The WaPOCHI features two main functions: To follow the user like a pet while carrying their cargo, and to lead the way in the crowd for the user to walk more comfortably. When people go out to the town or go on a trip, they tend to avoid certain activities or carrying a lot of things while walking. Instead, they opt for a smaller bag or choose to buy souvenirs later in the trip.
During the demonstration test, I also noticed that it made walking easier when someone led the way to secure the space for it.
When the WaPOCHI accompanies people and takes care of carrying their belongings, individuals, especially senior citizens and families with smaller children, who tend to carry many necessities, may feel more comfortable venturing out.
The WaPOCHI robot is pretty much exactly what John Brunner described as an autoporter in The Shockwave Rider, his 1975 classic novel:
...he nabbed an autoporter and - after consulting the illuminated fee table on its flank - credded the minimum: $35 for an hour's service...
From now until his credit expired the machine would carry his bag in its soft plastic jaws and follow him as faithfully as a well-trained hound, which indeed it resembled, down to the whimper it was programmed to utter at the 55-minute mark, and the howl at 58.
At 60 it would drop the bag and slink away.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 9/1/2024)
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