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Author	Topic: Ready for Robots?	Post a Reply Back to Topics

PD Moderator	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:52:20 AM Ignore PD Report Abuse You drive up to the nearest Sunoco, 7-11 or Texaco and decide to enter the c-store since you need a gallon of milk, and maybe a few Milky Way bars... But this time, there's no cashier. In fact there are no people there at all. You're being served by a machine that not only retrieves the candy bar, beverage, cigarettes or antacid you need, it also processes your transaction. Sounds like science fiction? Not really, it's already here. It's a robotic c-store and there are already 15 to 20 of them in the U.S. They're popping up in New York, Texas, California... They're on college campuses like SUNY-Binghamton and Cal-State Fullerton and they're also beginning to operate 24/7 at the same places that pump your gas. In... Visit GasBuddy Blog for full article

Moderator

Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:52:20 AM

Ignore PD Report Abuse

You drive up to the nearest Sunoco, 7-11 or Texaco and decide to enter the c-store since you need a gallon of milk, and maybe a few Milky Way bars... But this time, there's no cashier. In fact there are no people there at all. You're being served by a machine that not only retrieves the candy bar, beverage, cigarettes or antacid you need, it also processes your transaction.

Sounds like science fiction? Not really, it's already here. It's a robotic c-store and there are already 15 to 20 of them in the U.S. They're popping up in New York, Texas, California... They're on college campuses like SUNY-Binghamton and Cal-State Fullerton and they're also beginning to operate 24/7 at the same places that pump your gas.

In...

Visit GasBuddy Blog for full article

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Reishman Veteran Author Illinois Posts:384 Points:517,365 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Dec 19, 2011 11:38:13 PM Ignore Reishman Report Abuse Mr. Roboto is by Styx.
TeacherSteve Rookie Author Oakland Posts:35 Points:398,040 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2011 7:29:11 PM Ignore TeacherSteve Report Abuse I wonder if they would be programmed to short change you at the 90 percent rate of other businesses? (that is, compared to the overchange rate).
jetskijerry Champion Author North Carolina Posts:3,901 Points:773,245 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Dec 14, 2011 12:33:44 AM Ignore jetskijerry Report Abuse no.
TCon313 All-Star Author New York Posts:611 Points:587,840 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Dec 13, 2011 11:16:05 PM Ignore TCon313 Report Abuse I don't believe it's a good idea because we will now put more people out of work but once the owners see that they can save money, humans be a thing of the past
SavingInNC Champion Author North Carolina Posts:5,793 Points:1,094,440 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Dec 12, 2011 10:44:05 PM Ignore SavingInNC Report Abuse yes
kgbellman Champion Author Ann Arbor Posts:2,718 Points:732,815 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2011 11:55:01 PM Ignore kgbellman Report Abuse Some of them are scary - maybe robots would be better
Pete12 Champion Author Albany Posts:4,876 Points:1,645,065 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2011 9:02:46 PM Ignore Pete12 Report Abuse I don't see how this could possibly work. There are too many thieves out there.
SUPPER Champion Author San Bernardino Posts:2,477 Points:1,289,575 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2011 4:55:23 PM Ignore SUPPER Report Abuse no no no pls
must87searcher Champion Author Maryland Posts:8,985 Points:1,780,635 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2011 12:22:48 AM Ignore must87searcher Report Abuse Sounds interesting, but there are still a number of questions to this idea. Technology can be altered, and that could lead too and advantage for criminals too do things to the computer and get away with things (money, gas, products). Something could even be set up to do bad things to customers. There could also be a drop in employment ,and that is something a lot of people don't want to happen with the conditions of today.
rxman1 Champion Author Toledo Posts:9,551 Points:1,862,870 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2011 12:17:14 AM Ignore rxman1 Report Abuse This really creates more jobs. Really? It sounds like Congress and it's jobs policy.
Matt G Champion Author Boston Posts:4,538 Points:2,774,015 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2011 12:15:31 AM Ignore Matt G Report Abuse Great
The_DR Champion Author New Jersey Posts:2,785 Points:585,815 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2011 12:14:48 AM Ignore The_DR Report Abuse no
babyjudy Champion Author Tucson Posts:2,736 Points:562,710 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2011 12:12:37 AM Ignore babyjudy Report Abuse When I looked at the picture my reaction was a vending machine on steriods. When I read the article, I found my reaction was shared by others. As for me, no thanks for the robotic c-store for now. I like people better.
mwhals Champion Author Charleston Posts:14,087 Points:2,449,260 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2011 12:10:10 AM Ignore mwhals Report Abuse It will only lead to more unemployment and less jobs.
TopGunn Champion Author Baltimore Posts:9,191 Points:2,617,255 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2011 12:09:20 AM Ignore TopGunn Report Abuse Interesting futuristic thoughts. Doubt it will hit main stream for decades.
altima2008 Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:8,165 Points:1,737,990 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2011 12:08:32 AM Ignore altima2008 Report Abuse wait until the robot screws up your transaction
kzza100 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:1,948 Points:575,320 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2011 12:08:04 AM Ignore kzza100 Report Abuse ??
regout Champion Author Quebec Posts:2,955 Points:832,705 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2011 12:07:09 AM Ignore regout Report Abuse As long as I live I will not go in these stores if possible. I want to be serve by human people.
dirt girl Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:35,960 Points:3,072,980 Joined:Oct 2004	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2011 12:06:01 AM Ignore dirt girl Report Abuse Sorry but no. A robot can't recognize me as a regular customer at a pay only station and clear the pump without me having to prepay inside. Too scary.
1cheapgasin Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:5,564 Points:1,210,715 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2011 12:04:00 AM Ignore 1cheapgasin Report Abuse .
CdnLynx Champion Author Ontario Posts:1,023 Points:523,990 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2011 12:03:18 AM Ignore CdnLynx Report Abuse Many thoughts here! Only one that matters, but will never come to fruition. 21st century automation; WOW, so does that mean they will soon begin to pay people not to work? Thought NOT; forgot, this is all about greed more money for then; the greedy barons of industry, leaving us bare and poor. Your only outsmarting yourself; the time will come when the masses have no money, food and hope and their desperate despair will be your ultimate demise. Enjoy it while it lasts!
ratones1 Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:2,912 Points:732,730 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2011 12:02:11 AM Ignore ratones1 Report Abuse yes...
1178richmond Champion Author New Jersey Posts:2,896 Points:798,275 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2011 12:01:25 AM Ignore 1178richmond Report Abuse ok
OGW Champion Author London Posts:5,329 Points:1,532,975 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2011 12:00:02 AM Ignore OGW Report Abuse Someone said that they read that soon there will be female robots built and that would be a pretty cold thing to come home to but another buddy said that it couldn't be any colder than coming home to his wife after a night out with the boys. Technology isn't always that great.
nimpy Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:8,140 Points:1,702,080 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:57:57 PM Ignore nimpy Report Abuse I guess this is the future
mkNH Sophomore Author New Hampshire Posts:165 Points:34,150 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:57:36 PM Ignore mkNH Report Abuse kinda sorta
satrn38mpg Champion Author Raleigh Posts:5,077 Points:1,054,990 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:57:13 PM Ignore satrn38mpg Report Abuse got long way 2 go
smoketown Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:6,236 Points:1,382,850 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:56:17 PM Ignore smoketown Report Abuse no..........
tidalwave3 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:1,305 Points:1,464,545 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:54:44 PM Ignore tidalwave3 Report Abuse whatever
bmoreira Veteran Author Toronto Posts:392 Points:383,010 Joined:Jul 2010	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:53:34 PM Ignore bmoreira Report Abuse noted
ClydeT Champion Author Kansas City Posts:5,369 Points:361,960 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:51:30 PM Ignore ClydeT Report Abuse Here's how that works at the rare robotic gas station with full service and a mechanic.
kgbellman Champion Author Ann Arbor Posts:2,718 Points:732,815 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:51:06 PM Ignore kgbellman Report Abuse Japan has been using "super" vending machines for a while
livable1 Champion Author New York Posts:2,323 Points:283,265 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:50:30 PM Ignore livable1 Report Abuse already done
bonzoonfmb Champion Author Florida Posts:1,787 Points:645,560 Joined:Feb 2010	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:47:58 PM Ignore bonzoonfmb Report Abuse I'm all for it. Cashiers at convenience stores are superfluous. Except RaceTrac. I love you guys.
joekayak All-Star Author Massachusetts Posts:833 Points:723,805 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:44:15 PM Ignore joekayak Report Abuse Hopefully they will still have rest rooms that you could use.
SammyAdams Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:3,057 Points:793,605 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:41:37 PM Ignore SammyAdams Report Abuse This was inevitable since the advent of self-serve and pay-at-the-pump gas stations.
wildddkattt80 Champion Author Phoenix Posts:2,143 Points:432,145 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:37:30 PM Ignore wildddkattt80 Report Abuse k
clermont40miles Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:10,576 Points:1,772,940 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:37:20 PM Ignore clermont40miles Report Abuse I don't go inside stations, paying at pump. Will make no difference to me. Some cashiers have less personality than a vending machine. Most are very friendly and helpful.
Flagstar Veteran Author Waterbury Posts:303 Points:215,295 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:35:15 PM Ignore Flagstar Report Abuse Well, I wonder who is going to be DUMB enough to pull up to that store.
crowefamily1 All-Star Author Texas Posts:804 Points:297,100 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:35:02 PM Ignore crowefamily1 Report Abuse that has got to be the coolest idea around but what about the PEOPLE that need to work and pay bills and buy food, cloths what about the human factor?
sillywagon Champion Author New York Posts:14,891 Points:1,442,095 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:34:11 PM Ignore sillywagon Report Abuse Automat sounds better than the robot.
silverfoxv65 Champion Author Michigan Posts:4,485 Points:1,230,875 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:27:34 PM Ignore silverfoxv65 Report Abuse And every body will not have to work any more?
mstearno Champion Author Dayton Posts:8,071 Points:1,732,210 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:24:25 PM Ignore mstearno Report Abuse another bad idea in the long list of bad ideas
tweety258 Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:1,519 Points:1,448,575 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:23:19 PM Ignore tweety258 Report Abuse Another bad idea!!! Like others have mentioned, this will just increase unemployment and frustrate customers!! The only potentially good thing would be not having a person injured or killed if some thug robs the place.
gmcgas Champion Author Atlanta Posts:5,953 Points:1,714,170 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:22:21 PM Ignore gmcgas Report Abuse i'm sure gas will be cheaper their.
Boby Champion Author San Francisco Posts:1,424 Points:2,192,000 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:17:22 PM Ignore Boby Report Abuse Aha. So, that's why the restroom is filthy.
abcdMA Champion Author Worcester Posts:7,927 Points:1,575,955 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:13:36 PM Ignore abcdMA Report Abuse more unemployment coming
serrog Champion Author Nova Scotia Posts:5,569 Points:1,513,105 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:06:08 PM Ignore serrog Report Abuse Sometimes I think they drive cars in my area.
tippybuddy Champion Author Ontario Posts:1,523 Points:207,740 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:04:58 PM Ignore tippybuddy Report Abuse I think it could be for the good in some things....like when someone tries to rob a place like that store...at least no one will get shot this way...I say whatever works do it...
jrsva Champion Author Virginia Posts:9,857 Points:1,613,225 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2011 11:01:24 PM Ignore jrsva Report Abuse This does NOT sound like progress to me but I guess there will not be an attendant to get shot during a late-night robbery. But seriously, when I went to New York with my parents, the 3 things I wanted to do were ride the subway, go up the Empire State Building, and eat at an Automat. We did all three.