A Russian robot that escaped from its lab is destined for the trash.
The robot, specifically model IR77 from a company called Promobot, has artificial intelligence and is supposed to help companies serve their customers by answering questions, navigating around highly populated areas and promoting products.
IR77 made its first getaway on June 14, in Perm, Russia, when an employee left the gate open during testing.
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It managed to get it 50 metres away from the testing facility before losing power.
A video released by the company shows the robot being escorted home by police and Promobot employees.
Officials at the company said it tried to get away for a second time this week — and this time may be the final straw.
Oleg Kivokurtsev, co-founder of the lab that built IR77, told the Mirror this model continues to escape, despite upgrades to its software.
“We have changed the AI system twice, so now I think we might have to dismantle it,” Kivokurtsev said, adding other robots of its make aren’t trying to escape.
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But the robot has already gained a small following online, and have are asking the company to reconsider scrapping the feisty robot.
“Do not kill him!” a YouTube user wrote in Russian on the company’s YouTube page.
“Did you not find the use of such a peculiar miracle?” another asked.
Another commenter offered IR77 a new home. “Give it to me please, with him will I find a common language.”
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