The Warsash Maritime Academy in the UK uses these $245,000 miniature oil tankers to train its pilots—they're incredibly difficult to drive, and simulate all kinds of different emergency situations, all while looking like a coin-operated children's ride.
The tiny tankers are designed to realistically mimic the driving conditions of their full-sized brothers, with a slightly gentler learning curve. Emergency situations (like a failing engine) can be remotely triggered for training purposes. Oh, and feel free to quote that episode of The Simpsons with the big guy in the tiny car. That's what you guys are here for. [DVICE]