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Ma Yun’s “Robot Gas Station†is coming.
It is reported that Alibaba has plans to develop two phases of smart gas stations, aiming to significantly expand the scale and efficiency of fueling services. The first version of the "Unmanned Gas Station" was launched in October this year, based on the modernization of traditional gas stations. The second phase, however, is expected to be completed by 2018. The 2.0 version will introduce full automation, including automatic license plate recognition, owner identification, oil type detection, and automated payment and refueling processes.
The concept of intelligence here means that robots replace manual labor, and intelligent machines take over the roles traditionally performed by gas station attendants. With the help of infrared cameras and robotic arms, a smart gas station can complete the entire refueling process. Customers simply drive in, park, and leave without ever having to step out of their vehicle. There's no need to queue, no need to open the fuel cap manually, and everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
**Operation Process of the “Unmanned Gas Stationâ€**
First, when a vehicle arrives at the gas station, an infrared camera scans the license plate and matches it with the owner’s information, including their vehicle model and Taobao account details.
Second, once the driver enters the station, the system automatically guides the car to the designated refueling spot. The robot then performs all the necessary steps: opening the fuel cap, selecting the appropriate gasoline, refueling, closing the cap, and securing it—all without the driver needing to get out of the car.
Third, after leaving the station, the payment is automatically processed through the driver’s Taobao account. From entry to exit, the entire process is seamless, relying on data transmission and smart sensing technologies.
In comparison to traditional gas stations, smart gas stations represent a major shift in how fueling is handled. Just like the rise of unmanned supermarkets has reduced the need for cashiers, these stations may lead to job losses for gas station workers. This raises concerns about the future of those affected. Moreover, the development of such technology presents significant challenges, particularly in ensuring safety. Since vehicles and fuel involve inherent risks, even small errors could have serious consequences. Therefore, while unmanned gas stations offer greater convenience, they also come with important social responsibilities that must be addressed.