.
The Oregon-based company said that taking pictures with them is fine, but encourages people to allow the robots to perform the task they are programmed to do.
The robots will be surveying the sidewalks and pathways in the city for several weeks and months before leaving, KSBW reported.
At this time, it is unclear what kind of damage the robots suffered and the cost to repair them.
The California Post reached out to DaxBot and Hollister PD for further comment.
