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."
I think it's not the first. (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Oregon (Score:3, Informative)
The gas wasn't noticeably more expensive, and it sure was nice not having to get out of the car to fill up.
I believe New Jersey also has/had a similar policy of not allowing motorists to pump their own gas. It's my understanding that by requiring gas stations to provide at least one gas pump attendant, it keeps at least one person per station employed above and beyond what they would in any other state. Considering how many gas stations there are, that's a lot of unemployment averted. I never could tell where the extra cost for paying pump attendant wages came from...
Re:Pfft. The Dutch. (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Paul Verhoeven, prophet of our times (Score:3, Informative)
2) You're amazed by the fact that he saw a lazerdisc shrunk it down for his robocop movie? Sorry, I'm not impressed.
3) You got the movie "Total Recall" confused with "Demolition Man", which was directed by someone else.
4) 9/11 reference in Star Ship troopers? Are you sure you weren't just on LSD at the time?
Re:Oregon (Score:2, Informative)
Think "wheelchair lift". If your lift exits on the same side your gas tank is on, that's a whole set of problems -- and even if it doesn't (and the space on the other side isn't being used by other vehicles as a pull-through lane), you've got to have enough room between your vehicle and the pump for your chair, not to mention the regular hassle involved in getting in and out. Right now, there's the "Call Attendant" button... but having the pump's robotics do everything for you would be much better.