HitchBOT, a hitchhiking robot, is formally introduced to an American audience during a program Thursday at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Mass.

BOSTON — With its thumb raised skyward and a grin on its digital face, the robotic creation of two researchers in Canada is about to start a hitchhiking journey across the U.S.

The humanoid robot named hitchBOT has already caught rides across Canada and in Europe, relying on the kindness and curiosity of strangers. But today it starts its first U.S. tour, setting out from Salem, Mass., with dreams of San Francisco ahead.

The kid-size robot is immobile on its own, so it gets from place to place by being hauled around by strangers. Travelers can pass it off to others they meet, or leave it at a gas station with its thumb raised.

Ideally, the creators hope, drivers won’t leave the bot along busy roads and will charge the battery when it runs low. Otherwise, there are no rules.