The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells:
Science Fiction Inventions, Technology and Ideas

This marvelous novel is one of the classics of science fiction; it can still send a chill down your spine more than one hundred years after publication. The Martians invade a pre-WWI Earth - how can they be stopped? (BTW, even though the book at left has a cool cover, you can read this classic for free here.)

Select an invention:

Autonomous Digging Machine
A mechanical device able to excavate on its own.

Biological Warfare - first use of the concept in fiction
The use of microorganisms to defeat an enemy; this is the first reference in science fiction that I can find to this concept.

Black Smoke - run for your lives!
A smoke or vapor dispensed in canisters.

Heat Ray - concept of the laser
First use of what appears to be a laser weapon.

Metallic Spider (Handling Machine)
Multipurpose device used almost as an extension of the Martian's own bodies.

Quasi-Muscles (Sham Musculature)
A means of giving motive power to robots or machines that is similar to animal musculature.

Red Weed (Terraforming Plant)
A plant brought by the Martians that grew on Earth.

Robot Biomimicry
Endowing robots with an organic-appearing fluidity, rather than mechanical motion.

Steel Tentacle
Flexible robotic steel limbs that can both support a vehicle and grasp objects.

Tripod - inhuman robotic ships from Mars!
An enormous metallic robot.

 

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

Mechazilla Arms Catch A Falling Starship, But Check Out SF Landing-ARMS
re: Edmond Hamilton
(11/3/2024)

A System To Defeat AI Face Recognition
re: Neal Stephenson
(11/1/2024)

Robot Hand Separate From Robot
re: Philip K Dick
(10/29/2024)

Hybrid Wind Solar Devices
re: Simpson Stokes
(10/27/2024)

Is Optimus Autonomous Or Teleoperated?
re: AG Stangland
(10/25/2024)

Robot Masseuse Rubs People The Right Way
re: AE van Vogt
(10/23/2024)

Solar-Powered Space Trains On The Moon
re: Arthur C. Clarke
(10/21/2024)

Drone Deliveries Instead Of Waiters In Restaurants?
re: H. Beam Piper
(10/19/2024)

Optimus Robot Can Charge Itself
re: William Morrison
(10/17/2024)

Skip Movewear Arc'teryx AI Pants
re: Edmond Hamilton
(10/17/2024)

'Robovan' Name Already Taken - Elon, Try These
re: Weinbaums
(10/15/2024)

How Old Are Tesla Designs?
re: Various
(10/13/2024)

Is Your Autonomous Tractor Safe?
re: Brian W. Aldiss
(10/11/2024)

Smart TVs Are Listening!
re: George Orwell
(10/9/2024)

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.