Cowboy robot goes viral after charming encounters around Austin

In a city that famously pledges to "Keep Austin Weird," a new mechanical marvel has arrived, taking the mantra to a whole new, silicon-powered level.

You've heard of the self-driving cars and drone deliveries. Now get ready for Austin's latest tech transplant: a child-sized, cowboy hat-wearing robot that has more game than your average human.

Earlier this month, "Jake," a Unitree G1 humanoid agent, complete with a jaunty knock off cowboy hat, a silver chain and Nike kicks, hit the streets of Austin for what was a training run. But what unfolded was less a technical exercise and more a masterclass in Gen Z and Gen Alpha slang, leaving bewildered and amused Austinites in its wake.

Videos quickly went viral, showing the 4-foot, 77-pound bot attempting a surprisingly spry jog down sidewalks and engaging awestruck passersby with an unexpected proficiency in modern lingo.

Operated by an unseen human handler via wireless controller, Jake is the brainchild of China-based Unitree Robotics.

The company unveiled the G1 model last May. While its $16,000-plus price tag might make your wallet ache, Jake's rizz (Gen Z for charisma or flirtation) was undeniably impressive. TikTok users have had a field day, with millions viewing clips of the pint-sized cowboy charming crowds downtown and at The Domain in North Austin, often with an "IN TRAINING" message emblazoned on its chest.

The identity of Jake's owner remains as mysterious as the robot's uncanny ability to flatter strangers. It's unclear why its AI has been specifically trained for such interactions, but in a city already bustling with robo-taxis from Tesla, Waymo, and Zoox, and robot-led delivery services from H-E-B, Chick-fil-A, and Uber Eats, Jake is just the latest, and perhaps most affable, addition to Austin's burgeoning robot population.

So, the next time you're strolling through Austin, don't be surprised if you encounter a small, silver-chained cyborg in a cowboy hat, dropping lines like "No cap, you're valid." It's just Jake, reminding us that in Austin, the future is now, and it's undeniably weird.