This Robot Helps Pump Gas So You Don’t Have To Get Out Of The Car In The Rain

If there’s one thing technology has helped with, it’s to make mundane tasks we more convenient. For those who stop by gas stations almost daily to fill up on juice, a robot helper could be just the thing to make life easier.

Created by Denmark-based Autofuel, the robotic refueling system allows drivers to just sit back, relax, and see gas pumped into their vehicles without having to move a finger or even get out of the car. This could be especially helpful for drivers who are disabled or have mobility issues.

In addition to juicing up a car, the system can help identify customers and accept payments, allowing the entire process from the moment you drive into the gas station to when you leave completely hands-free.

The company says it came up with the idea after realizing that the refueling process at gas stops had remained unchanged over the last several decades, despite the rapid progress of technology, especially in the space of artificial intelligence in recent years.

Drivers simply register their cars—such as their model, fuel type, payment details, and license plate number—to Autofuel’s system before adding a special gas tank cap for the process to take place. Once the vehicle is parked in its designated lot, the robotic arm will do all the work.

Customers can keep an eye on the refueling progress on a display screen at the gas tank, and they will see a message to signal once the robot has completed its task. Once the light flashes green, drivers can zoom off, with payment already made during the process.

As Interesting Engineering notes, Autofuel’s system has an advantage in being future-ready for alternative fuels other than gas. As the system simply attaches to an existing fuel dispenser, it can be scaled up and added to more gas stops serving different fuels to customers.

Could gas stations be the next big service to be automized? Well, if it means not having to get out of the car in inclement weather or in sketchy areas at night, it could certainly catch on with drivers worldwide.

[via Interesting Engineering and Autofuel, images via Autofuel]