2011 Federal Virtual Worlds Challenge Announced
Here's your open challenge, world readers. The focus is on artificial intelligence. (re: Various)

Rail-Launched Scramjets To Space
NASA looks forward to cutting edge retrofuture strategies for space launches. (re: Otto Willi Gail)

Robots Learn To Understand Outdoor Scenes
Robots like Philip K. Dick's leadies need this kind of capability, if they are to serve on the surface of the wide Earth. (re: Philip K. Dick)

Robot Skin Detects Your Gentle Caress
You want your robot to be this sensitive; don't miss the extra links to learn about robot skin as soft as yours. (re: Roger Zelazny)

Remote Control Of Brain Activity
How can we ensure the alertness of Warfighters? Reduce stress, enhance cognition and reduce experienced pain? (re: Vernor Vinge)

iPad For Radiologists?
Does the iPad really have what it takes to be a science fiction medical tablet computer? A radiologist takes a look. (re: Gene Roddenberry)

FrontlineSMS Legal Justice Via Cell Phone
These remote lawyer programs are just the start - wait until they come up with a 'virtual counsel'. (re: David Brin)

Hubble Shows 'smoke wound in a tight spiral coil'
Larry Niven gave us a view decades before this Hubble photo. Thanks, Larry. (re: Larry Niven)

Swiss Thought-Controlled Wheelchair
More research on brain-controlled assistive devices; success for the Swiss. (re: Gene Roddenberry)

Brian Robot Reads Your Emotions, Then Creeps You Out
'I can tell from your voice harmonics, Dave, that you're badly upset.' (re: Arthur C. Clarke)

Tractor Beam Works Over Longer Distances
Still a prototype, and it only works in an atmosphere. But still, we're making progress. (re: E.E. 'Doc' Smith)

Life-sized Duplicate Of Deceased Girlfriend Manufactured
A grieving businessman purchases a companion manufactured to order. (re: Alice W. Fuller)

Laser-Powered Helicopter
Held aloft on a beam of light. (re: Niven and Pournelle)

First Cashless Society - In Somaliland?
Leave your wheelbarrow of cash at home. (re: Frederik Pohl)

Inflatable Lofts For NASA 'Campers' On Moon And Mars
I love it when I already have a good idea what NASA is looking for in a contest because I read about it decades ago in sf. (re: Larry Niven)

Artificial Kidney Prototype To Be Implantable
Artificial organs have been a science fiction staple for a long time; perhaps we'll see implantable mechanical organs soon. (re: Philip K. Dick)