Hitchhiking robot on US road trip

With its thumb raised skyward and a grin on its digital face, the robotic creation of two researchers in Canada is hitchhiking across the US.

The humanoid robot named hitchBOT has already caught lifts across Canada and in Europe, relying on the kindness and curiosity of strangers.

But yesterday it started its first US tour, setting out from Salem, Massachusetts, with dreams of San Francisco ahead.