Dutch Unveil Robot Gas Station Attendant 287
Lucas123 writes "According to a Reuters' story, Dutch inventors today took the wraps off a $110,000 car-fueling robot they say is the first of its kind. (It was inspired by a cow milking robot.) After registering the car as it pulls up to the pump, the machine matches your fuel cap design with those in a database and your car's fuel type, and then a robotic arm fitted with multiple sensors extends from a regular gas pump, 'opens the car's flap, unscrews the cap, picks up the fuel nozzle and directs it towards the tank opening, much as a human arm would, and as efficiently.' Wait till Hollywood gets hold of this scenario."
well... (Score:1, Funny)
Hmm (Score:3, Funny)
[whirrrr-click] Target identified. Model recognized as College Student. Preparing beer tube.
[whirrrr-click] Target identified. Model recognized as Slashdot Visitor. Preparing "In Mother Russia" meme-milk and "Cowboy Neal" flakes.
My fuel "flap" has a lock (Score:4, Funny)
My fuel flag does have the means to be opened from inside the car.. so I guess I could just do that when approaching Sir-Pumps-A-lot.
Re:Already Happened (Score:5, Funny)
Just before the fuel comes out, he yanks the nozzle out and sprays it all over the windshield.
Whatever you do, don't bend over... (Score:3, Funny)
just testing it out with my spanking new Volvo (Score:3, Funny)
i'm actually writing this from my iphone, while in my car, while one of these new robots fills up my volvo. I don't know why you guys are tagging this "whatcouldpossiblygowrong", it seems well engineered and apparently efficient. The only problem I can foresee would be some sort of short circuit which could produce a spark and ##KR2F@F@$F$ {NO CARRIER}
Re:well... (Score:5, Funny)
(think Johny Cab / Total Recall)
"warning insufficient funds
engage orifice insertion override"
Re:Hmm (Score:4, Funny)
Re:My fuel "flap" has a lock (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Already Happened (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Robots will be an economic disaster. (Score:4, Funny)
1) Robot claws open rear passenger door thinking it's a gas cap cover and shoves nozzle down whoever's strapped in.
2) Robot decides you have a 2007 model instead of 2008 and destroys your gas cap because they way it opens has been changed
3) Robot beats you up and drives off in your car
4) Robot doesn't know the "3 clicks" rule and keeps screwing your gas cap back on for all eternity
5) Robot is racist and doesn't service some people
6) Robot sees a Lamborghini pull up and tries to mate with it, costing the gas station around $400,000
These are all nightmare scenarios that are all too possible if the robots aren't maintained. We'll need people to do this. No way I'd trust other robots!
Re:well... (Score:4, Funny)
Step 1. Scan VIN through windshield. If successful, pump fuel.
Step 2. Open driver's door and scan VIN that is imprinted on door frame. If successful, pump fuel.
Step 3. If steps 1 and 2 fail, seize vehicle; phone police; play, "This is the fuel pumping robot at [address] I have seized an illegal immigrant and/or terrorist. Please pick him/her up at your convenience."
Cyberdyne Oil Co. (Score:4, Funny)
So, Gas Net? (Score:5, Funny)
Sarah: Gas Net fights back.
Drivernator: Yes. They begin exporting backyard-brewed bio-diesel from Russia.
John: Why Russia? They're supposed to be our chief exporters.
Drivernator: Because Gas Net knows that Russian bio-diesel will damage the bottom line of domestic energy companies while degrading the performance of modern vehicles.
Sarah: Jesus.
SKC
American Invents Auto Fueling System (Score:2, Funny)
"It's a very sophisticated system," said Earle. "Our customers will be very happy not to have to pump their own gas."
When a car pulls up, the system immediately registers the make and model of the car and locates the fuel cap using two visual sensors. The system then extends its sensory touch system to open the flap, unscrew the cap, and direct the fuel nozzle towards the tank opening.
The cost for the fueling system is minimal. It is expected to price for no more than $5 per hour.
"If only it didn't need a bathroom break every few hours," said Earle. "Other than that, my system works flawlessly."
Re:Paul Verhoeven, prophet of our times (Score:2, Funny)
Oh, man, this is the most enlightening theory I have encountered, since I learned that the band Laibach is actually Queen (Freddy Mercury never actually died, you see, just reinvented himself and his band as post-Industrial, quasi-Socialist, broken German speaking performers.).
You are seriously onto something.
Re:well... (Score:3, Funny)
Re:well... (Score:3, Funny)