ATM celebrates 30 years

The first patent on the automated teller machine is 30 this month. And what a steadfast friend it has been.

More than half of us, 54 percent, visit an ATM at least weekly, with $20 to $100 withdrawals the most common activity, according to a survey timed to coincide with the machine’s 1973 introduction.

ATM use jumped 64 percent from 1994 through 2002.

And we expect further ATM functions in the future: Half of those polled said they wanted to buy stamps at the machines, 48 percent would like to cash checks and more than a third, 36 percent, considered the ATM a fine potential vendor of tickets for lotteries, sporting events, concerts and the like.

The survey of 1,244 people was conducted last month for Scottsdale, Ariz.-based eFunds Corp.

Motley Fool

Name that company

In 1894, my founder accidentally created a wheat flake. In 1906, he established me in Battle Creek, Mich., to sell toasted flakes made of corn. In 1916, I launched an all-bran cereal, and in 1928 I gave the world a little snap, crackle and pop. My rooster, named Cornelius, debuted in 1953, followed by a big cat named Tony in 1958. Some of my brand names include Pop-Tarts, Froot Loops, Nutri-Grain, Smart Start, Kashi and Morningstar Farms. In 2001, I bought the Keebler Food Co., adding some elves to my payroll of more than 15,000. Who am I?

Technology

Singapore launches driverless train system

Singapore has launched a fully automated underground commuter train system, replacing drivers with nearly 500 computer systems.

The new 12.5-mile, North East transit line connects several of the city-state’s main tourist destinations — including Chinatown, Little India and the Harborfront — to the existing subway system.

About 250,000 commuters are expected to travel on the new line each day.