Norman White's "The Helpless Robot"

Electronic media artist Norman White (1938) created many robot-based artworks. In "The Helpless Robot" (1987–2002), an electronically synthesized voice asks for the physical help of passers-by with a persuasive tone. Over time, the voice slowly changes to a more forceful, commanding tone, complaining when the assistance is not being executed properly.

The Helpless Robot, a work by Canadian artist Normal White (photo source)

Actually, the original source code of "The Helpless Robot" was made available. See for yourself what code it takes to make a robot helpless...

Trivia:In the exhibition "Parodic Machines" at Davidson College (2013), works from five artists parodied Norman White's "Helpless Robot", that was incapable of any movement or action on its own. 

Watch the documentary about Norman White by Ine Poppe and Sam Nemeth