[As a Philadelphia resident I’m depressed and embarrassed to have to relay this story of the demise of hitchBOT, the hitchhiking robot (for more information about the project see the ISPR Presence News post from August 6, 2014). The picture below from this weekend’s NPR coverage and the concern one of the creators expresses near the end of the AP/CBS News story below indicate the kind of social presence responses hitchBOT evoked. For more details about the crime see the updated story in The Philadelphia Inquirer. –Matthew]

[Image: HitchBOT, a hitchhiking robot, sits with German tourists Sarah Strempel and Eric Vogel in the back seat of a vehicle as they and their companions prepare to leave Marblehead, Mass., after picking-up hitchBot for its first ride on July 17, 2015. Stephan Savoia/AP]

World famous hitchhiking robot meets demise in Philly

August 2, 2015

PHILADELPHIA – A hitchhiking robot that captured the hearts of fans worldwide met its demise in the U.S.… read more. “hitchBOT, world famous hitchhiking robot, meets demise in Philadelphia”

[This discussion of the possible applications of VR and presence for not just viewing but experiencing the Olympics includes some exciting scenarios but also addresses the challenges. It’s from The Boston Globe (even though the 2024 Olympics won’t be in Boston – details here). –Matthew]

[Image: One of five shoebox-sized camera rigs that NextVR placed on the course where the 2015 US Open was played. The camera rigs captured footage used for real-time virtual reality experiences of the golf tournament.]

Virtual Olympics could be a viewing option in 2024

By Shira Springer, Globe Staff
July 26, 2015

The men’s 100-meter dash, the most anticipated event of the 2024 Summer Olympics, is moments away. You settle into your front-row seat. The starting gun goes off and the world’s fastest humans sprint toward you. They lean across the finish line in quick succession, then the gold medal winner celebrates.… read more. “Virtual Olympics could be a viewing option in 2024”