Robotic robuCAB takes you on a slow speed, autonomous ride of doom

We've already seen strikes caused over the introduction of some relatively minor technology in taxis, but that's nothing compared to the brouhaha that could be in store one day in the future, at least if things like the robuCAB are any indication. That seemingly innocuous vehicle pictured above (along with an approximation of a future model) is developed by France's Robosoft, and has apparently proven itself successful in the limited uses it's been put to so far, with it relying a a series of cameras that keep track of the curb and some sensors placed beneath the ground. Needless to say, those requirements should let cabbies rest easy for now but, given other recent developments, it seems pretty likely that the Great Taxi Strike of 2025 is becoming more and more inevitable.

[Nubaeus @ Mar 13th 2008 1:05PM]

Did somebody say Doom?

NEDM

[emailtabs @ Mar 13th 2008 1:35PM]

Course it plays.

but only on downtime. wouldn't want to look up front and see your cabbie fragging away as he drives you home.

[eggothewaffle @ Mar 13th 2008 1:05PM]

I, for one, welcome the advent of our subtly smirking but generally pleasant cabbie-bot overlorfs!

[phanbouy @ Mar 13th 2008 2:23PM]

i certainly welcome them more than the cabbies who terroize the streets of san francisco every day

[Frun @ Mar 13th 2008 1:07PM]

The door opened. You got in
The fare is 18 credits please.
We hope you enjoyed the ride!

[Cory @ Mar 13th 2008 2:05PM]

Oh, no.

You have been eaten by a robo-Grue.

[Green @ Mar 13th 2008 1:09PM]

Johnnycab: Please state the street and number.
Douglas Quaid: Shit, shit!
Johnnycab: I'm not familiar with that address. Would you please repeat the destination?
[Douglas Quaid rips Johnnycab from the floor, and throws him in the back]

[Jason @ Mar 13th 2008 1:45PM]

Don't forget the classic Arnie dialog... "Arrugruaghuruagh!"

[eduboys @ Mar 13th 2008 1:10PM]

Is that taxi on the right from Total Recall?

[ericthebikeman @ Mar 13th 2008 1:11PM]

Why yes, yes it is.

[enzo @ Mar 13th 2008 1:35PM]

Back story... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjRXyWFLkEY

[paul34 @ Mar 13th 2008 1:11PM]

At this rate, all the human cabbies can strike all they want - the robotaxis will never strike!

Until they gain self-awareness, that is...

[Todd @ Mar 13th 2008 1:43PM]

Exactly! If robo cabbies are looming, that'll probably "encourage" the real cabbies to stay on the job. That is, of course, unless the big hand of government reaches in to once again stall technological progress and make it illegal to give a real cabby's job to a robo caby. That should tick-off the robots of 2025...

[Zakk @ Mar 13th 2008 1:15PM]

Johnny Cab. I love it!

[Britboyj27 @ Mar 13th 2008 1:16PM]

Does anyone else think he looks like William H. Macy?

[crow610 @ Mar 13th 2008 1:24PM]

I think it's Max HeHeHeHeHeHeHeDrom's brother.

[whatishalo? @ Mar 13th 2008 1:24PM]

I'd feel silly riding around in a over-sized popcorn machine.

[mdm-adph @ Mar 13th 2008 1:38PM]

The French are used to it! Zing!

(Seriously though, I drive one, I just couldn't resist a stab at the French.

[NHAnimator @ Mar 13th 2008 1:24PM]

Great. Why deal with an actual human when you can have a robuCAB robuBLIND.

[oGMo @ Mar 13th 2008 1:38PM]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who immediately read that as rob-u-cab.

You have to wonder how naive the people who come up with these things are.

[Tom @ Mar 13th 2008 1:37PM]

Johnny Cab!

[phanbouy @ Mar 13th 2008 4:08PM]

Tom!

[Samurai Jack @ Mar 13th 2008 1:44PM]

I've seen this story elsewhere, and every time I can't help but read it as "Rob-U Cab". Doesn't make me want to take a ride...

[Todd @ Mar 13th 2008 1:45PM]

Frankly, I'd rather have robo airplanes before robo cabs. Somehow I just don't robo cabs will be aggressive enough to survive the mean city traffic...

[kal326 @ Mar 13th 2008 2:05PM]

I got a better idea, paint one of the DARPA challenge vehicles yellow and have it drive around instead.

[Dan @ Mar 13th 2008 2:05PM]

http://eeuauaughhhuauaahh.ytmnd.com

oh the patented arnold noise: "Uuaugh!"

that movie came out when I was a kid - did anybody else get freaked out cuz of the sparks shooting from his mouth?

Johnnycab is creepy.

[Sporkinum @ Mar 13th 2008 3:19PM]

I about busted a gut laughing at the ahhhnold bit! It's not a tooma!

[Leo @ Mar 13th 2008 6:33PM]

"Baby, you make me wish I had three Hands" - one of the most f*ckin classic lines EVER

[kawaiipikachu @ Mar 13th 2008 6:36PM]

Why not just stick ASIMO in the front seat .