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Research

hitchBOT

Built by David Harris Smith and Frauke Zeller· Launched 2013

Updated Oct 2026·methodology

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Made by David Harris Smith and Frauke ZellerOpen company

Not enough evidence to rank. Listed among 190 Research robots; 34 carry a rank.

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RoboScore

31.5/ 100

Out of 100. Checks on sales, customers, specs and track record.

Weak evidence

No named customers yet. The score uses the rest of its record.

2 of 9 checks have data

Updated daily from public data. Missing data is skipped, never counted as zero.

What counts

Average of the 2 checks with data. Checks without data are left out.

CheckWeightScore
On sale20%25/100
In use20%Not counted yet
Track record12%Not counted yet
Specs on file12%85/100
Funding12%Not counted yet
Company age8%Not counted yet
Other robots6%Not counted yet
News6%Not counted yet
Wikipedia entry4%Not counted yet
How the RoboScore is scored

Overview

hitchBOT was a Canadian hitchhiking robot created by professors David Harris Smith and Frauke Zeller in 2013. It gained international attention for successfully hitchhiking across Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands, and engaged in basic conversations with people who picked it up, all while completing its journeys by asking for rides.

Flagship features

  • Designed as a collaborative art project involving various universities
  • Equipped to communicate and charm drivers for rides
  • Uses social media to share experiences
  • Constructed from everyday low-tech materials
  • Powered by solar panels with recharging options from vehicles and outlets

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At a glance

Named customers0No named customer yetCompanyDavid Harris Smith and Frauke ZellerDavid Harris Smith and Frauke ZellerList priceNot yet on fileResearch platformAvailabilityResearch only

Specifications

From the makerCheckedEstimated
7.5 h
Teleoperated
2013
Research platform

Published figures are build cost or program budget, not a purchase price

Active

Detailed specifications

What it is built for6
Applications
human-computer interaction
static
other
education,research
Primary Applications
research development
both
Movement & precision1
hybrid
Sensing & perception6
Yes
Camera Count
1
rgb
GPS,voice recognition
Yes
Yes
Power & runtime1
Auto Charging
No
Controls & integration4
Arduino
Software Platform
Cleverscript
Yes
code python,proprietary app
Buying & support5
Datasheet Url
Preview PDF online
Is Research Grade
Yes
Availability Status
discontinued
Countries Available
Canada,Germany,Netherlands,United States
prototype
Other details1
Outdoor Capable
Yes

Who uses it

No named customer yet

A customer is listed when a public source names them, or the maker adds them.

7 other robots in this category have one.

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Company milestones(estimated)

  • Aug 2015DeploymenthitchBOT destroyed in Philadelphia
  • 2015DeploymentUS trip launched in Boston
  • Aug 2014DeploymentCanada crossing completed
  • Jul 2014DeploymentCanada hitchhiking deployment begins
  • 2014MilestoneSocial experiment expanded
  • 2014DeploymentGermany and Netherlands trips completed
  • 2013LaunchhitchBOT created

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Frequently asked questions

Who makes the hitchBOT?
The hitchBOT is developed by David Harris Smith and Frauke Zeller.
What type of robot is the hitchBOT?
The hitchBOT is a Research robot made by David Harris Smith and Frauke Zeller.
How much does the hitchBOT cost?
Pricing for the hitchBOT is not publicly listed. Contact David Harris Smith and Frauke Zeller for a quote.
When was the hitchBOT launched?
The hitchBOT was launched in 2013.

Reviews for hitchBOT

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