Second Variety by Philip K. Dick:
Science Fiction Inventions, Technology and Ideas

"The claws were bad enough in the first place - nasty, crawling little death-robots. But when they began to imitate their creators, it was time for the human race to make peace - if it could!"


('Second Variety' by Philip K. Dick)

The story takes place after a war between Russia and the UN; Russian victories force the American government to flee to the Moon. UN technicians develop robots called 'claws' to protect remaining UN forces.

This short story was the inspiration for the 1995 film Screamers, starring Peter Weller, Roy Dupuis and Jennifer Rubin.

Select an invention:

Claws (Attack Robot) - screamers!
Autonomous guard robots that attack living tissue.

Machine Evolution
An early look at the idea that machines can evolve all by themselves, physically and intellectually.

 

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.