They are good for storage and the like. the Galactic Shopping Network was using them as "shopping carts" People would purchase an item or 6, we'd put them into a pod, give them access and wait for them to come and get them. It's a good method to sell items without compromising security.
Ok, I'm just gonna get the question out. And no this is not an evil idea and wont hurt anyone (except me sometimes.) Can you fly a ship somewhere and then jump out in an escape pod before you get there?
All possible questions on this subject were already answered by Tey in the very first reply to this thread. Let me quote it for you, in case you missed it.
“Their use hasn't been programmed yet.”
They are entities that operate the same as any other entity without special abilities, allowing for improvised uses like the ones Pyanfar described, and nothing else.
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"May the Grace of Ara go with you, and His Vengeance be wrought upon your enemies."