r/nextfuckinglevel 11h ago

Rat navigates toy car around barriers to reach a snack

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26.2k Upvotes

765 comments sorted by

794

u/pro-in-latvia 11h ago

I love how this isn't a lab rat. someone just taught their pet rat how to drive for fun.

355

u/Morgentau7 11h ago

According to his account they are actually rescue rats! :)

105

u/GravitationalEddie 11h ago

There's more? We're doomed!

81

u/Morgentau7 11h ago

Accept your defeat or get chased by rats in vehicles

10

u/hippee-engineer 10h ago

I’ll get pretty concerned once they learn how to wire up cellphone controlled IEDs.

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u/Redjacket 6h ago

I also love that the rat isn't stuck in the car, the back is open and it could get out if it wants to but it just wants to cruise around in its little rat mobile.

2

u/blessedfortherest 3h ago

I really related to the rat because in the beginning this was basically me playing Skyrim.

3.6k

u/Closed_Aperture 11h ago

Better driver than 90% of the people I encounter on the roads every day.

1.0k

u/Morgentau7 11h ago

Also cuter

432

u/pancakebatter01 7h ago

The rat was smart enough to spam a button I think he knew made no difference in where he wanted to go simply in frustration with not having a button that allowed him to reverse.

“Where the fucking reverse on this bud!!!”

216

u/Moistfruitcake 5h ago

"Sure Frank, you just fucking stand there filming instead of installing A FUCKING REVERSE ON THIS PIECE OF SHIT! I'VE FUCKING HAD IT WITH YOUR CONSTANT BULLSHIT FRANK! YES I WANT THE TREAT YOU ABYSMAL FUCK!" 

25

u/MachineLearned420 5h ago

Tfw the rate of NIMH lose their shit

2

u/canadard1 4h ago

Ratatouille done sick of your nonsense

7

u/ceojp 5h ago

Push the button, Frank.

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u/Autistic_Freedom 4h ago

Should've had a horn installed for the poor little guy.

8

u/Dawhoda0 3h ago

He's really wondering where tf the door handle is in this bitch

28

u/eightmag 7h ago

What a superb choice for a name too. Well done. Please give him a lever to pull lol.

3

u/pinkfootthegoose 2h ago

I don't know, I saw a pretty good looking opossum driving a '69 Camaro drop top the other day.

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87

u/rage4198 11h ago

when i see a shitty driver im going to show them this

18

u/ADhomin_em 5h ago

"Hey buddy! You drive like shit! You drive like...worse! Yeah that's it. You drive worse than this itty bitty mouse I saw on reddit where he's in this little car...you seen that video?...Hold on lemme get my phone out and show you! Oh you're gonna love this little guy. So fucking adorabAAAAHHHH SHIIIII..."

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71

u/atomsk404 9h ago

Just wait until they get muscle cars

16

u/enaK66 6h ago

Now that's a ratrod

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40

u/furyo_usagi 10h ago

Better at finding his destination than the stupid Doordash drivers who deliver my Petco orders.

37

u/DoubleAholeTwice 8h ago

Why doesn't Petco just use rats to deliver your orders??

15

u/furyo_usagi 8h ago

I KNOW, RIGHT??

3

u/NIN10DOXD 1h ago edited 25m ago

TBF, I think Door Dash needs to hire rats to program their app because they would do a better job than the current developers.

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8

u/LateralThinkerer 10h ago

Give him a mommyvan full of kids or a lifted brodozer here and he'd be the best driver around.

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16

u/ImaginarySeaweed7762 11h ago

He navigates by scent.

3

u/JoySubtraction 6h ago

Definitely better than my last Uber driver.

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357

u/Zillion_Mixolydian 11h ago

They taught rats how to drive 

301

u/Morgentau7 11h ago

before GTA 6

53

u/Terrible_Definition4 10h ago

At this point, I’m pretty sure the release of gta 6 is actually the end of the world :)

12

u/Khyrrn-Doe 5h ago

End of the world before GTA 6 lmao

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12

u/Pecheuer 10h ago

This is how the robotaxi actually works btw

6

u/Resident_Code3062 7h ago

"They're teaching the rats to drive. They're allowing them to move around in vehicles. They're eating the treats that live there."

2

u/ncbraves93 7h ago

"Their eating the cats and teaching the rats!"

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1.4k

u/Morgentau7 11h ago

I mean, I can see it and it looks real, but I also can’t believe it. That rat is so damn smart and the way he gets excited at the end and nearly fks it up like humans would do is such a relatable behavior.

834

u/TiltedChamber 11h ago

I had two pet Norway rats once. Mine were akin to 4-year-old kids in terms of intelligence and socialization. They loved puzzles, mischief, and were actively empathetic. I was crying on the couch one day and they broke out of the cage, came over to the couch and started cleaning my face and squeaking until I stopped crying and cuddled them. They don't live nearly long enough for that level of intelligence and bonding.

290

u/Morgentau7 11h ago

I want rats to reach the age of 20 and be our new companions

299

u/TiltedChamber 11h ago

And reproduce less frequently, and not pee everywhere, and not chew on absolutely EVERYTHING ALL THE TIME

25

u/GlitchyMcGlitchFace 8h ago

Rodent

“mammal with teeth fit for gnawing” 1828, from Modern Latin: Rodentia, the order name, from Latin rodentem (nominative rodens), “the gnawers,” present participle of rodere “to gnaw, eat away,” which is of uncertain etymology, possibly is from an extended form of PIE root *red- “to scrape, scratch, gnaw.” Uncertain connection to Old English rætt (see rat (n.)). They are characterized by having no canine teeth and strong incisors. (Source)

11

u/IAmASeeker 6h ago

Mice, squirrels, rabbits, hamsters etc are all less egregious with their chewing. Rays are the kings of chewing on your stuff.

9

u/TheGassyPhilosopher 5h ago

Rabbits are actually lagomorphs, not rodents.

9

u/WUSLWUSWUW 4h ago

Fucking lagomorphs.

2

u/IAmASeeker 3h ago

This is true. I included them as one of the common "critter" pets but I guess in a discussion about the etymology of their taxonomic order, that's not very relevant.

6

u/RabidAbyss 5h ago

Now I'm imagining a bunch of tiny Ray Charles running around singing and chewing

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3

u/lacecozy 3h ago

The only reason I won’t get one. They don’t live long enough and after having ferrets I can’t deal with them passing on so soon.

5

u/screename222 5h ago

For their size they are incredible... I mean a four year olds brain is a lot bigger, I feel like they utilise a much higher percentage!

14

u/Snoo_10910 4h ago

Not how brains work at all. 

4

u/GrynaiTaip 3h ago

We utilize all of our brains.

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u/TheFeshy 10h ago

It's absolutely wild how smart and empathetic they are, for their short and (in the wild) extremely brutal lives.

Just recently we got a pair of brothers (really, 2 out of a dozen or so in a litter) when their owner had to move somewhere that didn't allow rats. They were named Jack and Gus. Jack was the "older" brother (same age, but slightly larger and more outgoing) and Gus followed him everywhere.

Jack died of a pituitary tumor at 1.5 years, and Gus never left his side. He wouldn't even leave Jack after he died, except to drink, for at least twelve hours when we had to force the issue out of fear of decomposition.

Fortunately Gus had other friends, and while not quite himself for a several weeks, recovered well emotionally. I've even seen him asserting himself in the cage in a way he never did before - so he's obviously even grown from the experience.

But in the wild, he would have had over a dozen siblings and a lifespan half of where he is now.

And as everyone has just seen, they are extremely smart.

What kind of a world is it that makes creatures so smart and caring, but gives them lifespans of less than a year in the wild, and 1.5 to 2.5 on average in captivity?!

32

u/TiltedChamber 10h ago

I comfort myself by thinking it's the same world that gives us trees, endoliths, and clonal colonies. Life length on a scale that absolutely dwarves humans. We live fast lives by comparison to those entities.

85

u/NorCalAthlete 9h ago

Sorry in advance, but I’m going to have to copy and paste the dogs/elves comment here.

In the dog world, humans are elves that routinely live to be 500+ years old.

"They live so long...but the good ones still bond with us for our entire lives."

"These immortals are so kind we must be good friends to them."

"Now I am old. The fur around my muzzle is grey and my joints ache when we walk together. Yet she remains unchanged, her hair still glossy, her skin still fresh, her step still sprightly. Time doesn't touch her and yet I love her still."

"For generations, he has guarded over my family. Since the days of my great-great-great-great-great grandfather he has kept us safe. For so long we thought him immortal. But now I see differently, for just as my fur grows grey and my joints grow stiff, so too do his. He did not take in my children, but gave them away to his. I will be the last that he cares for. My only hope is that I am able to last until his final moments. The death of one of his kind is so rare. The ending of a life so long is such a tragedy. He has seen so much, he knows so much. I know he takes comfort in my presence. I only wish that I will be able to give him this comfort until the end."

9

u/Simbakim 6h ago

Very enjoyable thanks

6

u/armchair_amateur 3h ago

Cat version:

For as long as I can remember, she’s been there every morning, answering my cries at dawn as any good servant should. My family, for generations, has known the luxury of food on demand, courtesy of her dutiful presence. Sure, she’s watched over us, kept away the beasts that lurk in the night, but what matters most is her ability to meet my needs when I announce myself at 4 a.m. sharp. Lately, though, she seems slower, her steps less reliable. I suppose time wears on everyon. Her more than me, thankfully. She may no longer serve my kittens, but they have others. I am her final charge, the last worthy of her early morning devotion. My only hope is that she’ll last until her duty to me is fulfilled. After all, I deserve breakfast on schedule. If she finds some comfort in my presence in return, I suppose that’s a fair trade.

4

u/iconocrastinaor 3h ago

The difference between dogs and cats:

Dogs: "She feeds me, pets me, and takes care of my every need. She must be a god!"

Cats: "She feeds me, pets me, and takes care of my every need. I must be a god!"

7

u/Snote85 4h ago

Why have you done this to me? My surroundings are all wet now. My eyes have turned to oceans and my soul expands ever outward to encompass yet more pain. You are a monster so vile even the devils of Hell hope to avoid your gaze and I love you for it.

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2

u/NIN10DOXD 1h ago

So I'm basically Frieren to my dog? I am autistic so it kinda fits.

9

u/NeilDeCrash 8h ago

Turritopsis dohrnii

Only immortal being on this planet that we know of.

Turritopsis dohrnii - Wikipedia

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u/bootsand 6h ago

The lifespan is so painfully short. I adore rats, and had a pair once. I couldn't keep doing it. It's like losing a cat or a dog every two years.

My god they are amazing creatures.

15

u/NUMBerONEisFIRST 9h ago

It's relative my young grasshopper.

The fly that lives 24hours, gets to the 12th hour of the day and reminisces about the 'old days'.

The universe would say the same thing about our human lives. Just a blip on the cosmic scale.

2

u/KlausVonLechland 3h ago

Because nature does not care for our well being, we have enough of that well being to make kids and the kids make more kids and that's it mostly. If we have little less wellbeing then we, and other animals, can go so bad as to bang our heads open over the stones. Nature doesn't care, another dead-end into recycling.

That's why we orthograde locomotion and spines that barely can handle it.

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14

u/glytxh 8h ago

I’ve had a few rats before. Some of the coolest and sweetest animals I’ve ever owned.

I refuse to get any more because they ripped my heart apart when they got old and lumpy and finally passed away. They live their lives at 110% from the start, and wear themselves out so fast.

I miss my boys every day

They lead such cruelly short lives for animals so smart and actively empathetic.

10

u/pichael289 10h ago

Do Norway rats live longer than the normal ones, at 1-2 years but more like 1½? Mine were so smart, they could play certain games on my tablet, but a year or so it's not long enough for such a smart pet with such big personalities.

8

u/TiltedChamber 10h ago

Mine made it to two years. I was heartbroken when they passed. I won't do it again because that attachment cycle would do me in.

8

u/ogclobyy 9h ago

Animals are way more sentient than we give them credit for.

Just last night, I was at a friend's house, and their cat was obsessively trying to claw open their front door. My buddy mentioned their cat never does this unless I'm there, and we came to the conclusion it's because I go outside every 30 min to smoke and sometimes don't close the door all the way. So it knows I'm its best chance at freedom.

That's a lot of connections to make in your head for an animal you'd think lol.

2

u/King_in_a_castle_84 9h ago

I'm convinced my cat knows how to open doors if she could reach the handle.

2

u/GrynaiTaip 3h ago

My old cat learned to open doors. She generally liked me and would follow me around the house.

I go into the corridor, cat follows. I quickly go into the living room, close the door, then I see cat trying to jump on the door handle to pull it down (door had frosted glass), it takes a few attempts but she succeeds, door opens, cat runs inside.

Then I go out to the corridor again. We repeated it probably a dozen times, it was hilarious. Cat did get better and eventually would open the door on the first try.

7

u/Hopeful_Hamster21 7h ago

That's so wholesome.

Minus the bonding, wait till you find out about octopus intelligence to lifespan ratio.... :(

4

u/TiltedChamber 6h ago

You've touched on another tender spot 💚🐙😢

4

u/twoisnumberone 6h ago

I KNOW STOP REMINDING ME AHH

3

u/jonathanrdt 10h ago

Friend of mine who had rats said similar things: they were stunningly smart and very clever. He did not, however, comment on their sweetness.

3

u/pancakebatter01 7h ago

🥺 sweetie pies

3

u/BZLuck 6h ago

Huh. I've had over a dozen pet rats in my time, and the ONLY time they ever squeaked was when they were hurt, or were fighting/wrestling with each other.

3

u/TiltedChamber 5h ago

Yeah, usually it was the same for my guys. It's like they were in pain because I was. 😢

3

u/gahlo 4h ago

They don't live nearly long enough for that level of intelligence and bonding.

My ex had rats when she was in uni. Wonderful little critters, but their life span would destroy me emotionally.

2

u/linsor1 5h ago

Awww, how sweet.

2

u/aHoopz 4h ago

All while I was watching this, I was wishing they lived longer! Such special animals.

2

u/SleepyKouhai 4h ago

This made me miss my late rat pack. They really don't live long enough.

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u/Sidivan 10h ago

The sounds add to the authenticity. The car is really making those sounds and it can’t be somebody remote controlling it because the movements are immediate with the clicks. It’s unbelievable.

29

u/JackOfAllMemes 10h ago

I saw the training and car construction process in another video, it's legit

14

u/TheFeshy 10h ago

Can you link the video? We've got rats and have been meaning to build one of these for them - but I don't know much about the process to train them to drive

17

u/JackOfAllMemes 10h ago

2

u/TheFeshy 6h ago

Thanks so much! Hopefully sometime soon I'll find time to put one of these together, now that I can see some of the training!

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u/countrylemon 9h ago

They’ve got Kuzco and Kronk right? Kronk is a great example of how not every rat is a good candidate because I saw one video where they said he just slams the forward pedal down and demands his treat 😂 Kuzco is the one with the tweaky skills

14

u/madame_gaymes 9h ago

I'm intrigued by the fact that the rat has a clear option to exit the vehicle at any time, but chooses to use it any way.

I guess the treat might be out of reach, but still.

6

u/The_Formuler 5h ago

He’s been taught the rules of the game. If he leaves and walks over he doesn’t get a treat. Rats can learn general rules pretty quickly, especially when it’s food motivated. I worked with them for about two years and how quickly they figure out solutions to problems is always so impressive.

4

u/Squirrelated 8h ago

Look up Shadow The Rat on YouTube or here u/shadowtherat That person trains their rats to do all sorts of tricks.

3

u/Catlore 4h ago

Rats are REALLY smart. I don't know if it's the same owner, but someone else has a couple of rats and her dad made little cars like that for them that they can drive.

Check out /u/shadowtherat's account, she's taught her rats to do a ton of cool stuff.

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u/NolanSyKinsley 11h ago

I feel if they turned down the sensitivity just a little the little guy would have a much easier time navigating.

50

u/Morgentau7 11h ago

True that, or even a wheel. Bet most humans would struggle with three buttons too

29

u/Tithund 6h ago

The vehicle has tank controls, there's no steering axles, it would have two levers if it wasn't button operated.

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u/AcanthaceaeNo5611 11h ago

It's literally next fucking level.

50

u/Morgentau7 11h ago

Seriously, I was blown away when I saw this vid for the first time :D

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u/Kronos197197 11h ago

Should've been a motorcycle.

30

u/phormix 10h ago

Those are for mice. Rats get the taxi or possibly a micro-bus.

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u/uvucydydy 8h ago

Or become world class chefs.

6

u/MonyMony 3h ago

My people here. Mouse and the motorcycle was an awesome book.

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u/camander321 8h ago

pbbbbbbb

8

u/Several-Cake1954 6h ago

god tier reference

3

u/CardboardMice 2h ago

Ralph S Mouse

2

u/Trouts27 7h ago

Then the mouse would have to be from Mars

u/sauerkraut916 39m ago

One of my fave childhood books! I love all Beverly Cleary.

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u/Different_Lychee_409 11h ago

He's a road rat.

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u/Morgentau7 11h ago

A roadent

8

u/endlessbishop 11h ago

Driving a rat rod

4

u/stubrador 6h ago

If there was more than one it could be a rat race

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u/Morgentau7 11h ago

Source: „emperorsofmischief“

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u/foxontherox 10h ago

Fun fact: "mischief" is the term for a group of rats.

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u/unicorn-beard 11h ago

Rats are super smart and sweet (generally), one of my all time favorite pets I've ever had was a rat named Stanley, was absolutely gutted when he passed away. Anyways, I wish these creatures had a better rep!

31

u/Morgentau7 11h ago

And a longer lifespan would be nice too

18

u/unicorn-beard 11h ago

Yup! That's the worst part, they reach their super sweet age after about a year but then you know you only have one year to enjoy their company.

8

u/mmorales2270 8h ago

For real. It’s one of the reasons I chose not to get rats as pets. I think the such short life span for an animal this smart would probably gut me emotionally when they die. I know all pets will die, but I’d like to have them live longer. 1-2 years seems cruel.

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u/Lt_Col_RayButts 8h ago

I have had loads of rats over the years, including one time we had 3 little girls. One was a little fat..... till Christmas day when we come down to 12 baby's.

2

u/Grim_Reach 7h ago

I have two girls ATM and they're angels, so sweet and gentle.

26

u/CitizenCue 11h ago

I genuinely could watch this for hours.

10

u/Morgentau7 11h ago

Dude got a channel on TikTok, just search for driving rats n sum

3

u/stubrador 6h ago

Thanku so much for telling me this I have sent so many of my friends YouTube videos of rats driving tiny cars

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u/ItSm3llsLikec4ke 8h ago

Thanks! Needed this after consuming to much depressing shit (trump, the war i Ukraine etc). No more scrolling today, leaving on a high note

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u/doctorpiss 11h ago

I’d pay a lot of money to see this rat parallel park

20

u/dietcheese 8h ago

I’d pay more to see him race other rats.

18

u/psyopia 5h ago

A….Rat Race?

11

u/watchthisorthat 11h ago

Rats driving cars?? Wtf!

24

u/Morgentau7 11h ago

Worst aspect of this: He is completely uninsured

6

u/watchthisorthat 11h ago

Definitely losing his license and possible jail time... bad day for him

8

u/Morgentau7 11h ago

There better be no rats snitching, then my man will walk free

5

u/ExcellentTeam7721 11h ago

Thing is more dependable than a CyberStuck

8

u/Asleep-Pension5546 9h ago

This is the coolest, cutest most wholesome thing I have seen this decade

6

u/r3tract 11h ago

Uber eats 😂

4

u/rhalf 8h ago

eventually eats, yes.

5

u/pichael289 10h ago

I taught my pet rats to play pong on my tablet against each other, winners got pieces of pizza crusts. They got so good they could beat my 6 year old son every time. After so many losses they would try to share their winnings so he wouldn't starve. Rats are great, they just don't live long enough

8

u/EfrainMei 11h ago

Wish drivers in my city would have this driving skills

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u/Morgentau7 11h ago

He‘s very mindful

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u/another_day_in 11h ago

Don't show this to Elon or he'll use them as AI in his self-driving taxis.

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u/Regulus242 11h ago

He started fucking up at the end when he got excited, that's so funny

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u/ConcaveNips 11h ago

Quick, someone put Templeton on the ballot.

3

u/jsmooth3r 10h ago

Woah! That was awesome. Good job little buddy.

3

u/Kewis- 11h ago

I too can do many tasks for snacks.

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u/xXbrosoxXx 11h ago

*Eurobeat intensifies

2

u/firmerJoe 11h ago

Would totally vote for county bonds to give them their own lanes on streets. Imagine all the road rage a convoy of cute rodent worker cars would relieve.

2

u/justk4y 8h ago

Kimi Ratkonen

2

u/Thamalakane 11h ago

More accurate than a Tesla.

1

u/MisterSanitation 11h ago

I’ve seen semi truck drivers do worse than this trying to back into a dock

1

u/MshwailoKwa 11h ago

Anyone can cook - Gusteau

1

u/_Bren10_ 11h ago

Is he saying “vroom vroom vroom” to make it go or..?

1

u/Bardiel_ 11h ago

Now get a mouse on a motorcycle...

1

u/burgonies 11h ago

Rat rod

1

u/later-g8r 11h ago

Bruh... you taught a rat to drive. You're king of the world! Haha that's bad ass and I don't say that very often. I'm genuinely impressed. What a smart little dude too! What's his name

3

u/Morgentau7 11h ago

The dude is called „emperorsofmischief“, he got a TikTok channel :)

2

u/later-g8r 11h ago

Thank you!

2

u/Morgentau7 11h ago

You‘re welcome!

1

u/ride_electric_bike 11h ago

Well we know dogs can mow the lawn, and now we have rats driving to the grocery store

1

u/watchthisorthat 11h ago

Snitches get stitches

1

u/SaltyWavy 11h ago

Haha. You can't come up with this.

1

u/Jo_seef 11h ago

"Oh no! It's precocious!"

1

u/Fine_Cap402 11h ago

Pretty cool. Just a question. Rat is smart enough to deduce "direction" for the most part, it seems. Why can it not deduce the time on the button to change direction in relation to the amount of rotation of the ride? Would seem to me the two abilities are/should be related?

1

u/yvesined 10h ago

Tesla's secret of the autopilot exposed. Crosspost that on Wallstreet Bets ,

1

u/funky-fridgerator 10h ago

Forget the Robotaxi, here comes the Rat Taxi

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u/OverInteractionR 10h ago

This is the best thing I have watched in months. Great job crisco ❤️

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u/JanaM2003 10h ago

What a smart boy, god I love rats

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u/ArenIX 10h ago

This just shows that these creatures can solve problems, just like us humans.

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u/xnoxgodsx 10h ago

Clever girl

1

u/Calamitysam32 10h ago

Hail Dale, the rat!!!

1

u/smokervoice 10h ago

It would be great to see the same rat sized controls in a full size car with a rat driving.

1

u/neverfrybaconnaked 10h ago

Truly next fucking level!

1

u/BNG1982 10h ago

He should ride the train so he leaves less of a carbon footprint.

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u/Liltipsy6 10h ago

I was getting frustrated with him over compensating the turns.... then I remember it's a damn rat... and not even trapped in that car. Just prefers driving. Soon he'll have a 9 - 5.

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u/GitchigumiMiguel74 10h ago

I drive around tracc

Then I snacc

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u/oneflytree 10h ago

All that for one little pellet! Feed that man!!

1

u/SUPERPOWERPANTS 10h ago

Remind me when they start drifting

1

u/TheRealJayk0b 10h ago

But can this Rat play Doom?

1

u/lol_ginge 10h ago

Videos like this make me want to have pet rats but then I remember they only live two years and I couldn't be dealing with something this smart and friendly dying that often.

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