Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein:
Science Fiction Inventions, Technology and Ideas

Remarkable novel about the life of Valentine Michael Smith, born during the first mission to explore Mars. Educated by Martians, he is helpless when returned to Earth. Or is he? Tutored by Jubal Harshaw (a classic Heinlein character) he develops into an extraordinary person. Winner of the 1962 Hugo Award; this story is not for children. Select an invention:

Grok - a Martian sees and knows
To understand fully; become one with (from the Martial verb "to drink").

Jump Harness - rocket pack
A device small enough to be worn as a backpack, that gave booster power for jumping.

Living Grass Carpet - not AstroTurf
An indoor area covered with grass, in the manner of a carpet.

Lyle Drive
Propulsion system for use inside the solar system.

Reading Machine - read while reclining
A projector which showed text on a screen or the ceiling for easy reading.

Screensaver (Inventor of) - the original idea
Screen savers are used to prevent phosphor burnout in CRTs, and to provide restful entertainment on computer screens.

Stereo Tank - 3D TV receiver
A receiver for three-dimensional televised images.

Stereovision Tank - 3D TV tank (and first screen saver)
Three dimensional mass media (the grandson of television).

Waterbed (Hydraulic Bed) - a waterbed
A bed that uses water instead of springs and stuffing.

 

Technovelgy.com is devoted to the creative inventions of science fiction authors and movie makers. Look for the Science Fiction Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary of Science Fiction Inventions, the Timeline of Science Fiction Inventions, or see what's New.
Find
new authors and technologies - Shop for yourself, your library and your lab.

 

 

 

 

Science Fiction
in the News

Rigid Metallic Clothing From Science Fiction To You
re: Edmond Hamilton
(12/15/2025)

Is The Seattle Ultrasonics C-200 A Heinlein Vibroblade?
re: Robert Heinlein
(12/13/2025)

Roborock Saros Z70 Is A Robot Vacuum With An Arm
re: Robert Heinlein
(12/11/2025)

A Beautiful Visualization Of Compact Food
re: Edward Page Mitchell
(12/9/2025)

Bone-Building Drug Evenity Approved
re: Edmond Hamilton
(12/7/2025)

Secret Kill Switch Found In Yutong Buses
re: Keith Laumer
(12/5/2025)

Inmotion Electric Unicycle In Combat
re: Robert Heinlein
(12/3/2025)

Grok Scores Best In Psychological Tests
re: Isaac Asimov
(12/1/2025)

PaXini Supersensitive Robot Fingers
re: Ray Cummings
(11/29/2025)

Congress Considers Automatic Emergency Braking, One Hundred Years Too Late
re: Bernard Brown
(11/27/2025)

The Desert Ship Sailed In Imagination
re: Ray Bradbury
(11/25/2025)

The Zapata Air Scooter Would Be Great In A Science Fiction Story
re: Robert Heinlein
(11/23/2025)

Thermostabilized Wet Meat Product (NASA Prototype)
re: Various
(11/21/2025)

Could Crystal Batteries Generate Power For Centuries?
re: Edmond Hamilton
(11/19/2025)

More SF in the News

Home | Glossary | Invention Timeline | Category | New | Contact Us | FAQ | Advertise |
Technovelgy.com - where science meets fiction™

Copyright© Technovelgy LLC; all rights reserved.