I find myself queueing at my local Coles (supermarket) deli counter for far too long. This prompted me into thinking it might be quite fun if, instead of having to wait for the person behind the counter to weigh out the goods, I could simply get one of those robotic arm things (the ones they have in amusement arcades) to grab my ham/cheese/tofu and place it in a bag. The arm has automatic scales attached so I can see how much the bit of product I've picked up will weigh/cost.
-- neilp, May 19 2004

[Zan] there is an idea here too..
-- neilp, May 19 2004


I think there's definitely an idea here. I quite like it, although i'd be rubbish at it and would just succeed in reducing the deli counter to something resembling a warzone between the pork pies and the coleslaw.
-- hazel, May 19 2004


Most stuff could just drop out of chute or could be dispensed directly from the machine that slices it. The robotic arm could be handy for things that need selection, like steaks or whole fish.
-- kbecker, May 19 2004


Oh purgatory, I'd like to just tap in a text message to the butcher via that "Take a number" bitchy:

"Dear Mr. Slicer, Please pre-slice 1/2 pound of that rosemary beef you're doling out to the wag in front of me."
-- dpsyplc, May 19 2004


I think you may well have done, but there'll Be no pulting on my watch
-- neilp, May 19 2004


Do you know how hard it is to get those arcade robotic arm things to grab something?
-- Aerythes, May 20 2004


what if it was suction based. most delis goods are moist which would make for a good seal. whoof..sucked up some ham....foohw drop it in ur basket/wrpper/carton etc.
-- etherman, May 20 2004


[Aerythes] - would still be faster than waiting at my deli counter.
-- neilp, May 20 2004



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