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"Poised between intransigent scepticism and uncritical credulity, it [science fiction] is par excellence the literature of the open mind."
- John Brunner
 |
| 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..." |
| 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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- Ethical Governor For Battlefield Robots
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- Keith Laumer's Bolo Autonomous Tanks Right On Schedule
- EA Created AI That Taught Itself To Play Battlefield
| R9X Hellfire Missile With Long Blades Kills Queda Leader |
| CAV-X Supercavitating Ammo Deadly Underwater |
| HEL TVD Laser System To Be Built By Dynetics Lockheed Martin |
| ZKZM-500 LASER Assault Rifle |
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