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"I'm a fairly visual thinker. In doing science, I think in terms of pictures of things happening, and then do the mathematics."
- Gregory Benford
 |
| Bolo | ||
| An highly advanced combat tank controlled by a sophisticated Artificial Intelligence. |
It should be noted that there are many different models and depictions of Bolos. Early version were just better, automated tanks. Later versions (the Mk. XXXI) are AI-controlled Supertanks that could shoot down orbiting targets. In contrast to the cliche of robots-hating humanity, Bolos are not only loyal to their makers, but are even more honorable and duty bound than their human commanders.
A quote from "Combat Unit" by Keith Laumer from "The Compleat Bolo", which is told from the First Person view of a Bolo:
| "My hull, my proud hull of chrome-duralloy, is pitted, coated with a crumbling layer of dull black paint, bubbled by corrosion. My main emplacements gape, black, empty. Rusting protuberances mar the once-smooth contour of my fighting turret...
"But I cannot lie idle under attack. I no longer have my great ion-guns, my disruptors, my energy screens; but I have my fighting instinct. " "A Mark XXXI Combat Unit is the finest fighting the ancient wars of the Galaxy have ever known. I am not easily neutralized..." |
| Technovelgy from Combat Unit,
by Keith Laumer. Published by Del Rey in 1960 Additional resources -
|
Thanks to Gatomon41, who provided the research and quote for this entry.
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and Technology from Combat Unit
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Tech news articles related to Combat Unit
Tech news articles related to works by Keith Laumer
Bolo-related
news articles:
- Ripsaw MS1 Like Laumer's Bolo
- Ethical Governor For Battlefield Robots
- Will OpenAI Have High Ethical Standards?
- Superior Morals For Autonomous Cars
- Keith Laumer's Bolo Autonomous Tanks Right On Schedule
- EA Created AI That Taught Itself To Play Battlefield
| Is The Seattle Ultrasonics C-200 A Heinlein Vibroblade? |
| Man Builds 200 Foot Basement Firing Range |
| Russians Create Robot Tank Platoons |
| Unmanned Boats Attack At Sea |
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'There was a wall ahead... It was riddled with holes that were the mouths of tunnels.'
'...support the interior human structure against Jupiter’s pull.'
'Anything larger than a BB shot it picked up and placed in a tray...'
'The German chemists have discovered how to supply the needed elements in compact, undiluted form...'
'Compounds devised by the biochemists for the rapid building of bone...'
'The car faltered as the external command came to brake...'
'It is about the size and shape of a kitchen stool, gyro-stabilized...'
