You all seem to have excellent and optimistic views on this topic. It was really something that just "came to mind" and I figured I'd start a thread about it on this forum. After all, this is one of the most intellectual forums of the few I currently visit. Well, in all honesty, I've pretty much stayed on here exclusively since Lester approved my account, and that's been for many reasons...

There are a great deal of not only PBP programming "gurus" here, but also some rather well-educated Electrical Engineers and a lot of informative resources and members that are in the field I'll soon be joining. I'm starting my "official" classes this coming Spring semester for my Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, although an algebra/calc/trig "refresher" course I've signed up for starts later this month...

I have a need to associate with others not only like myself, but also smarter and more experienced colleages with the same general interests and hobbies I share, and this forum has not (and I believe will not) let me down. The views and opinions expressed by most all members here have made me want to try and strive harder to reach my goals for my higher education...

But, I'll dread the day when we run out of oil. I've been a "hot-rodder" since I could drive, and have always been fascinated by almost any custom vehicle. I do have a Suzuki Samurai project that I hope to finish before I graduate, and it is an "alternative fuel" vehicle. It's primary use will be an off-road recreational vehicle (think "big" ATV, tube frame, tube 'cage, tandem seating, 6:1 or lower "low" t-case gears, 37-38" tires, Toyota 8" solid axles-front and rear, etc.-your basic "rock buggy"), and will be powered from an 8-gallon PROPANE tank. It may not be the *best* alt. fuel, but it'll allow the 'Zuk to run upside-down, at least until the oil drains from the engine and it seizes up...

BUT-automatronic transportation would have MANY benefits over human reflexes and reaction time. I'd still miss shifting gears, but I think I could live with it for daily commutes, as long as we're still allowed to participate in various motorsports like autocrosses, hillclimbs, NASA, SOLO2, SCCA, drag races, 4WD and 4X4 competitions, etc.

Which brings to mind: I've often wondered from quite an early age (and will most likely figure out EXACTLY why within the next four or more years of school) why it's so hard to power a fully electric vehicle. With the right motors, alternators/generators, etc., why couldn't some vehicle be designed that could ALMOST generate it's own energy? 12VDC automotive batteries will last years (especially current sealed, enclosed, and cell batteries) with only an 80-120amp alternator, in most cases (vehicle dependent, of course). I know it takes power from the crankshaft to drive the alternator, but with technology at the level we're at today, you'd (or I do anyway) think this example could be "scaled up". For instance, why not run multiple alternators attached to axleshafts, driveshafts, brake hubs, etc. to help regenerate lost battery power? I'm sure even with the most efficient systems that could be developed, the vehicle's owner would still most likely have to recharge the batteries on a daily basis, but would a system like this make any sense to you guys? I think there's a possibility, but I don't have that degree yet either...

I'm rambling on again, but I've tried to stay *somewhat* close to the topic this time. Another idea for automatronic vehicles could be a modified version of the live "third rail" systems used in subways. There'd be a great danger for pedestrians crossing the road, especially for "jay-walkers", but it could be adapted in way to work, most likely with billions of dollars worth of road work to bury the live rail...

It's refreshing to hear that the automated punches you've built have actually produced jobs for your client/friend, Dave. It's possible that client (or friend) may have even saved a bit of money on insuring his workers with the added benefit of a less-dangerous environment (with those punches, anyway). Just a random optimistic thought. I'd like to see what kind of job opportunities are available for industrial machine/appliance controller designers/builders/programmers, so I'll search for some related material on the web when I get a few free moments. I'm pretty mechanically-inclined, so I think that's a field that would really "keep me on my toes", and wouldn't bore me to death...

I could ramble on and on about so much crap, especially about what I think may lie in store for us in the future, whether it's the next few decades or the next century. You guys have really hit the nail on the head with your replies; I can sometimes be a bit pessimistic about things, but you all have pointed out some rather valuable facts and arguments that I neglected to contemplate in the original post. As long as more jobs arise or at least stabilize from our advancing technology, then I'm sure there will be nothing to worry about-in the next century or so anyway...

Until then, I'd still like to hear some more views on anything of interest to you guys that even remotely fit into this topic, which could literally be almost anything. I rather enjoy discussions like these...

Thanks for all your input, and I'm hoping to see more soon!
-Adam Collins