Posted on 12/03/2004 11:30:33 AM PST by Wolfstar
Yahoo News caption: Toyota's new concept vehicle i-unit is driven in during its unveiling in Tokyo, Dec. 3, 2004. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)
The i-unit, which resembles a wheelchair, is designed to help people get around. It will be displayed at an exposition in Aichi, central Japan, next year. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)
The compact sized vehicle, which runs on lithium-ion batteries, enables the passenger to move among other people in an upright position in low speed mode, while the vehicle reclines in high speed mode to lower the centre of gravity and ensure stable handling, the company said.
Ah, but you just wait until these concepts evolve into practical consumer products. Then you'll see Grandpa zipping along in units with sensors that keep him from bumping into things, and GPS systems that make it possible for him to get where he's going even with poor eyesight. Why, those units will even have monitors to make sure the return Grandpa home if he forgets where he is.
As with all weapons, tools, and machinery: skill, caution and wisdom are required for usage.
There was a webpage going into great detail about lightsabres, turbolasers and other Star Wars tech. An interesting thought on it was that turbolasers are actually lightsabre blades hurled at a target.
The page was removed because of all the hate mail it received. Bummer.
Say what? I'm no robot...and you can watch your own kids!
Just kiddin'...I know who you mean. ;-)
And I like and want kids...
Snicker...
THAT wouldn't have happened to have been a pic of Anna Nakagawa, would it?
MMMMmmmmmm.
Waaaayyy cool.
LOL! OK.
Should I shoot you first or scream first?
LOL!
You decide, cy. :)
I want one to play my theme music. That way people know when I'm coming.
Shalom.
You're welcome. Someday you'll have a robot to keep you warm.
Hey, you don't need to worry about that. I got an unsolicited email selling me some stuff that I can drink daily to keep the little guy under control. It should arrive tom-----
AAARRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!
Shalom.
How will you know if he dies?
Shalom.
Isn't that what heralds were for in olden days? Maybe we're coming full circle, except this time we'll have machines do the trumpeting.
Not too near, I hope. Watching a few hundred parade down the center of Tehran or Damascus would be fun to watch on TV.
Maybe minstrels?
Minstrels: When danger reared it's ugly head
Sir Robin bravely turned and fled
Brave, brave, brave
Brave Sir Robin.
Sir Robin: Never! I never did that!
Shalom.
The robot won't let him die -- which will lead to a spate of reprogram-the-robot crimes by heirs wanting to get their hands on Grandpa's loot.
Ah, but just think of what the gangs of tomorrow will use to fight their turf wars.
Ah, but then, we'll also need robot insurance.
Old Lady #1: When my ex-husband passed away, the insurance company said his policy didn't cover him.
Old Lady #2: They didn't have enough money for the funeral.
Old Lady #3: It's so hard nowadays, with all the gangs and rap music..
Old Lady #1: What about the robots?
Old Lady #4: Oh, they're everywhere!
Old Lady #1: I don't even know why the scientists make them.
Old Lady #2: Darren and I have a policy with Old Glory Insurance, in case we're attacked by robots.
Old Lady #1: An insurance policy with a robot plan? Certainly, I'm too old.
Old Lady #2: Old Glory covers anyone over the age of 50 against robot attack, regardless of current health.
[ cut to Sam Waterston, Compensated Endorser ]
Sam Waterson: I'm Sam Waterston, of the popular TV series "Law & Order". As a senior citizen, you're probably aware of the threat robots pose. Robots are everywhere, and they eat old people's medicine for fuel. Well, now there's a company that offers coverage against the unfortunate event of robot attack, with Old Glory Insurance. Old Glory will cover you with no health check-up or age consideration. [ SUPER: Limitied Benefits First Two Years ] You need to feel safe. And that's harder and harder to do nowadays, because robots may strike at any time.
[ show pie chart reading "Cause of Death in Persons Over 50 Years of Age": Heart Disease, 42% - Robots, 58% ]
And when they grab you with those metal claws, you can't break free.. because they're made of metal, and robots are strong. Now, for only $4 a month, you can achieve peace of mind in a world full of grime and robots, with Old Glory Insurance. So, don't cower under your afghan any longer. Make a choice. [ SUPER: "WARNING: Persons denying the existence of Robots may be Robots themselves. ] Old Glory Insurance. For when the metal ones decide to come for you - and they will.
Someday you'll have a robot to keep you warm.
Nope.
If it comes to that,
count me out of this world.
Wow! That's brilliant, "Chemist." By far the most imaginative post I've read in a long time. And you know what, I'll bet it's not far off from what the future will really be like once robots become common consumer items.
There was actually a Japanese Anime about a robotic hospital bed that, when it's occupant expresses his dying wish to see the ocean one last time, does everything it can to make that wish come true. It's actually a pretty good short.
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