Robots Start Controlling NYC Subways

Writing by Evan Ackerman on Wednesday, 25 of February , 2009 at 6:39 am

Starting next week, NYC L line subway trains will be completely under the control of the Communications Based Train Control (CBTC). At first, the system will only be used in the middle of the night and during off-peak hours, but ultimately the Metro Transit Authority wants CBTC trains to be running full time, since it should help relieve overcrowding. At first, human conductors will supervise everything hands-off from the cab of the train, but this isn’t because anybody is worried about the safety or performance of the system… Rather, “the MTA had wanted to remove conductors from trains in automatic mode but had to back off because the move violated the transit workers’ contract.”

Hm.

I wonder if they have a “no robots” clause in their contract? I also wonder how long humans will continue to monitor the CBTC system, and how many future jobs are going to contractually degenerate into humans watching robots do the jobs they used to have faster and more efficiently. Now, I’m not siding with the robots on this one, I’m just saying that it’s not a very adaptable system that we have going now… Barring the manufacturing industry, I don’t think most job sectors are really prepared for what may happen in the next decade or so. Think about it: could a robot do your job?

[ NY Daily News ] VIA [ Engadget ]
Random weird robot train pic VIA [ Modern Mechanix ]

Comments (6)

Category: Artificial Intelligence

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6 Comments

Comment by Christophor

Made Wednesday, 25 of February , 2009 at 11:37 am

That photo is awesome. What is it? Where can we find out more about the train in the photo?

Comment by Christopher Hyde

Made Wednesday, 25 of February , 2009 at 11:38 am

Unions can hold the line against this sort of thing for a while, but not for long. I mean, longshoremen tried to fight the advent of containerized shipping, too–but that didn’t really work out too well for them in the long run. The changes come regardless.

Comment by Christophor

Made Wednesday, 25 of February , 2009 at 11:39 am

DOH! Found it. NM

Comment by Christophor

Made Wednesday, 25 of February , 2009 at 11:41 am

Robot workers of the world unite!

Comment by BOB

Made Wednesday, 25 of February , 2009 at 5:44 pm

Parts of the London Underground (Victoria Line) have been automated since the late 50’s. There is a full european standard for automatic train operation and plans to implement ATO on mainline services. NY is a long way behind the times here.

Comment by Joey1058

Made Friday, 27 of February , 2009 at 7:50 am

My job sucks. I WANT a robot to do my job! Seriously, I’m in maintenence. Most of it involves daily janitorial duties. I already came up with an idea for a toilet cleaning critter:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9473536@N08/2125372542/

If anybody wants to build it for me, feel free to contact me!