Automated "robot" information booths in the London Underground, 1933
Proof that the London Undergound has been in decline since the 1930s: today, automation in the tube is about Oyster Cards, which track riders without their consent or control -- but back then, tube automation was "self-service robot information booths" that looked like carny tintype machines.
Robot Guides Subway Rider In London (Jul, 1933)
Twirling a dial helps subway riders find their way, at a self-service information booth just opened in London, England. To inquire how to reach any point in the city, the traveler sets the dial according to a printed list of instructions. The device then informs him of the place’s location, the exact fare required, and the number of the platform from which the appropriate train leaves.
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It looks like the control panel on the Tardis.
No sir, I believe you are mistaken. That is obviously a TARDIS control console.
Sonuva! I need to type faster.
Ah, well really there is only one valid comment on the London Underground, and you can hear it here:
http://www.backingblair.co.uk/london_underground/
I prefer my transit information explained to me in a snarl from an angry bus driver or overheated fare collector, thank you very much..
Actually, I wonder if something with a more mechanical interface like this is the best way to provide information that needs to be calculated on the fly. I feel like a touch screen interface, which is what everyone seems to want would probably do now, would be more likely to get damaged. Doesn't mean you can't use a shiny display, you might just want to hide it behind some strong-as-heck glass.
Or, maybe fixing the problem of complicated fare models for overburdened transit systems would make transit information easier and doable with plain old paper. *gasp*
#6: well, the ticket machines all have touch-screens now, and they do fine! But they're strong, glass screens. And the fares are simple too (flat rates for large areas), I think this device probably dates from before the competing companies were nationalised.
If this is from 1933, the "robot" is probably explaining all the integrated routes and line name changes that arose with the creation of the London Passenger Transport Board.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Passenger_Transport_Board
On what year did it decide to kill all humans?
Looks like something Andrew Ryan commissioned for Rapture. "It looks dreamy, Mr. Bubbles..."
grrrrraaaAAAAAARRRRRGGGHH! (clank clank clank)
mooooooooaaan...
Modus Operandi, that year is yet to come. But soon, I hope.