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Two quick answers: 1. Could it? Depends what you mean by "cable technology like this". I haven't seen Robots, but this kind of constrained, multiple-degree-of-freedom movement would not be possible in an "open world" -- you have to have existing infrastructure, and for something like cables (which "operate" in tension only), that infrastructure has to surround the entire "vehicle". And cables have an effective practical length limit before you run into a number of physics barriers. Now, you could have something that operates by a cable pulling a car along a predefined route, but it would be a simple linear movement. Not only can you, we already do this: most ski lifts work this way. So do, for example, the SF cable cars. 2. Even if you could, should you? The tl;dr here is that in the vast majority of modern cases, other technology is better. If you're going to expend a whole bunch of money on infrastructure, which is necessary for public transportation in general, why not make it something higher capacity? Lightrail, or high-speed bus, or really almost any other form of public transportation is more effective. Where the ski lift approach shines is in low-volume, low-speed transport across terrain that would be very, very difficult (read: expensive) to lay tracks or road across, like mountains. Similarly, the cable car approach shines in situations where rails offer questionable traction in adverse conditions, and a positive connection with something is hugely beneficial (like a very steep hill). There are always niche applications, but I wouldn't hold my breath for widespread use. |