Scuba Dive

The most un-fishlike robots we've ever seen...

Nissan is fishing ideas out of the sea. Last week, at a Tokyo technology show, the carmaker revealed Eporo, robot cars that mimic fish schooling behavior using laser range finders and radio communications. Their goal is to ultimately apply the technology to cars to produce crash-free driving experiences.
I love the concept, but I have to say that the worldwide commentary surrounding this new technology has not been kind. Perhaps it is the shape and colors of the robots, earning them comparisons to Teletubies, Weebles, ewoks, and, unfortunately, klansmen (just the white ones, though.) Or, perhaps the name is the problem, as one blogger said “I read the logo as Eporno. Now I’m disappointed.” Whatever the case, Nissan will have to revisit the marketing of its aquatic initiative if they want the public to think of it as anything other than fishy.