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WITH MORE SMART cars being worked on and self-driving cars slowly becoming a reality, someone has decided that petrol stations require the same treatment.
The Huskey Corporation, based in the US, has created a robotic fuel pump that will open up your fuel door and begin filling up your car automatically.
Infrared lights and cameras locate the door before a nozzle is extended into the fuel tank, before it starts filling up.
The company has partnered with Swedish company, Fuelmatics Systems, to create the robotic pump. The idea is that consumers will pay and make fuel choice selections on a drive-up screen or through their smartphone.
The pumps will cost $50,000 each, not including installation, which may put some stations off, but the makers say that the system increases delivery speed and is 30 per cent faster than normal pumps.
For those unsure how it will work, here’s the robot in action.
(Video: Huskycorporation/YouTube)
Don’t bend over!
I wonder can the infrared distinguish haha
“The pumps will cost $50,000 each, not including installation, which may put some stations off, but the makers say that the system increases delivery speed and is 30 per cent faster than normal pumps”
Never gonna take off here. There’s something about the Irish psyche when it comes to getting petrol. I’ve honestly never seen anyone get visibly pissed off because they’ve had to wait a while to fill their car up. Opposed to the US where someone would nearly pull a gun on you if they thought you were dawdling at the pump.
We’re far too laid back for this carry on
Laid back? I work at a petrol station and I can safely say your wrong. Dismissing new technology based on finance is a joke. Supply and demand will sort that one out
God, Kevin.. you’re such a expert on markets. Your talents are truly wasted behind the till at Topaz.
You think Irish petrol stations would be interested in this, when most of them rely on sales of other kinds to operate? Where’s the incentive for the company to set up an office here dedicated to installation and maintenance?
I’m not ‘dismissing’ new technologies due to costs. I’m stating that such technologies are neither required nor worth investing in here, at this time. Convince your boss to have one of these installed and I’ll reconsider my opinion!
Not interested in this model but certainly the tech. The future is the future don’t let old trends hold it back
A robotic fuel pump that will open up your fuel door and begin filling up your car automatically.
What happens if you only pull in to the garage for the paper and milk???
Don’t park at a pump
Ahhhh so your on of them persons who parks at the pump to go in the shop
Or park with fuel door on opposite side
You will still get fuel!
What about the woman with all the kids in the car that goes in and wants 5 ninety nines and a cappuccino.. Can they speed her up 2?
We’ll be waiting…
Ah c’mon….. It took me about 5 years to get used to the “Pay at pump”> <" Pay in kiosk" option at Tesco.
Nothing worst than the Muppet that Parks at the pump and dose the weekly shop. Inconsiderate Yankers
And I’m sure it will have an impact on your wallet
Robotic petrol pumps and self driving cars, soon there won’t be any need for people
For the on coming zombie apocalypse when you don’t want to get out of your car because of the carnage. Jaysus the Americans can come up with some shite so they don’t have to get off there arses. Prefer to fill up meself. Down with robots. They are taking are jobs.
This would do away with any impulse buys in the shop. Why would a business person pay 50 grand for something that will cost him sales?
Yet another invention so the average American doesn’t have to get off their fat, lazy arse.
A major problem will be the fuel flaps which are not standardised . Totally impractical
It’s the first of many innovations. Whole this may be impractical future models may fix these issues.
As a former garage forecourt operative , designer and car enthusiast i would be inclined to disagree . Car manufacturers dont have standard system even across their own ranges . Whilst it would be possible to design a standard filling system , would it be adopted….? No way . Is it really that much of a hardship to fill a car with fuel ? No its not. So not worth the effort
Great idea, but it’ll add to the already increasing sedentary population!
New technologies? Why don’t we just start with the basics first, like new fuels, instead of the sh!t fuels available here.
Well that’s going to fk up part-time jobs, kids earning extra pocket money over the weekend and during school holidays… Oh, forgot… Don’t do this here.
I take it the sums have been done and the speed and quantity of cars coming through the station with these automatic pumps outweighs the profits made off the shop.
Similar to Michael O’Leary’s vision for airports, or lack thereof i.e. the need for smaller airports to process a larger number of passengers, this could reduce the need for large petrol stations.
A solution to a problem that doesn’t exist?
Anything that takes people out of the equation has to be welcomed
“Open up your fuel door” in my car that requires pulling a lever by the driver’s seat…..hows it gunna work that one out?
What does it do if my fuel cap has a key lock?? Hmmmm
How would it open a screwy on cap without doing it yourself ha nice try think of something better
have your say