Some eggheads at the Massachussets Institute of Technology (MIT) -- or rather at a "think tank" associated with the MIT -- have come up with an idea (what else) to solve the problem of city gridlock by "reinventing mobility". The guys behind the idea have it under themselves that it would be nice to be in a vehicle that finds other vehicles like itself so that it would fold itself nicely into an array not unlike shopping carts, but with a powerful computer. The same dudes have also devised the machine so that it will run on a rechargeable battery. And you could just rent one with the "swipe of a credit card and drive away".
Isn't this just swell?
I mean, everybody would just jump with glee at the idea of driving a device that looks like a cross between a golf cart, a shopping trolley and a Smart, that you would pay with your overloaded piece of plastic! No wait, it gets better... the device hasn't been BUILT yet. It's just an idea. Isn't this AMAZING? Their pint-sized car is sure to sell like scented condoms in the toilet of a gay bar, acoording to them.
The only problem i see is that there is a similar device, about the same size, that is much better in terms of parking space _and_ EROI (Energy return on investment). It is an individual vehicle, does not need oil, coal or batteries to power itself (although it could have such a system installed alternatively) and can be parked anywhere. Even in your own house!
And, guess what, everywhere in the world, there are dozens of facilities already equipped to build this device, very cheaply, with recycled material!
That device is called a BICYCLE.
So, next time eggheads from a "think tank" associated with the Massachussets Institute of Twits are trying to sell you an idea based on a pre-existing device but without the Jetsons-y retro-futurist style as eye candy, just nod and smile, then back away slowly...
Oh wait, the best part about the MIT is this quote from August 2004 : "For the next 25 to 50 years, the oil available to the market is for all intents and purposes infinite" (MIT economist Mortis Adelman)
Posted by phonono at mars 13, 2008 10:56 PM