This is more in the line of sociology news, but it involves robots, so what the hell. A student at Tisch School of the Arts named Kacie has performed an interesting social experiment that cleaves closely to her school’s mission statement, which is to “bring delight and art into people’s lives.” She made a couple little robots which have no powers other than looking cute and rolling straight forward. With just a flag attached stating their destination (and asking for help), they were able to traverse Washington Square Park.
Kacie found that people couldn’t help picking up the little guys when they inevitably fell into gutters, bumped against walls, or were savaged and flipped by dogs (I imagine). She doesn’t mention any straying into traffic, but I get the feeling that happened once or twice.
A very cute and interesting robo-project, unlike the usual robocalypse-related stuff we see. It made my morning. Afternoon, I mean. I had a late night.
[via Reddit]
Cute… but I have a feeling the bomb squad would have been called in if this were boston. :-) Good thing they didn’t look like Mooninites.
Heh, yeah. Can’t imagine. Although, it would have to use lite-brites too, otherwise the cops don’t care.
I have to admit this was a very interesting experiment. I mean such a little thing as this shows how even in a big city there are acts of random and useless kindness.
I like when the park officer helps the little guy out near the end. Cute experiment.
Saw it on Digg, and surprised me that no one destroyed it. ;)
That is great! I wonder if they took the robot back at the end of the day…
awesome, i would defiantly help the little guy!!
I really loved this.
Does anyone know exactly what the “Help” sign said?
LoL Poor chap, i still wonder why no one flicked it LoL
I just wanna squish him he is sooooo cute!