user6209: Is there a bitcoin robot that can automatically trade bitcoin for USD?
I see that bitcoin rates fluctuate every day and has different rates at different exchanges, and it could be easily traded like other currencies.
So, is there a bitcoin robot, similar like forex robots?

user6273: I tried writing one in 2011-12.  I ended up doing a lot of volume, but I only broke even because of the commission.  I generated a lot of money for Mt. Gox though!
In general, writing an automated trading program is always going to be a difficult task, because anyone who can write a superior program can cut into the profits of the inferior program, which leads to a development arms race.  This is what some hedge funds do (not with Bitcoins), but any models they develop are only expected to make money for a short amount of time.
Even if someone released a high-quality open-source program, it would be difficult to make money by using it because so many people would run it.

6209: <p>Is there a bitcoin robot that can automatically trade bitcoin for USD?</p>

<p>I see that bitcoin rates fluctuate every day and has different rates at different exchanges, and it could be easily traded like other currencies.</p>

<p>So, is there a bitcoin robot, similar like forex robots?</p>
 6273: <p>I tried writing one in 2011-12.  I ended up doing a lot of volume, but I only broke even because of the commission.  I generated a lot of money for Mt. Gox though!</p>

<p>In general, writing an automated trading program is always going to be a difficult task, because anyone who can write a superior program can cut into the profits of the inferior program, which leads to a development arms race.  This is what some hedge funds do (not with Bitcoins), but any models they develop are only expected to make money for a short amount of time.</p>

<p>Even if someone released a high-quality open-source program, it would be difficult to make money by using it because so many people would run it.</p>
