CLOSE A security robot drowned in a Georgetown fountain. Time
Guillermo Meneses remembers the good times with Steve, the security robot who tragically died Monday. (Photo: @Gil_Meneses on Twitter)
He was only with us a few days. But, the loss of security robot Steve has been felt far beyond his Washington, D.C., home.
Steve started his job last week at MRP Realty's headquarters. He was just learning his way around, preparing to be fully autonomous in the coming days. Soon, he was patrolling Washington Harbour, a Georgetown business complex, prepared to take down (or record) crime.
But Monday, something horrific happened: Steve toppled over and rolled down four steps into a fountain. People came to his rescue, but not soon enough.
It's a fun day here at @gmmb. The super high-tech security robot at our office complex has had a mishap. pic.twitter.com/nhRshrJA9w — Greg Pinelo (@gregpinelo) July 17, 2017
Some questioned Steve's mental health. Was he suicidal?
Our D.C. office building got a security robot. It drowned itself.
We were promised flying cars, instead we got suicidal robots. pic.twitter.com/rGLTAWZMjn — Bilal Farooqui (@bilalfarooqui) July 17, 2017
Knightscope, Steve's maker, set the record straight. He just wanted to go swimming.
BREAKING NEWS: "I heard humans can take a dip in the water in this heat, but robots cannot. I am sorry," said K5 in an official statement. pic.twitter.com/nWC4tubv9w — Knightscope (@iKnightscope) July 18, 2017
What did people love about Steve? He was "totally OK with selfies," the Washington Harbour said during his first days on the job. And he made fast friends.
A favorite from @Gil_Meneses - we know Steve treasured your friendship! pic.twitter.com/juMteQD6Xt — The Wash Harbour (@TheWashHarbour) July 18, 2017
People far and wide are talking about the loss of Steve, even his cousin in Boston. Some have suggested a support group might help.
can we start a support group of sorts? https://t.co/HiNyNDBaiC — Guillermo Meneses (@Gil_Meneses) July 18, 2017
Mourners have created a memorial for Steve at the Harbour.
We can only hope he's rolling around even better sidewalks in the sky. RIP, Steve.
Follow Ashley May on Twitter: @AshleyMayTweets
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