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Science Fiction
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Timeline
of Science Fiction Ideas, Technology and Inventions
|
Date | Device Name (Novel Author) |
1948 | Speakwrite (from 1984 (Nineteen Eighty-Four) by George Orwell) A dictation machine that also transcribes the speech into typed words. |
1948 | Moonbase (or Moon Base) (from 240,000 Miles Straight Up by L. Ron Hubbard) A base of operations on Earth's moon. |
1948 | Gravity Centrifuge (from Space Cadet by Robert Heinlein) Used in low gravity environments to build up muscle for visits to Earth, or other high gravity worlds. |
1948 | Automatic Defensors (from The Rull by A.E. van Vogt) Devices that follow along with you, providing extra viewpoints. |
1948 | Survey Craft (from The Rull by A.E. van Vogt) Light duty ship for use in atmosphere, to explore planets. |
1948 | Nerve Control Lines (from The Rull by A.E. van Vogt) Designs that take control of human nervous systems. |
1948 | Crimestop (from 1984 (Nineteen Eighty-Four) by George Orwell) The faculty of stopping short, as though by instict, at the threshold of any dangerous thought. |
1948 | Tubecar (from The Faceless Men by Leo Zagat) A pneumatic tube that carries people. |
1948 | Atomician Sign Language (from The Faceless Men by Leo Zagat) Specialized sign language used by those who work with atomics. |
1948 | Novel-Writing Machines (from 1984 (Nineteen Eighty-Four) by George Orwell) A device that automatically produces fiction. |
1948 | Versificator (from 1984 (Nineteen Eighty-Four) by George Orwell) A device that composes words to music. |
1948 | Memory Hole (from 1984 (Nineteen Eighty-Four) by George Orwell) A receptacle for unwanted documents. |
1948 | Rewriting History (from 1984 (Nineteen Eighty-Four) by George Orwell) Use of sophisticated technology to continuously rewrite the historical record. |
1948 | Atmospheric Braking (from Space Cadet by Robert Heinlein) Using a planet's atmosphere to gradually decelerate a spacecraft. |
1948 | Space Ark (from Decision Illogical by N.B. Wilkinson) A very large ship used to transport a large group of people. |
1948 | Solidograph-Projector (from Police Operation by H. Beam Piper) A device that projected a 3D image of objects or a person. |
1948 | Star Drive (from Genius by Poul Anderson) The propulsion unit for an interstellar space craft. |
1948 | Precog (v) (from Police Operation by H. Beam Piper) To see the future. |
1948 | Personal Rocket Jet (from Space Cadet by Robert Heinlein) A small, handheld jet pack that can be used to maneuver freely in space. |
1948 | Beltway (from The Faceless Men by Leo Zagat) A moving sidewalk. |
1948 | Telescreen (from 1984 (Nineteen Eighty-Four) by George Orwell) Very early use of the idea of using technology to monitor human activity at a distance. |
1948 | Brain Erasure (from The Knowledge Machine by Edmond Hamilton) Deleting selected knowledge from the brain using electrical impulses. |
1948 | Learning-Cap (from The Knowledge Machine by Edmond Hamilton) A special metal helmet for electro-education. |
1948 | Electro-Education (from The Knowledge Machine by Edmond Hamilton) The latest thing in electrically stimulated learning. |
1948 | Moonquake-Proof Habitats (from Gentlemen, Be Seated by Robert Heinlein) Moonbases that are built to withstand quakes on the Moon. |
1948 | Doublethink (from 1984 (Nineteen Eighty-Four) by George Orwell) A mental discipline that is an exact contradiction to the basic principles of scientific inquiry. |
1948 | High-Frequency Oven (from Space Cadet by Robert Heinlein) This describes the essence of a microwave. |
1948 | Microwavable Food (from Space Cadet by Robert Heinlein) Food that is prepared specifically for use in a microwave (high-frequency) oven. |
1948 | Portable Telephone (from Space Cadet by Robert Heinlein) The essence of a cell phone. |
1948 | Tag-Along Balloon (from Gentlemen, Be Seated by Robert Heinlein) A bladder-like device that both finds and temporarily fixes leaks in moon tunnels or space station habitats. |
1949 | Mind-Lock (from Agent of Vega by James Schmitz) A device that confines a mind within its own shielded area. |
1949 | Resilian (from The Howling Bounders by Jack Vance) A natural fiber that is as strong as steel. |
1949 | Three Generation Work (Century Piece) (from The Sub-Standard Sardines by Jack Vance) An artwork created by three consecutive generations of artists, in exactly one century. |
1949 | Skimmer (from Lost Ulysses by W.L. Bade) Low-flying, hovering vehicle. |
1949 | Repulsor (from What Mad Universe by Frederic Brown) A device that inhibits the action of a spacewarp drive. |
1949 | Gee (from Sacred Martian Pig (Idris' Pig) by Margaret St. Clair) Using the standard letter designation in physics for gravity. |
1949 | Robot Introspection (from Unforeseen by Roger P. Graham) A robotic brain grows and learns about itself. |
1949 | Mind-Parasite (from Agent of Vega by James Schmitz) Takes over the cognition of a host organism. |
1949 | Desert Cabbage (from Red Planet by Robert Heinlein) A giant plant that regulates its internal temperature even on Mars. |
1949 | Stationary Automatic Blaster (from Red Planet by Robert Heinlein) An automated defensive blaster. |
1949 | Painted Respirator Masks (from Red Planet by Robert Heinlein) Children choose to decorate otherwise uniform equipment masks. |
1949 | Vivo-Gel (from Agent of Vega by James Schmitz) Semi-living material. |
1949 | Quizzer (from Agent of Vega by James Schmitz) An autonomous mind-probe. |
1949 | Telepath Transmitter (from Agent of Vega by James Schmitz) A device for long distance communication that makes use of telepathy. |
1949 | Visiglobe (from Agent of Vega by James Schmitz) A display that provided a spherical, 3D visualization of a scene. |
1949 | Spacewarp Drive (from What Mad Universe by Frederic Brown) A means of faster-than-light travel. |
1949 | Fluor Strips (from Sacred Martian Pig (Idris' Pig) by Margaret St. Clair) Lighting long narrow devices. |
1949 | Bubble Armor Space Suit (from Agent of Vega by James Schmitz) Steel bubble-shaped space suit. |
1949 | Synthetigrav (from Agent of Vega by James Schmitz) General term for any of the fields produced by synthetic gravity devices. |
1949 | 'Fresher (from Gulf by Robert Heinlein) Short for 'refreshing chamber', a device that performs various personal services. |
1949 | Cybernetic Brain (from The Cybernetic Brain by Charles Recour) An artificial brain to control the movements of an prosthetic leg using nerve impulses. |
1949 | Plastiskin (from Unforeseen by Roger P. Graham) Artificial human skin to cover prosthetics. |
1949 | Emergency Treatment Tank (Chamber) (from Agent of Vega by James Schmitz) A fully enclosed regeneration device. |
1949 | Bolt Anti-Grav (from Sacred Martian Pig (Idris' Pig) by Margaret St. Clair) This device produces a torus-shaped discharge that causes weightlessness. |
1949 | Shari (from Sacred Martian Pig (Idris' Pig) by Margaret St. Clair) A multipurpose net worn as clothing. |
1949 | Herculoy (from The Howling Bounders by Jack Vance) A very strong alloy like steel. |
1949 | Spider Robot (from The Mystery of Element 117 by Milton K. Smith) A mechanism in the form of a spider. |
1949 | Space Scurvy (Kenoalgia) (from Sacred Martian Pig (Idris' Pig) by Margaret St. Clair) A wasting disease of space travel. |
1949 | Self-Igniter (from The Howling Bounders by Jack Vance) A self-lighting cigarette. |
1949 | Metal Calculator Planet (from Limiting Factor by Clifford Simak) A planet covered entirely with machinery to a height of twenty miles and covered with a metal roof. |
1950 | Palm Key-Plate (from The Stars are The Styx by Theodore Sturgeon) A plate that accepts palms that have been verified. |
1950 | Shipboard Medical Treatment (from Contagion by Katherine MacLean) An elaborate system to guard against infection in returning space explorers. |
1950 | Zag House (from Time Quarry by Clifford Simak) A means of implanting dreams. |
1950 | Repair Robots (from The Well-Oiled Machine by H.B. Fyfe) Autonomous robots that carry out maintenance functions on a space ship. |
1950 | Space Platform (from The Morning of the Day They Did It by E.B. White) The Space Platform for Checking Aggression is a military orbital weapons platform. |
1950 | Earther (from The Five Gold Bands by Jack Vance) A person born on planet Earth. |
1950 | Mentophone (from Time Quarry by Clifford Simak) A device that facilitates long-distance telepathy. |
1950 | Culture Tank (from Needle by Hal Clement) Germs that eat garbage and produce oil. |
1950 | FTL (from The Enchanted Forest by Fritz Leiber) Abbreviation for "faster than light". |
1950 | Nucleocat Cureall (from Contagion by Katherine MacLean) Only human cells can survive contact. |
1950 | Regeneration Tank (from Contagion by Katherine MacLean) A nutrient bath large enough to enclose a person that preserved life and treated disease. |
1950 | Hybrid Mass Driver (from The Man Who Sold The Moon by Robert Heinlein) A device for launching space craft on the first stage of a journey to space. |
1950 | Robotic Chess Expert (from Time Quarry by Clifford Simak) A robot that plays chess at a level that no human can match. |
1950 | Yeast Steak (from The Evitable Conflict by Isaac Asimov) Growing custom strains of yeast as food. |
1950 | The Machines (from The Evitable Conflict by Isaac Asimov) A few of these can run a planetary economy. |
1950 | Diaheliper (from The Morning of the Day They Did It by E.B. White) Offers delivery of diapers by air. |
1950 | Self-Adjusting Furniture (from Time Quarry by Clifford Simak) Automatic adjustment for a perfect fit. |
1950 | Anti-Tri-D Shot (from The Morning of the Day They Did It by E.B. White) Counteracts the deadly pesticide Tri-D. |
1950 | Fontema (from First Lensman by E.E. 'Doc' Smith) A strange two 'wheeled' animal. |
1950 | Two-Wheeled Ground Car (from First Lensman by E.E. 'Doc' Smith) A gyro-stabilized vehicle like an enclosed motorcycle. |
1950 | Syntho-Steak (from Farmer in the Sky by Robert Heinlein) Artificially produced meat. |
1950 | Underpeople (from The Ballad of Lost C'Mell by Cordwainer Smith) An animal modified to be human in shape and intellect. |
1950 | Nexialist (from Voyage of the Space Beagle by A.E. van Vogt) A person with a coordinative knowledge across a variety of sciences. |
1950 | Haberman (from Scanners Live in Vain by Cordwainer Smith) Modified humans controlled by cybernetic implants. |
1950 | Torch (from Farmer in the Sky by Robert Heinlein) The orifice from which issued the reaction mass of an atomic powered space craft. |
1950 | Walker Wagon (from Farmer in the Sky by Robert Heinlein) Robotic vehicle with a trough-like body and many mechanical legs. |
1950 | Black Bag (from The Little Black Bag by C.M. Kornbluth) A medical kit from the future. |
1950 | Gravity Drive (from Star Ship by Poul Anderson) A spaceship propulsion method that uses gravity or gravity waves. |
1950 | Building With Lunar Materials (from The Moon is Hell by John W. Campbell) Using a planet's materials to make what you need. |
1950 | Tractatruck (from The Moon is Hell by John W. Campbell) Combination tractor and truck used for hauling and exploration. |
1950 | Earthport (from The Ballad of Lost C'Mell by Cordwainer Smith) A massive spaceport that reared up from the surface of the earth to the edge of the atmosphere. |
1950 | Stratovideo (Television Plane) (from The Morning of the Day They Did It by E.B. White) An aircraft with studios that continuously broadcast line-of-sight television. |
1950 | Automatic Light Switch (from The Man Who Sold The Moon by Robert Heinlein) A device that senses if an illuminated room is empty, and turns off the light. |
1950 | Quickthaw (from Farmer in the Sky by Robert Heinlein) A microwave oven to heat food items quickly. |
1950 | Helicab (from Heli-Cab Hack by John Weston) A taxi cab that flies using helicopter rotors. |
1950 | Mass-Conversion Ship (from Farmer in the Sky by Robert Heinlein) A spacecraft that uses the ultimate in fuel sources. |
1950 | Tri-D (from The Morning of the Day They Did It by E.B. White) A remarkable pesticide. |
1950 | Sand Ship (from The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury) A wind-powered vehicle in the desert. |
1950 | Robot Mice (from The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury) Tiny cleaning robots. |
1950 | Computer-Controlled House (from The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury) A residence that is an autonomous robotic system. |
1950 | Voice-Clock (from The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury) A clock that could state the time out loud. |
1950 | Water From Lunar Gypsum (from The Moon is Hell by John W. Campbell) Extracting water (and therefore oxygen, by electrolysis) from apparently dry lunar material. |
1950 | Robotic Dishwasher (from The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury) A fully automated solution to the dishwashing problem. |
1951 | Neuronic Whip (from The Stars, Like Dust by Isaac Asimov) A weapon that stimulated the nerve endings to cause extreme discomfort. |
1951 | Robass (from The Quest for Saint Aquin by Anthony Boucher) A robotic beast of burden. |
1951 | Ultra-Light (from Rock Diver by Harry Harrison) Allows the user to see into rock or other solid matter. |
1951 | Force-Field Penknife (from Foundation by Isaac Asimov) A pocket-sized knife, the blade of which is a force-field. |
1951 | Vibratory Mass Penetrator (from Rock Diver by Harry Harrison) A device that allows a person to walk through earth and even solid rock. |
1951 | Helmet-Mounted Display Screen (from Rock Diver by Harry Harrison) A small electronic display mounted for easy viewing. |
1951 | Suspensine (from Duel on Syrtis by Poul Anderson) Slows biological functions enough to survive in airless space - for a time. |
1951 | Oxygen Concentrator (from Duel on Syrtis by Poul Anderson) Gathers oxygen from a thin atmosphere until it is breathable, supporting life. |
1951 | Flying Saucer (from The Puppet Masters by Robert Heinlein) Spacecraft flown by the androgynes of Titan - under control of the Puppetmasters. |
1951 | Ultrawave Relay or Hyperwave Relay (from Foundation by Isaac Asimov) Instantaneous, faster-than-light communication system. |
1951 | Pocket Nucleo-Bulb (from Foundation by Isaac Asimov) A nuclear-powered pocket-sized flashlight. |
1951 | Sun Dome (from The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury) Used on Venus to give relief from the endless rain. |
1951 | Neutron Disruption Blaster (from The Complete Paratime by H. Beam Piper) Beam pistol which splits neutrons into protons and electrons, releasing enormous energy. |
1951 | Single Vehicle Tunnel (from Foundation by Isaac Asimov) A small diameter tunnel that accepts a single vehicle to a single destination. |
1951 | Personal Force-Shield (from Foundation by Isaac Asimov) A portable force-shield small enough to be carried by a single man. |
1951 | The Veldt (from The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury) A nursery that comes alive for the viewer. |
1951 | Genetic Engineering (from Dragon's Island by Jack Williamson) Direct manipulation of genetic material |
1951 | Half-Sphere Force Field (from Between Planets by Robert Heinlein) A protective force field that can manifest even as a half-sphere. |
1951 | Ontogenetic Adaptation (from The End of the Line by James Schmitz) Immediate genetic-level ability to eat alien plants. |
1951 | Pail of Air (from A Pail of Air by Fritz Leiber) A small bucket filled with (liquid) air. |
1951 | Air Speedster (from Foundation by Isaac Asimov) Highly maneuverable air vehicle for hunting. |
1951 | Coffee Cube (from The Marching Morons by C.M. Kornbluth) Concentrated coffee that boils itself! |
1951 | Smarter People Having Fewer Children (from The Marching Morons by C.M. Kornbluth) The original argument that less suitable human pairs are having proportionally more children. |
1951 | Jump Through Hyperspace (from Foundation by Isaac Asimov) Device that makes faster-than-light travel possible. |
1951 | Space Station One (from The Sands of Mars by Arthur C. Clarke) Describes an early space station similar to the International Space Station, that grew over time by accretion. |
1951 | Oxygen Weeds (from The Sands of Mars by Arthur C. Clarke) Plants that create oxygen on a planet with little breathable air. |
1951 | Selector Card (from The Puppet Masters by Robert Heinlein) Pneumatic delivery of book films by using a mechanical form of data storage; selector cards - probably punch cards. |
1951 | Odorophonics (from The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury) A system capable of reproducing selected scents capable of fooling the human nervous system. |
1951 | Happylife Home (from The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury) An automated multi-media home, which provided the good life to its inhabitants. |
1951 | Agricultural World (from Foundation by Isaac Asimov) Planet set aside for the production of food for another world. |
1951 | Dirt-Farming (from The End of the Line by James Schmitz) An archaic method of food production. |
1951 | Dominator (from The End of the Line by James Schmitz) Device implants a psychological block. |
1951 | Microwire (from Between Planets by Robert Heinlein) A very thin wire used for recording purposes. |
1951 | Calculator Pad (from Foundation by Isaac Asimov) Used to make psychohistoric calculations |
1951 | Polaron Beam (from Earthlight (Novella) by Arthur C. Clarke) A unique beam of energy that scatters some of its light at right angles to the direction of propagation. |
1951 | Asteroid Garden (from Asteroid of Fear by Raymond Z. Gallun) A method for building a greenhouse on a small, airless body. |
1951 | Airtight Tent (from Asteroid of Fear by Raymond Z. Gallun) A temporary structure for living on an airless moon or asteroid. |
1951 | Movable Slideway (from Between Planets by Robert Heinlein) A slideway (moving sidewalk) that can be extended to a spaceship to ease the debarkation process. |
1951 | Space Transfer Station (from Between Planets by Robert Heinlein) An orbiting space station primarily used as a stepping-off point from Earth. |
1951 | Guided Missile Control Station (from Between Planets by Robert Heinlein) An orbital missile base. |
1951 | Spinning Pressurized Drum (from Between Planets by Robert Heinlein) Put a spin on just a part of a space station. |
1951 | Robot Detector (from Assignment in the Unknown by Frank Quattrocchi) A device that can sense robotics. |
1951 | Finger Watch (from Key Decision by H.B. Fyfe) A ring that contains a working timepiece and a display. |
1951 | Static Field (from Foundation by Isaac Asimov) A defense against a spy beam. |
1951 | Spy Beam (from Foundation by Isaac Asimov) A surveillance device that projects energy into a room, revealing conversation taking place. |
1951 | Plasto-Textile (from Foundation by Isaac Asimov) A fabric that cannot be stained. |
1951 | Directional Ticket (from Foundation by Isaac Asimov) A ticket that also has the property of glowing while you are going toward what you bought. |
1951 | Asteroid Homesteaders' School (from Asteroid of Fear by Raymond Z. Gallun) An institution of learning where regular folks learned how to start a farm on an asteroid. |
1951 | Variable Modifier (from The Jester by William Tenn) Provides the capability of altering standard jokes to fit new circumstances. |
1951 | Vat Meat (Albert) (from The End of the Line by James Schmitz) Meat grown in a vat. |
1951 | Molecule Matrix (from Between Planets by Robert Heinlein) Storing information in individual molecules and atoms. |
1951 | Teledar (from The Jester by William Tenn) Three-dimensional television. |
1951 | Vocalex Kitchen (from The Jester by William Tenn) Voice command automatic kitchen. |
1951 | Flavor-Fix Rheostat (from The Jester by William Tenn) Technology makes sure that the flavor of automatically-produced food is perfect. |
1951 | Gravitic Repulsion Elevator (from Foundation by Isaac Asimov) The elevator was of the new sort that ran by gravitic repulsion. |
1951 | Meson Filter (from The Jester by William Tenn) Provides robots with the ability to tell the difference between jokes that provide a chuckle and jokes that provide a belly laugh. |
1951 | Powered artificial exoskeleton (from Between Planets by Robert Heinlein) A robotic device designed to support someone too weak to comfortably move in high gravity. |
1951 | Trantor (from Foundation by Isaac Asimov) A city that covers the entire surface of the planet. |
1951 | Surrogate Skin (from The Puppet Masters by Robert Heinlein) False skin that is sprayed onto damaged areas. |
1951 | Retard-Jets (from Brother Worlds by Raymond Z. Gallun) Rockets to slow down. |
1951 | Sun-Room (from Foundation by Isaac Asimov) On a planet-wide city, the only way to get some sun without going to the roof. |
1951 | Star-Globe (Ship) (from Brother Worlds by Raymond Z. Gallun) A spherical spacecraft. |
1951 | Self-Sealing Plastic (from Asteroid of Fear by Raymond Z. Gallun) Transparent sheeting with a layer of material that would flow to staunch tiny leaks. |
1951 | Robot Comedian (from The Jester by William Tenn) Joke-telling feature added to a standard butler robot. |
1951 | Suction Mail Tube (from The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury) An evacuated tube system carrying mail to residences. |
1951 | Psychohistory (from Foundation by Isaac Asimov) Branch of mathematics describes the behavior of human beings en masses. |
1951 | Mechanical Teacher (from The Fun They Had by Isaac Asimov) A computer device able to teach children. |
1951 | Audio Relay (from The Puppet Masters by Robert Heinlein) A communication device implanted behind the ear; also used as an alarm for wake-up calls. |
1951 | Artificial Intelligence (from Moon of the Unforgotten by Edmond Hamilton) A machine or other created system able to respond in a human-like way to questions or problems. |
1951 | Cold-Sleep (from Between Planets by Robert Heinlein) A form of induced suspended animation, in which a person enters a state like hibernation. |
1951 | Telebook (from The Fun They Had by Isaac Asimov) A book made available in text on a television screen. |
1951 | Machine Test Scoring (from The Fun They Had by Isaac Asimov) A device that scans a specially prepared grade sheet and determines a student's score. |
1951 | Security Restraint Field (from Between Planets by Robert Heinlein) A force field that restricts personal movement. |
1951 | Metal Foil Advertisement (from The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury) An advertising circular made out of metal. |
1951 | Anti-Spying Device (from Foundation by Isaac Asimov) Foolproof means of defending against spy beams. |
1951 | Booklegger (from Between Planets by Robert Heinlein) A smuggler of books. |
1951 | Nuclear Shears (from Foundation by Isaac Asimov) Device uses nuclear power to accomplish basic shop tasks. |
1951 | Negative Molecular Motion (from The Universe Between by Alan E. Nourse) A state of matter that has a temperature below absolute zero. |
1951 | Shuttle Ship (from Between Planets by Robert Heinlein) A spacecraft that could take off from a planet, rendezvous with an object in orbit, and fly back to the surface like a glider. |
1951 | Personal Capsule (from Foundation by Isaac Asimov) An impenetrable device containing information for your eyes only. |
1951 | Butler-Valet Robot (from The Jester by William Tenn) A gentleman's servant, roboticized. |
1951 | Martian Perambulator (from Between Planets by Robert Heinlein) A mechanized transport for heavy gravity environments for beings born in lower gravity environments. |
1951 | Autocab (from Between Planets by Robert Heinlein) An fully automated taxi cab. |
1951 | Winged Rocket Shuttle (from Between Planets by Robert Heinlein) A sort of plane that briefly reached space while traveling between points on a planet. |
1951 | Planetruck (from The Slave Ship to Andrigo by Ross Rocklynne) Huge vehicle for planetary surface transport. |
1952 | Robodore (from Robot Unwanted by Daniel Keyes) A robot specialized for use as a stevedore, emptying the contents of ships in port. |
1952 | Cylinder Space Suit (from Islands in the Sky by Arthur C. Clarke) A mostly rigid, cylindrical space suit. |
1952 | Silencer-Padding (from Robot Unwanted by Daniel Keyes) Robots need to have special padding on the bottoms of their lower limbs, so they don't clank as they walk. |
1952 | Beeper (from Islands in the Sky by Arthur C. Clarke) A handheld radar set, used to find items that have drifted off. |
1952 | Robot Strike (from Robots of the World! Arise! by Mari Wolf) When robots refuse to work. |
1952 | Light Absorbing/Emitting Ink (from Gravy Planet by Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth)) Ink that can absorb light and then emit it in a burst for advertising purposes. |
1952 | Ribbon World (from Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov) A planet that presents the same face to its sun has a small habitable area - the ribbon between light and dark. |
1952 | Depilatory Soap (from Gravy Planet by Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth)) A labor-saving combination of soap and a agent that removes hair. |
1952 | Robot Ramp (from Robot Unwanted by Daniel Keyes) A special means of ingress and egress solely for use by mechanical help. |
1952 | Zero 'g' (Zero Gee) (from Islands in the Sky by Arthur C. Clarke) In a ship in orbit, in free fall. |
1952 | Robot Manumission (from Robot Unwanted by Daniel Keyes) The freeing of a robotic being from a state of being owned property. |
1952 | Tiny Nuclear Generator (from Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov) A complete nuclear-based generator of power no bigger than a walnut. |
1952 | Robotic Law Tape Safety Valve (from Robot Unwanted by Daniel Keyes) A specific impulse that warns robots contemplating breaking the laws set forth for their behavior. |
1952 | Automated Wake-Up Call (from The Kokod Warriors by Jack Vance) A device that provides automated wake-up calls. |
1952 | Flesh Men (from Robots of the World! Arise! by Mari Wolf) Thinking beings that are not mechanical robots - human beings. |
1952 | Lead-Bodied Android (from Robots of the World! Arise! by Mari Wolf) A robot designed for use in the nuclear industry. |
1952 | Tree-Grown Wood (from Gravy Planet by Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth)) The natural product, obtained by cutting down a living tree. |
1952 | Droid (First Use) (from Robots of the World! Arise! by Mari Wolf) Contraction of "android". |
1952 | Mnemiphot (from The Kokod Warriors by Jack Vance) A device used to search for information, which is then presented on a convenient screen. |
1952 | Law of Contact (from Orphans of the Void by Orville Shaara) Non-interference in the development of other worlds. |
1952 | Vision Strip (from Orphans of the Void by Orville Shaara) A circular vision strip for robots. |
1952 | Kite-Copter Car (from The Kokod Warriors by Jack Vance) An observation car suspended below a device that supplies lift. |
1952 | Magneslippers (from Accidental Flight by W.F. Wallace) Shoes that adhere to metal space ship floors, useful in null gravity situations. |
1952 | Chicken Little (from The Space Merchants by Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth)) Very early reference to meat grown in a vat for food. |
1952 | Personal Solar Plant (from Ring Around the Sun by Clifford Simak) A single-home solar-powered energy source. |
1952 | Levitating Path (from A Sound of Thunder by Ray Bradbury) Anti-gravity metal used to make a floating walkway. |
1952 | Lunocycle (Lunar Bicycle) (from The Rolling Stones by Robert Heinlein) A bicycle specially adapted for lunar travel. |
1952 | Flat Cat (from The Rolling Stones by Robert Heinlein) A nearly two-dimensional furry little beast. |
1952 | Triple Airlock (from Uller Uprising by H. Beam Piper) Special device to protect against extremely corrosive atmospheres. |
1952 | Psychic Probe (from Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov) A device capable of discerning truthful information in a living human brain. |
1952 | Stun Pistol (from Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov) A hand-held device that causes unconsciousness. |
1952 | Toaster (from Accidental Flight by W.F. Wallace) A handheld beam weapon. |
1952 | Pocket Projector (from Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov) A personal device for replaying media. |
1952 | Flavor-Capsule (from Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov) A small pill used to turn ordinary water into a flavored beverage. |
1952 | Chlorella Plantation (from The Space Merchants by Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth)) A skyscraper designed for food production. |
1952 | Free Robot (from Robot Unwanted by Daniel Keyes) A robot without a master. |
1952 | Tourist Rocket (from The Space Merchants by Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth)) A cheap, unpleasant way to do space travel. |
1952 | Hypnoteleset (from The Space Merchants by Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth)) A device that guarantees quick, surrogate sleep. |
1952 | Plasticocoon (from The Space Merchants by Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth)) Holds a prisoner motionless. |
1952 | Broomstick (from Islands in the Sky by Arthur C. Clarke) Device to ease movement in a zero-gravity environment. |
1952 | Water Bulb (from The Space Merchants by Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth)) A zero-gee dispenser of liquids. |
1952 | Recorded Books (from Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov) Electronically recorded books. |
1952 | Plastissue (from Accidental Flight by W.F. Wallace) Artificial flesh. |
1952 | Space Beacon (from Troubled Star by George O. Smith) An ordinary sun is transformed into a beacon for use by spacecraft when in hyperspace. |
1952 | Barytrine Field (from Troubled Star by George O. Smith) Very large scale stasis field. |
1952 | Menslator (from Troubled Star by George O. Smith) A translator that works by examining the mental image of what you are trying to say. |
1952 | Nuclear-Field Depressor (from Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov) A device that causes nuclear-powered devices to stop working. |
1952 | Gravital Unit (from Accidental Flight by W.F. Wallace) Device that maintains Earth-comparable gravity on an asteroid. |
1952 | Medical Use for Weightlessness (from Accidental Flight by W.F. Wallace) Early reference to the idea of using a weightless environment for medical purposes. |
1952 | Water Bulb (from The Space Merchants by Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth)) A zero-g way to enjoy water. |
1952 | Solar-powered Prefab House (from Ring Around the Sun by Clifford Simak) A pre-built house that can live off the grid. |
1952 | Spray-On Clothing Web (from Abercrombie Station by Jack Vance) A 'web' clothing foundation that can be sprayed on and then molded by a couturier. |
1952 | Electronic Spy (from Ring Around the Sun by Clifford Simak) An autonomous device that kept itself hidden while keeping track of an individual's activity. |
1952 | Spray-On Gloves (from Abercrombie Station by Jack Vance) Fashionable evening gloves that are sprayed onto the hand and arm. |
1952 | Monoline (from Big Planet by Jack Vance) A wind-driven overland transport. |
1952 | Airjeep (from Uller Uprising by H. Beam Piper) A small military air vehicle. |
1952 | Animal-tissue Culture Vat (from Uller Uprising by H. Beam Piper) A means of producing artificial meat for food. |
1952 | Wall-Light (from Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov) The walls of a room provide illumination. |
1952 | Ullran Enunciator (from Uller Uprising by H. Beam Piper) Special prosthesis needed to aid humans in speaking an alien language. |
1952 | Off-Planet (from Uller Uprising by H. Beam Piper) Away from a planet, towards another or into space. |
1952 | Soot-Extractor Nostril Plugs (Antisoot Plugs) (from The Space Merchants by Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth)) A small device worn to filter industrial pollutants out of breathing air. |
1952 | Self-Repairing Robot (from Accidental Flight by W.F. Wallace) A mechanism that can detect faults in itself and repair them. |
1952 | Compulsive Subsonics (from The Space Merchants by Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth)) An advertising agency works with every part of the audience's brain. |
1952 | Mechanical Dentist (from Make Mine Mars by C.M. Kornbluth) No human graduated from dental school here. |
1952 | Visi-Sonor (from Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov) An entertainment device which appeared to create both sound and light by acting directly on brain cells. It also stimulated emotions directly. |
1952 | Self-Maintaining Circuit Monitoring and Repair (from Gramp and his Dog by Frank Quattrocchi) A computer that monitors itself for repair. |
1952 | Moon-Dome (from Last Blast by Eric Frank Russell) A transparent hemisphere used as a habitat. |
1952 | Spy-Eyes (from Manners of the Age by H.B. Fyfe) Tiny robotic surveillance devices fly using propellers. |
1952 | Supervisor Robot (from Manners of the Age by H.B. Fyfe) A robot that watches over and gives orders to other robots. |
1952 | Robot Tennis Player (from Manners of the Age by H.B. Fyfe) A purely mechanical, autonomous foe on the court. |
1952 | Gas Giant (from Solar Plexus by James Blish) Large planet consisting primarily of gas with a solid core. |
1952 | Panatrope (from Surface Tension by James Blish) A device that modifies human dna to ensure survival in harsh alien environments. |
1952 | Singularity (from All The Time In The World by Arthur C. Clarke) In science, a condition in which spacetime breaks down; in society, a technological advance causes social conditions to break down. |
1952 | Magnetic Coil Slippers (from Abercrombie Station by Jack Vance) Maintain your footing in zero gravity. |
1952 | Hydropathic bed (from The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester) A heated bed that used something more comfortable than water. |
1952 | Warp-Speed (from Yachting Party by Fox B. Holden) Faster than light spaceships. |
1952 | Retinal Projection (from The Space Merchants by Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth)) A method for projecting advertisements directly on the retina. |
1952 | Automatic Pilot (from The Space Merchants by Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth)) A device to control the movement of aircraft using computer components. |
1952 | Coffiest (from The Space Merchants by Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth)) It's coffee that you can't live without. |
1952 | Hilsch Vortex Tube (from The Space Merchants by Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth)) A T-shaped device that admits air under pressure and outputs hot air from side and cold from the other. |
1952 | Prism Window (from The Space Merchants by Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth)) A device for getting a better view of the ground from inside an airplane. |
1952 | Airplane Window Ads (from The Space Merchants by Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth)) An airplane window that allows you to - see advertisements! |
1952 | Esper (from The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester) A person to perceive the contents of another person's mind. |
1952 | Contragravity Suit (from Uller Uprising by H. Beam Piper) A suit with antigravity. |
1952 | Analogue Treatment (from Ticket to Anywhere by Damon Knight) Hypnotic drug treatment that normalizes behavior in humans. |
1952 | Leak Disk (from Islands in the Sky by Arthur C. Clarke) Simple device to temporarily close a leak in a spacecraft. |
1952 | Photo Crystal (Cube) (from Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov) A small handheld display for a picture |
1952 | Magnetized Cloth Pajamas (from Abercrombie Station by Jack Vance) Sleeping in zero gee - just like on Earth! |
1952 | Space-Weather Men (from Revenge of the Robots by Lawrence Chandler) Predictors of the 'weather' in space. |
1953 | Sub-C (from The Impossible Planet by Philip K. Dick) Of ships, older models that travel at speeds below that of light. |
1953 | Artificially Pulsating Star (from The Cosmic Blinker by Eando Binder) A star that has been modified to pulsate with a message to the entire universe. |
1953 | Synthony (from The Music Master by F.L. Wallace) A musical performance by robots. |
1953 | Brains (from The Cosmic Blinker by Eando Binder) An electronic brain that is able to do problem solving. This idea seems to be the impetus behind current artificial intelligence that seeks to solve problems, rather than to simulate human intelligenc |
1953 | Worldcraft Bubble (from The Trouble With Bubbles by Philip K. Dick) An incredibly detailed mechanical simulation of a world. |
1953 | Autonomous Car Intercommunication (from Sally by Isaac Asimov) Automatic cars talk to each other about everything. |
1953 | Leady (from The Defenders by Philip K. Dick) A radiation-resistant robot. |
1953 | Sideglance Robe (from The Trouble With Bubbles by Philip K. Dick) A dress that is invisible or opaque, depending on how you look at it. |
1953 | Galactography (from Second Foundation by Isaac Asimov) Geography on a galactic scale. |
1953 | Lens Image (from Second Foundation by Isaac Asimov) A presentation of the night sky, calculated for any planet or point in space. |
1953 | Message Tree (from A Case of Conscience by James Blish) A tree growing out of a huge cliff of crystal provides communication for a world. |
1953 | Self-Sufficient House (from Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke) A single family residence that required no surrounding infrastructure. |
1953 | Robotaxi (from Dugal Was A Spaceman by Joe Gibson) A fully automated, driverless taxi. |
1953 | Legislation Analyzer (from The Trouble With Bubbles by Philip K. Dick) Device analyzes potentially biased bills. |
1953 | Merc-Pool (from Caves of Steel by Isaac Asimov) A device that stores information in vibration patterns on a mercury surface. |
1953 | Yeast-Culture Vats (from Caves of Steel by Isaac Asimov) Using cultured yeast as the basis for food production. |
1953 | Galactic Damping Field (from Brain Wave by Poul Anderson) A vast field of force emanating from the center of the galaxy. |
1953 | Time Scoop (from Paycheck by Philip K. Dick) Retrieved objects from other points in time. |
1953 | Hypertracer (from Second Foundation by Isaac Asimov) A device that allows a pursuer to follow a spaceship through hyperspace. |
1953 | Dressing Machine (from Roll Out the Rolov! by Christopher Anvil) A robotic device to serve as a mechanical dresser. |
1953 | R. Daneel Olivaw (from Caves of Steel by Isaac Asimov) A human-like robot, skilled in police work. |
1953 | City Ship (from Star of Wonder by Julian May) A generation ship, a spacecraft that carries a people to another star. |
1953 | Ovoid 3D Galactic Model (from Second Foundation by Isaac Asimov) A handheld display of a galaxy. |
1953 | News Receptor (from If There Were No Benny Cemoli by Philip K. Dick) Devices used by homeostatic newspapers to gather news autonomically. |
1953 | Spot-Wavex Scrambler (from Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury) Provides a more personalized experience of television, by letting the announcers talk to you personally. |
1953 | Mechanical Hound (from Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury) An eight-legged robotic "hound" with hypodermic poison fangs. |
1953 | Parlor Wall (TV Parlor) (from Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury) The original "big screen TV" takes up an entire wall of a room. |
1953 | Buttered Toast Robot (from Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury) What it says on the tin. |
1953 | Seashell Radio (Thimble Radios) (from Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury) Small radios that fit into the ears like hearing aids or ear buds. |
1953 | Electronic-Eyed Snake (from Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury) A fully automated stomach pump. |
1953 | Salamander (from Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury) Name given to the fire trucks of the future, which carry kerosene rather than water, and are used to burn houses. |
1953 | Automatobile (from Sally by Isaac Asimov) An autonomous private car. |
1953 | Air-Propelled Train (from Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury) A silent means of mass transit. |
1953 | Big Flue (from Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury) Enormous incinerators serviced directly by helicopter. |
1953 | Automatobus (from Sally by Isaac Asimov) An autonomous or self-driving bus seating a number of people. |
1953 | Paint-to-Order Robot Artist (from The Music Master by F.L. Wallace) A robotic mechanism that could produce a unique picture, given subject and artistic style. |
1953 | Positronic Motor (from Sally by Isaac Asimov) A combination of motor and brain; an engine with a cerebellum and a carburetor. |
1953 | Travel-Rug (from Roll Out The Rolov! by Christopher Anvil) A rug that conveyed you around your house. |
1953 | Visicastor (from Second Foundation by Isaac Asimov) A person who presents video broadcasts. |
1953 | Self-Cleaning Autonomous Car (from Sally by Isaac Asimov) An automatic vehicle that keeps itself clean. |
1953 | Permanent Skywriting (from Soap Opera by Alan Nelson) Non-wispy skywriting letters. |
1953 | Master Ventriloquism Corporation (MV) (from Captive Audience by Anne Warren Griffith) A central source of product advertising, commercials sent out to every product. |
1953 | Voice in the Ear (from Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke) Project a voice or sound to one individual's ears only. |
1953 | Private Flyer (from Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke) A privately-owned air vehicle that used no control surfaces for maneuvering. |
1953 | Earplug Decision (Restraint of Advertising) (from Captive Audience by Anne Warren Griffith) A Supreme Court judgement that declared that earplugs used to block advertising were unconstitutional. |
1953 | Buy-Me-Discs (from Captive Audience by Anne Warren Griffith) Tiny disks attached to products in stores that received transmitted ads to share with consumers. |
1953 | Panoramic Viewer (from Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke) Permits observation at a distance, as well as the projection of a holographic image. |
1953 | Mental Static Device (from Second Foundation by Isaac Asimov) Cloak the minds of individuals with a kind of 'noise'. |
1953 | Sunlight Blocker (from Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke) A roughly circular field which denies sunlight to an area of a planet. |
1953 | Spacecraft Ejection Seat (from Space Tug by Murray Leinster) An ejection seat for spacecraft, to be used in the event of problems during launch. |
1953 | Stardrive (from Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke) Propulsion method that quickly brings a ship's speed to nearly that of light. |
1953 | Transcriber (from Second Foundation by Isaac Asimov) A automated transcriptionist - a machine which perfectly translates human speech into words on paper. |
1953 | Farming Trantor (from Second Foundation by Isaac Asimov) Taking apart a vast city, and returning to farming the land. |
1953 | Torchship (from Sky Lift by Robert Heinlein) A spaceship capable of high acceleration. |
1953 | Garbage Screen (from Space Tug by Murray Leinster) Use of bits of metal to confuse radar targeting of space stations. |
1953 | Prime Radiant (from Second Foundation by Isaac Asimov) A projector that puts all of a vast collection of writings on the wall of a special conference room. You could interact with it by writing on the wall; changes were stored. |
1953 | Space Flight Simulator (from Space Tug by Murray Leinster) Very early description of a way to practice flying in space while still on Earth. |
1953 | Pushpot (from Space Tug by Murray Leinster) An independent rocket motor that can attach itself to an object bound for space. |
1953 | Robotic Conductor (from Paycheck by Philip K. Dick) A robot charged with conductor's duties aboard a bus or other public transportation. |
1953 | Pocket Phone (or pocketphone) (from Assignment in Eternity by Robert Heinlein) A telephone that is not hard wired to the network; a mobile or cell phone. |
1953 | Zero-G Cups (from Space Tug by Murray Leinster) Cups that were specially designed to be usable under zero gravity conditions. |
1953 | Claws (Attack Robot) (from Second Variety by Philip K. Dick) Autonomous guard robots that attack living tissue. |
1953 | Short-Wave Surgical Knife (from Boomerang (A Great Deal of Power) by Eric Frank Russell) A means of performing an internal cut without breaking the skin. |
1953 | Sound Analysis (from Assignment in Eternity by Robert Heinlein) Improving language teaching by showing the waveform of a spoken word or phrase, and comparing it to standard speech. |
1953 | Speedtalk (from Assignment in Eternity by Robert Heinlein) A constructed language that uses a single sound to stand for a word, achieving great improvements in communication speed. |
1953 | The Shed (from Space Tug by Murray Leinster) Enormous building needed to assemble giant space craft or space stations. |
1953 | Automatic Ticket Machine (from Second Foundation by Isaac Asimov) Get your ticket to Trantor automatically. |
1953 | Inflatable Air Lock (from Space Tug by Murray Leinster) Air lock making use of inflatable side walls to achieve large size. |
1953 | Dirtside (from Starman Jones by Robert Heinlein) The surface of a planet. |
1953 | Magnetic-Soled Shoes (from Space Tug by Murray Leinster) A means of walking on a surface in zero gravity. |
1953 | Plasta-Skin (from Star Rangers (The Last Planet) by Andre Norton) Artificial Skin |
1953 | Space Weakness (from Space Tug by Murray Leinster) Early description of what happens to the human body in zero gravity. |
1953 | Rolov (from Roll Out the Rolov! by Christopher Anvil) A specialized robot for the bedroom. |
1953 | Robot Door (from Colony by Philip K. Dick) Automated door has some decision-making capabilities, in addition to speech recognition capabilities. |
1953 | Morality Rating-Computer (from Assignment to Aldebaran by Kendall Foster Crossen) A computer system able to determine moral deviancy. |
1953 | Voice-Activated Door (from Assignment to Aldebaran by Kendall Foster Crossen) A door that opens upon verbal command. |
1953 | Planet Buster (from Assignment to Aldebaran by Kendall Foster Crossen) A bomb so powerful it could destroy a planet. |
1953 | Vistascreen (from Assignment to Aldebaran by Kendall Foster Crossen) Large screen entertainment. |
1953 | Robot Pianist (from Virtuoso by Herbert Goldstone) A robot learns the fine art of playing classical music on the piano. |
1953 | Sliver Gun (from The Unreliable Perfumist by Margaret St. Clair) A firearm that shoots fine darts. |
1953 | Planetary Globe (from Star of Wonder by Julian May) A craftsman's model of a planet. |
1953 | Green Bullet (from Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury) A very compact (for 1950) radio transceiver, worn in the ear like a hearing aid. |
1953 | Robot Psyche Tester (from Colony by Philip K. Dick) An automated psychiatric evaluation device. |
1953 | Homeostatic Newspaper (from If There Were No Benny Cemoli by Philip K. Dick) An autonomous news-gathering and publishing entity; abbreviated as homeopape. |
1953 | Gravity-Simulator Harness (from Space Tug by Murray Leinster) Device that simulates gravity's effect on muscles to keep in shape while in space. |
1953 | Control Screen (from Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke) An alien display device. |
1953 | Space Phobia (from Let 'em Breathe Space! by Lester del Rey) When astronauts have had enough. |
1953 | Pinlight (from The Game of Rat and Dragon by Cordwainer Smith) Thimble-sized photonuclear bomb. |
1953 | Space Wagon (from Space Tug by Murray Leinster) A space vehicle without a cabin, used for short-range towing. |
1953 | Eetee (E.T. - extraterrestrial) (from Button, Button by Thomas Wilson) A sentient being not of this Earth. |
1953 | Robant (from The Impossible Planet by Philip K. Dick) A robotic servant. |
1953 | Planoforming (from The Game of Rat and Dragon by Cordwainer Smith) A form of "faster than light" travel allows for interstellar travel. |
1953 | Preserving Machine (from The Preserving Machine by Philip K. Dick) A device that would create a unique animal from a piece of classical music. |
1953 | Ring Road (from Starman Jones by Robert Heinlein) A magnetically levitated train. |
1953 | Machine Evolution (from Second Variety by Philip K. Dick) An early look at the idea that machines can evolve all by themselves, physically and intellectually. |
1954 | Spacelanes Traffic Jam (from Sales Pitch by Philip K. Dick) Fanciful description of commuters in space. |
1954 | Mechanical Bride (from The Mechanical Bride by Fritz Leiber) A perfect robotic replica of a woman. |
1954 | Time Quake (from Breakfast at Twilight by Philip K. Dick) Too much energy applied to a time-fault may have started this. |
1954 | Jiffi-scuttler (from Prominent Author by Philip K. Dick) A device providing near instantaneous travel between two points. |
1954 | Snake Boring Truck (from Breakfast at Twilight by Philip K. Dick) A long thin truck like a snake, with a boring tip. |
1954 | Radiant (from The Houses of Iszm by Jack Vance) A chip that is injected into the shoulder, providing positioning and information about the subject. |
1954 | Dermal-Mist Spray (from Prominent Author by Philip K. Dick) Very refreshing for suburbanites. |
1954 | Rom (Robot Operated Missiles) (from Breakfast at Twilight by Philip K. Dick) Intercontinental robotic weapons. |
1954 | Temporal Paradox (from The Toy by Brian Berry) The paradoxical idea that making changes in the past results in changes in the present. |
1954 | Pod-Chair (from The Houses of Iszm by Jack Vance) A living chair, grown by the Iszc to perform its function. |
1954 | Click-Band (from The Meddler by Philip K. Dick) Worn on the wrist, it helps you locate your transport. |
1954 | Law Clerk Robot (from The Midas Plague by Frederik Pohl) A robotic lawyer. |
1954 | TBR (Talk Between Robots) Circuit (from The Midas Plague by Frederik Pohl) A special means of communications used by robots to speak with each other. |
1954 | Automatic Companion Robot (from The Midas Plague by Frederik Pohl) A robotic replacement for a pet or friend. |
1954 | Consumption Robots (from The Midas Plague by Frederik Pohl) Humanoid robots placed in the position of consuming material goods to relieve human beings of the burden. |
1954 | Nanomachine Swarm (Black Cloud) (from The Invincible by Stanislaw Lem) A cloud of tiny machines, able to work together autonomously. |
1954 | Solar-Powered Ball (from Dawn of the Demigods by Raymond Z. Gallun) An autonomous round toy that powers itself. |
1954 | Inorganic Evolution (from The Invincible by Stanislaw Lem) A process by which robots could alter their own structure, or the ways that they interact with other robots, to adapt to a changing world. |
1954 | Commute Ship (from Sales Pitch by Philip K. Dick) Spacecraft used for traversing daily grind between Earth and the planet you work on. |
1954 | Hopper (from Lucky Starr and the Oceans of Venus by Isaac Asimov) A vehicle with a single leg and rotors to enhance 'hang time.' |
1954 | Central Guide-Beam (from Shell Game by Philip K. Dick) A kind of signal that demonstrates the best possible path to a destination in space and even provides motive power. |
1954 | Suit-Shield Fabric (from The Golden Man by Philip K. Dick) A kind of mesh fabric that could absorb energy bolts. |
1954 | Lash-Tube (from The Golden Man by Philip K. Dick) Device emits an energy beam. |
1954 | Prethink (from The Golden Man by Philip K. Dick) The ability to predict the future in a routine perceptual manner. |
1954 | Hypno-Motor Control (from Sales Pitch by Philip K. Dick) A means of controlling the body remotely, cutting off the need for local control (ie, by your mind). |
1954 | Guide-Beam (from Time Pawn by Philip K. Dick) A wireless means of controlling and directing the movement of a passenger vehicle. |
1954 | Metal Insects (from The Invincible by Stanislaw Lem) Small autonomous flying winged robots. |
1954 | Spaceward Lunar Hemisphere (from Dawn of the Demigods by Raymond Z. Gallun) Another name for the lunar far side. |
1954 | Tri-Type Record (from The Houses of Iszm by Jack Vance) A printed card that stores information about a person, including a perfect three-dimensional representation. |
1954 | Sentry Trees (from The Houses of Iszm by Jack Vance) A set of trees that will allow only those with the safe signal to pass. |
1954 | Radiant Shield (from The Houses of Iszm by Jack Vance) A device that would effectively prevent an implanted radiant from being detected or read. |
1954 | Compassion Circuit (from Compassion Circuit by John Wyndham) A special robotic component that allows the robot to weigh harm and benefit in carrying out commands. |
1954 | Feeler-Planes (from The Houses of Iszm by Jack Vance) Special sensors that make extremely detailed three-dimensional models. |
1954 | Airmakers (from The Big Rain by Poul Anderson) Machine to create breathable air from the constituent materials on an alien planet. |
1954 | Space Capsule (from Space Capsule by E.R. James) A minimal space craft. |
1954 | Plastirobe (from Sales Pitch by Philip K. Dick) A dress that varies in opacity by distance. |
1954 | Maid-Robot (from The Midas Plague by Frederik Pohl) A mechanical automaton does the work of a lady's maid. |
1954 | Visual Ad (from Sales Pitch by Philip K. Dick) An advertisement that forces its way directly into the brain of the viewer. |
1954 | Protoplast (from Dawn of the Demigods by Raymond Z. Gallun) Artificial life, tougher than protoplasm. |
1954 | Micro-Android (Micro-Robot) (from Dawn of the Demigods by Raymond Z. Gallun) An extremely tiny robot or nanobot. |
1954 | Mnemonic Service (from Sucker Bait by Isaac Asimov) Dedicated humans who collected bits of data in hopes of catching key correlations between fields of study. |
1954 | Self-Selling Robot (from Sales Pitch by Philip K. Dick) A robot that sells itself. |
1954 | Sales Robot (Robot Salesman) (from Sales Pitch by Philip K. Dick) Fully automated robots giving untiring, incessant sales pitches to customers. |
1954 | Retinal Vid-Screen (from Sales Pitch by Philip K. Dick) A tiny display surgically implanted directly in the retina of the eye. |
1954 | Escape Pod (from The Vanisher by Michael Shaara) A small automated ship attached to a larger ship or station, used in the event of an emergency. |
1954 | Control Helmet (from Dawn of the Demigods by Raymond Z. Gallun) Direct control of a robot from the brain. |
1954 | Human Quarter (from James P. Crow by Philip K. Dick) A ghetto for human beings; in this case, in a world of robots. |
1954 | Mother-Scanner (from The Turning Wheel by Philip K. Dick) A device that can see your future through your next birth. |
1954 | Voicewriter Screen (Computer Monitor) (from Granny Won't Knit by Theodore Sturgeon) A screen that displays characters. |
1954 | Gravity neutralizing paint (from Last of the Masters by Philip K. Dick) Paint or coating that neutralized the effects of gravity on whatever it was painted on. |
1954 | Robot Cab Driver (from A Present for Pat by Philip K. Dick) You think you have problems? Robots have the worst problems of anyone. |
1954 | Roboscribe (from End as a Robot by Richard Marsten) A robotic writer of hard-bitten detective yarns. |
1954 | Synapsis-Coils (from Last of the Masters by Philip K. Dick) Human-like storage for computers. |
1954 | Sceneshifter (from Last of the Masters by Philip K. Dick) An automated display device that produced random pictorial presentations. |
1954 | Robot Guard (from The Turning Wheel by Philip K. Dick) Very early reference to a guard robot. |
1954 | Thought Pattern Divination (from The Houses of Iszm by Jack Vance) Attempting to construct the thoughts of a person by imitating their actions. |
1954 | Robot Farmer (from The Turning Wheel by Philip K. Dick) A humanoid robot used for agriculture. |
1954 | Mechanical Tune-Maker (from Last of the Masters by Philip K. Dick) An electromechanical device that created unique music. |
1954 | Trace Web (from Souvenir by Philip K. Dick) A small, handheld device that contacts (and even instantiates) the larger network. |
1954 | The Dip (from The Meddler by Philip K. Dick) A device that randomly dredges up things from the past... or the future. |
1954 | Histo-Research (from The Meddler by Philip K. Dick) Historical research using a time machine. |
1954 | Relay (from Souvenir by Philip K. Dick) A central information system used to coordinate all of human culture and technology. |
1954 | Web (Data Network) (from Souvenir by Philip K. Dick) An information network. |
1954 | Anti-Gerasone (from Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.) Cheap immortality comes to your neighborhood convenience store. |
1954 | Mecho-Clothing (from Last of the Masters by Philip K. Dick) Apparel created entirely by machines. |
1954 | Universal Dictionary (from The Star Beast by Robert Heinlein) A machine that provided references to anything known. |
1954 | One-Man Car (from The Houses of Iszm by Jack Vance) A small transport vehicle. |
1954 | Public Vehicle Tube (from The Houses of Iszm by Jack Vance) Underground transportation tubes. |
1954 | One-Way Passage (from The Houses of Iszm by Jack Vance) A different way to assure permanent egress. |
1954 | Reading Plate (from The Star Beast by Robert Heinlein) A flat screen that provided computer output for viewing. |
1954 | Cephaloscope (from The Houses of Iszm by Jack Vance) A device used to detect lying. |
1954 | Polarized Window (from The Houses of Iszm by Jack Vance) Rather than curtains, use the window to control the light. |
1954 | Finger Jet Bath (from The Houses of Iszm by Jack Vance) The ultimate in luxury tubs. |
1954 | Tanglefoot Field (from The Star Beast by Robert Heinlein) A force field that would not harm but merely entangle and stop anyone (or anything) caught in it. |
1954 | House Trees (from The Houses of Iszm by Jack Vance) Living trees grown as houses; large hollow pods serve as living spaces. |
1954 | Copter Harness (from The Star Beast by Robert Heinlein) A single person flying machine. |
1954 | Truth Meter (from The Star Beast by Robert Heinlein) A lie detector. |
1954 | Shatter-Gun (from The Houses of Iszm by Jack Vance) A hand-held device that literally scrambles the brains of the victim. |
1954 | Boat-Tree (from The Houses of Iszm by Jack Vance) A tree, the pods of which can be grown as boats. |
1955 | Trion Library (from The Magellanic Cloud by Stanislaw Lem) An early visualization of the Internet. |
1955 | Neck-Phone (from The Chromium Fence by Philip K. Dick) An implanted telecommunications device. |
1955 | Scout-Base (from Diabologic by Eric Frank Russell) Artificial sphere functions as a frontier outpost. |
1955 | Automatic Factory (from Autofac by Philip K. Dick) Manufacturing facility that functions entirely autonomously. |
1955 | Heat-Suit (from Sand Doom by Murray Leinster) Perfect for those incredibly hot planets with breathable atmospheres. |
1955 | Visual Report Screen (from Nanny by Philip K. Dick) A device that allows a robot nanny to let the owners view what the robot sees from a remote location. |
1955 | Search-Bug (from Autofac by Philip K. Dick) An exploratory robot. |
1955 | Schrieber Analyzer (from Diabologic by Eric Frank Russell) Superior automatic air testing - for the discriminating space traveler. |
1955 | Swibble (from Service Call by Philip K. Dick) An artificially evolved telepathic metazoan-based mind control device. |
1955 | Chest-Lens (from War Veteran by Philip K. Dick) Part of an automatic photograph-and-send system. |
1955 | Robot Surgeon-Hand (from War Veteran by Philip K. Dick) A skilled surgical robot that attaches at the end of the surgeon's arm. |
1955 | Robot Gardener (from War Veteran by Philip K. Dick) An autonomous gardening robot, taking care of plants in parks or fields. |
1955 | Simulacrum Window (from Tunnel in the Sky by Robert Heinlein) A 'window' that provides a realistic outdoor view in an interior room. |
1955 | Machines Colonize Universe (from Autofac by Philip K. Dick) A brief description of a how automated machines might spread. |
1955 | Lunar Monorail (from Earthlight by Arthur C. Clarke) A monorail constructed above the surface of the Moon. |
1955 | Anti-Burglar Installations (from The Angry House by Richard R. Smith) Every electronic house should have automated defenses. |
1955 | Autofac (Nanorobots) (from Autofac by Philip K. Dick) Very small robots working on self-replication |
1955 | Water Brain Fountain (from War Veteran by Philip K. Dick) A drinking fountain that locates your mouth, rather than you having to lean down to the spout. |
1955 | Mechavalet (from The Angry House by Richard R. Smith) An entirely automated dressing assistant. |
1955 | Stiletto Beam (from Earthlight by Arthur C. Clarke) A beam of molten metal, projected electromagnetically. |
1955 | Landing-Grid (from Sand Doom by Murray Leinster) A constructed landing area on a planetary surface for space craft. |
1955 | Production Prescription (from The Magellanic Cloud by Stanislaw Lem) A file that can be used to reproduce an object. |
1955 | Pocket Receiver (from The Magellanic Cloud by Stanislaw Lem) An early visualization of the smartphone. |
1955 | Finely Divided Dust Propellant (from Earthlight by Arthur C. Clarke) Reaction mass to drive spacecraft. |
1955 | Space Craft Rope Ladder (from Diabologic by Eric Frank Russell) Equipment used for debarking from a space craft. |
1955 | Diabological Armory (from Diabologic by Eric Frank Russell) A set of verbal tools based on a higher form of reasoning. |
1955 | Monocab (from Earthlight by Arthur C. Clarke) A single compartment monorail car. |
1955 | Ramsbotham Gate (from Tunnel in the Sky by Robert Heinlein) A means of getting from point A to point B without traversing the space in-between. |
1955 | Electronic Analogue of Living Brain (from The Tunnel Under The World by Frederik Pohl) Imposing the abilities of a human brain into a computer |
1955 | Bore-Pellets (from Foster, You're Dead by Philip K. Dick) Anti-underground bomb shelter ordinance. |
1955 | Nanny Robot (from Nanny by Philip K. Dick) A child-care robot with a surprisingly competitive side. |
1955 | Hand Wave Control (from Solar Lottery by Philip K. Dick) Control an electronic or other device with gestures. |
1955 | Protine (from Solar Lottery by Philip K. Dick) A mutant algae that can be engineered to look and taste similar to normal food. |
1955 | Synthimeat (Crop Protein) (from Lazarus by Margaret St. Clair) A more general name for synthetic meat |
1955 | Robot Taxi (from Solar Lottery by Philip K. Dick) A taxicab with a robotic driver. |
1955 | Robot Factory Representative (from Autofac by Philip K. Dick) An ambulatory agent of an automatic factory. |
1955 | Light-Absorbing Paint (from Earthlight by Arthur C. Clarke) Space stealth! |
1955 | Automatized Factory (from The Tunnel Under The World by Frederik Pohl) A factory consisting of machines with imposed human abilities. |
1955 | Human Habit Pattern Machines (from The Tunnel Under The World by Frederik Pohl) Imposing human habits onto machines. |
1955 | Probe Screen Hood (from The Hood Maker ('Immunity') by Philip K. Dick) A device that blocks attempts to see into the contents of the brain mind. |
1955 | Guard Robot (from The Hood Maker ('Immunity') by Philip K. Dick) Early reference to a robot performing the functions of a security guard. |
1955 | Commute Disk (from The Chromium Fence by Philip K. Dick) Flying autonomous commuter vehicle. |
1955 | Generation Ship (from Star Ship by E.C. Tubb) A spacecraft that carries a complete social group over many years. |
1955 | Autonomous Truck (from Autofac by Philip K. Dick) A truck that drives itself and unloads itself. |
1955 | Magnetic Grapple-Beams (from Solar Lottery by Philip K. Dick) Short range magnetic field to guide flying cars and park them properly. |
1955 | Grill-Screen Adaptor (from Foster, You're Dead by Philip K. Dick) Approved General Electronics Corporation solution for bomb shelters, in response to Soviet bore-pellets. |
1955 | Cold-Beam (from War Veteran by Philip K. Dick) Puts a cloud of extreme cold around the target. |
1955 | Multivac (from Franchise by Isaac Asimov) A computer with millions of facts. |
1955 | Central City (Lunar Habitat) (from Earthlight by Arthur C. Clarke) An early example of a non-military lunar habitat. |
1955 | Slide Rule w/Radio Attachment (from Mission to the Stars by A.E. van Vogt) Slide rule communicates results immediately with computer. |
1955 | Artibase (from War Veteran by Philip K. Dick) An artificial asteroid base between planets. |
1955 | Caterwheel (from Sand Doom by Murray Leinster) A uniquely styled ground vehicle with fat, splayed out tires. |
1955 | Artigraft (from Solar Lottery by Philip K. Dick) Artificial skin graft. |
1955 | Mechanical Newsmachine (from Foster, You're Dead by Philip K. Dick) An automated device that delivers on-the-spot news. |
1955 | Raw Material-Tropic (from Autofac by Philip K. Dick) Moves towards desirable raw materials. |
1955 | Automatic Ore Cart (from Autofac by Philip K. Dick) An autonomous truck for raw ore processing. |
1955 | Agile Recording Robot (from Solar Lottery by Philip K. Dick) A recording machine that moves toward its subject. |
1955 | Juiciveal (from Lazarus by Margaret St. Clair) Artificially grown veal. |
1955 | Pizzled (Semantic Garble) (from Autofac by Philip K. Dick) Use of nonsensical statements to deliberately confuse an artificial intelligence. |
1955 | Inflatable Lunar Resort (from Solar Lottery by Philip K. Dick) An inflatable structure on the moon, intended to provide rest and relaxation to lunar residents. |
1955 | Dashboard TV (from The Chromium Fence by Philip K. Dick) A television placed in the dashboard of your car or similar vehicle. |
1955 | Unit Analyst Robot (from The Chromium Fence by Philip K. Dick) A robotic psychoanalyst. |
1955 | Synthetic Milk (from Autofac by Philip K. Dick) Milk made without cows. |
1955 | Network Repair Team (from Autofac by Philip K. Dick) Dispatched to collect remains of destroyed machines. |
1956 | Planet Rules (from Drop Dead by Clifford Simak) Regulations governing the behavior of the away team on a new planet. |
1956 | Mechanotherapy (from Bad Medicine by Robert Sheckley) A mechanism or device-based therapy that cures (or palliates) alcoholism. |
1956 | Hired Girl Robot (from The Door Into Summer by Robert Heinlein) The amazing floor-cleaning robot! |
1956 | Central Computer (from The City and the Stars by Arthur C. Clarke) A computer capable of running an entire city. |
1956 | Refurbished Nervous System (from The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester) Your nerves are rewired for 5-10 times the speed of a normal person. |
1956 | Bendix Anxiety Reducer (from Bad Medicine by Robert Sheckley) Machine-based psychotherapy. |
1956 | Internal Body Power Pack (from The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester) A tiny battery used to power implants. |
1956 | Space-Beacon (from Exploration Team by Murray Leinster) Device used to guide a space craft into finding an inhabited planet or colony on a planet. |
1956 | Tune-Maker (from The World Jones Made by Philip K. Dick) Automated music production. |
1956 | Robot Interception Aerial Mines (from The World Jones Made by Philip K. Dick) Loitering explosives overhead. |
1956 | Post-Crime (from The Minority Report by Philip K. Dick) Criminal activities after they have actually happened. |
1956 | Maximum-security Booth (from Double Star by Robert Heinlein) A special phone booth for receiving high-security, scrambled telephone calls, calls which included 3D visuals. |
1956 | Fottengill Process (from Gypped by Lloyd Biggle, Jr.) An early mention of the idea that energy can be derived from random noise. |
1956 | Jaunte Stage (from The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester) A cleared space that existed to serve the needs of people who would jaunte (teleport) into that space. |
1956 | Sargasso Asteroid (from The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester) A planetoid built from natural rock and the salvaged wreckage of space craft. |
1956 | Disposal-Safe (from Exploration Team by Murray Leinster) Device to store and, if necessary, destroy documents. |
1956 | Precog (from The Minority Report by Philip K. Dick) A person with precognitive ability (can predict the future). |
1956 | Space-Boat (Rocket Boat) (from Exploration Team by Murray Leinster) Small craft designed for descent and then take-off from a planetary surface. |
1956 | Slug (from Dragon in the Sea by Frank Herbert) An underwater "barge", consisting of a giant tube for transporting oil. |
1956 | Dental Switchboard (from The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester) A control device tied in with teeth and nerve endings. |
1956 | Invulnerable Wall (from Jackpot by Clifford Simak) A material created by insects that grew stronger as it was compressed. |
1956 | Undercover Detective Robot (from The Velvet Glove by Harry Harrison) Specialized robot masquerades as different robot types to spy on criminals. |
1956 | Radioactive Coding for Checks (from The Door Into Summer by Robert Heinlein) Special coding system to easily recognize checks. |
1956 | Living Advertising Character (from The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester) Modifying an ordinary person to create a living likeness of a company's brand symbol or character. |
1956 | Blue Collar Robot (Self-Repairing) (from The Velvet Glove by Harry Harrison) An autonomous robot required to find its own work. |
1956 | Planet-Busting Bomb (from Testing by J.J. Ferrat) A munition with sufficient power to destroy an entire planet. |
1956 | Solido (from Chance of a Lifetime by Milton Lesser) Abbr. for solidograph; a device that produced a solid three dimensional image. |
1956 | Mutated Kodiak Bears (from Exploration Team by Murray Leinster) Animals modified for increased intelligence for defense and companionship. |
1956 | Alcoholic Reliever (from Bad Medicine by Robert Sheckley) Mechanized relief from alcoholism. |
1956 | Anti-Heptant (from To Live Forever by Jack Vance) A compound that erases specific areas of the brain. |
1956 | Matter Organizer (from The City and the Stars by Arthur C. Clarke) A device that could cause a computer-generated image to be constructed as a real object. |
1956 | Whisper Line (from The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester) A means of communication between prisoners held in wide separation. |
1956 | Robot Row - Robots For Consumers (from The Instigators by Raymond E. Banks) The adoption curve for personal robots will accelerate like the curve for automobiles. |
1956 | Window-Willie (from The Door Into Summer by Robert Heinlein) A robot that cleaned windows by electrostatic repulsion of dust and grime. |
1956 | Flexible Frank (from The Door Into Summer by Robert Heinlein) An all-purpose household robot. |
1956 | Robotic Hand (from The Door Into Summer by Robert Heinlein) A dexterous manipulator for robots. |
1956 | Regen-Buds (from The Velvet Glove by Harry Harrison) Small collection of cells that can regrow into human limbs. |
1956 | Juvenile (from The Man Who Japed by Philip K. Dick) A robot designed to sneak around and spy on people. |
1956 | Bounce Tube (from Double Star by Robert Heinlein) A people-sized pneumatic tube system used for short, quick trips in the vertical dimension. |
1956 | Hush Corner (from Double Star by Robert Heinlein) A space made private by canceling sound waves in that area. |
1956 | Vacutubes (from Double Star by Robert Heinlein) A system of public transportation that used partially evacuated tubes and capsules big enough for passengers. |
1956 | Hypersee (from The Best of Fences by Gordon Randall Garrett) Faster than light. |
1956 | Hand Computer (from The Dead Past by Isaac Asimov) A small pocket-sized computing device. |
1956 | Precrime (from The Minority Report by Philip K. Dick) A system by which criminal acts are known before they occur. |
1956 | Robot Bartender (from The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester) An automated, mechanical bar tending robot. |
1956 | Rex Regenerator (Mechanotherapist) (from Bad Medicine by Robert Sheckley) Mechanotherapy device cures homicidal urges. |
1956 | Stasis (Cold Sleep, Hibernation) (from The Door Into Summer by Robert Heinlein) Hibernation for human beings, lasting for many years. |
1956 | Home Therapy Appliances, Inc. (from Bad Medicine by Robert Sheckley) A store at which a variety of therapy devices are made available |
1956 | Biltong Life Form (from Pay for the Printer by Philip K. Dick) Remarkable organic manufacturing aliens, probably indigenous to the Centaurus system. |
1956 | Teakettle (from Double Star by Robert Heinlein) A standard rocket (uses hydrogen as a booster to leave the atmosphere). |
1956 | Vehicle Sleep Sensor (from The Velvet Glove by Harry Harrison) Better stay awake, the machines know if you're sleeping. |
1956 | Cider Press (from Double Star by Robert Heinlein) Device used to make acceleration above 1 gravity more tolerable for groundhogs. |
1956 | Thorsen Memory Tube (from The Door Into Summer by Robert Heinlein) Computer component that allows a machine to learn through experience. |
1956 | Retinal Light (from The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester) An internal flashlight. |
1956 | Precrime Analytical Wing (from The Minority Report by Philip K. Dick) Contains the precognitives and the machinery need to hear and analyze their predictions of future crimes. |
1956 | Virtual Immortality (from The City and the Stars by Arthur C. Clarke) A method for storing the mind and memories of a person, and recalling and reconstituting them at will. |
1956 | Robots Learn With Cameras (from The Instigators by Raymond E. Banks) Robots learn new actions by recording them with a camera, doing away with expensive programming. |
1956 | PyrE (from The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester) A thermonuclear explosive that is detonated by thought alone. |
1956 | Universal Checkbook (from The Door Into Summer by Robert Heinlein) Fully electronic banking system, which allows easy withdrawal of funds from any bank. |
1956 | Bard (from Someday by Isaac Asimov) A machine that invents randomized stories and can read them out loud or animate them for viewing. |
1956 | Empath (from Empath by J.T. McIntosh) A being capable of telepathic empathy with others. |
1956 | Underwater Robot (from The Velvet Glove by Harry Harrison) An autonomous mechanical for use underwater. |
1956 | Diaspar Memory (from The City and the Stars by Arthur C. Clarke) The city's memory could store works of art, and reproduce them upon request. |
1956 | Mechanical Jokester (from Jokester by Isaac Asimov) A vast computer system learns about humor. |
1956 | Lethe-Mirror (from The World Jones Made by Philip K. Dick) Induces sleepy mindedness. |
1956 | Robot Fish (Metal Fish) (from Atom Drive by Charles Fontenay) Fake flounders for sport fishermen on Martian canals. |
1956 | Eager Beaver (from The Door Into Summer by Robert Heinlein) Your friendly robot helper. |
1956 | Trolling Tether Cable (from Atom Drive by Charles Fontenay) Simple fishing technique applied to moving cargo off-planet. |
1956 | Puddinged (from Pay for the Printer by Philip K. Dick) A poorly formed 3D printed copy, with an interior that was a mass of malformed material. |
1956 | Saga (from The City and the Stars by Arthur C. Clarke) You become a part of the great adventures of history. |
1956 | Drafting Dan (from The Door Into Summer by Robert Heinlein) The first computer software drafting program (Computer Aided Design - CAD). |
1956 | Analogue (from The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester) A combination of a drug and a particular mental state allow a person to devolve to an animal level of their choice. |
1956 | Sympathetic Block (from The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester) A way to keep certain mental contents from being spoken or revealed. |
1956 | Floating Lunar Dust (from Dust Rag by Hal Clement) Electrostatically charged particles that float above the surface of the Moon. |
1956 | Landing Pit (Drydock and Construction) (from The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester) A cylindrical hole with anti-gravity screens for use in spacecraft landings and repair. |
1956 | Electrotruck (from The Corkscrew of Space by Poul Anderson) An autonomous, electric truck. |
1956 | Bug (from Brightside Crossing by Alan E. Nourse) A compact vehicle for planetary surfaces - like Mercury. |
1956 | Eagle With Camera (from Exploration Team by Murray Leinster) A live bald eagle equipped with a transmitting camera. |
1956 | Chronoscopy (from The Dead Past by Isaac Asimov) Using a device to view different points in time. |
1956 | Fusion Power (from The Judas Valley by Gerald Vance) Creating energy from nuclear fusion reactions. |
1957 | Storer-Gulls Wings (from The Menace From Earth by Robert Heinlein) Recreational aid for lunar colonists; lightweight wings for cave flying. |
1957 | Fenton Silencer (from Tales from the White Hart by Arthur C. Clarke) A device to cancel noise over a broad area. |
1957 | Accelerated Schooling Helmet (from Cities in Flight by James Blish) A device that stimulates the brain and imparts knowledge directly. |
1957 | Battle Tank Display (from Cities in Flight by James Blish) Three-dimensional display showing tactical information for space battles. |
1957 | Spindizzy (from Cities in Flight by James Blish) A device that made use of a relationship between electron spin, electromagnetism and gravity allowed any object to leave the Earth's surface. |
1957 | Crop Algae (from Cities in Flight by James Blish) Growing algae in tanks as a source of basic food stock. |
1957 | Dropshaft (from Deeper Than the Darkness by Harlan Ellison) An elevator shaft with no elevator - the "lift" is from gravity or suppressed inertia. |
1957 | Machine Surveillance (from Cities in Flight by James Blish) The use of artificially intelligent computer systems to learn by monitoring all human interaction within a city. |
1957 | Brood Assembly (from Cities in Flight by James Blish) Artificially intelligent computers that can replicate themselves. |
1957 | Peeper (from Shadow World by Clifford Simak) A device that unlocked the dreams and fantasies inherent in the user's brain. |
1957 | Automated Factories (from The Peacemongers by Poul Anderson) Manufacturing facilities that do not require human workers. |
1957 | Roller (from Shadow World by Clifford Simak) Two passenger vehicle designed for off-road use on alien planets. |
1957 | Machine Psychologist (from Cities in Flight by James Blish) A computer that understands and uses its knowledge of human psychology to benefit human users. |
1957 | Bats' Cave (from The Menace From Earth by Robert Heinlein) A natural cavern used by moon colonists for air storage - and entertainment. |
1957 | Project X (from Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand) A device that produces sound rays that are intolerable to living things. |
1957 | Magnetic Control of Nebulae (from The Black Cloud by Fred Hoyle) Controlling the structure and shape of nebulae using magnetic fields. |
1957 | Anti-agathic drugs (from Cities in Flight by James Blish) Drugs that indefinitely postpone death from old age. |
1957 | City Fathers (from Cities in Flight by James Blish) A set of computer systems which run every mechanical system in a city. |
1957 | Prosthetic Robotic Arm (Thought-Attuned) (from Bleekman's Planet by Ivar Jorgensen) A detachable robotic arm, controlled directly through neural linkage. |
1957 | Tin Cabby (Flying Robotic Taxi) (from Cities in Flight by James Blish) An autonomously controlled flying taxi cab. |
1957 | Remote Control Taxicab (from The Unreconstructed M by Philip K. Dick) A cab that is piloted by a remote operator. |
1957 | Mechanical Cleaning Device (from The Unreconstructed M by Philip K. Dick) A small, ground-based autonomous robot doing basic janitorial work. |
1957 | Robot Situation Neurosis (from The Unreconstructed M by Philip K. Dick) Robots go mad when given competing instructions. |
1957 | Police Detection Robot (from The Unreconstructed M by Philip K. Dick) An automated evidence-gathering robot. |
1957 | Galactovue (from Citizen of the Galaxy by Robert Heinlein) Star display. |
1957 | Gravity-Polarized Explosive (TDX) (from Cities in Flight by James Blish) A chemical explosive that acts at an angle to the local gravitational field. |
1957 | Oxygen Pill (from Get Out Of Our Skies! by E.K. Jarvis) Meets your need for oxygen without additional breathing. |
1957 | Dirac Transmitter (also Tranceiver or Communicator) (from Cities in Flight by James Blish) A device that provides instantaneous communication anywhere in the galaxy. |
1957 | Robot-Referee (from Jingle in the Jungle by Aldo Giunta) An autonomous robot judge at athletic events. |
1957 | The Machine (M) (from The Unreconstructed M by Philip K. Dick) An autonomous robot able to alter its appearance and functionality at will. |
1957 | Teleoperated Beetle Car (from Cities in Flight by James Blish) A remotely-operated robotic vehicle that permitted telepresence. |
1957 | Jumpship (from The Lady Was A Tramp by Rose Sharon) A spaceship capable of making interstellar jumps, that is, it could move over vast distances instantaneously. |
1957 | Inter-Universal Messenger (from Cities in Flight by James Blish) A device intended to travel to another dimension. |
1957 | Lunar Advertisement (from Watch This Space by Arthur C. Clarke) An 'ad' on the lunar surface that can be seen by its audience on Earth. |
1957 | Spacefaring (from Citizen of the Galaxy by Robert Heinlein) A nation or people who explore and trade in space. |
1957 | Glass Bees (from The Glass Bees by Ernst Junger) Walnut-sized flying automata. |
1957 | Jump-Along (from The Lady Was A Tramp by Rose Sharon) Computer used for calculating jumps between stars. |
1957 | Stellar Analog Computers (from The Lady Was A Tramp by Rose Sharon) Special systems used to calculate safe "jumps" for interstellar trips. |
1957 | Eavesdropper (from Cities in Flight by James Blish) Device to detect the presence of recording devices. |
1957 | Fight Machine (Boxing Robot) (from Jingle in the Jungle by Aldo Giunta) An autonomous boxer. |
1957 | Phymech (from Wanted in Surgery by Harlan Ellison) A robotic physician. |
1957 | Bethé blasters (from Cities in Flight by James Blish) Powerful enough to destroy a flying city. |
1957 | Planetary Computer Network (from Dialogues by Stanislaw Lem) A global data net. |
1957 | Space Armor (from Cities in Flight by James Blish) Armored space suits for use in vacuum. |
1957 | Death-Rattle (from The Unreconstructed M by Philip K. Dick) A device that sends a signal upon brain death of the user. |
1957 | Molecular Sieve (from Tales from the White Hart by Arthur C. Clarke) A device that can extract any element from seawater. |
1957 | Accelerated Schooling (from Cities in Flight by James Blish) Knowledge force-fed directly into the brain. |
1957 | Toposcope (from Cities in Flight by James Blish) A special helmet used in a form of sleep teaching. |
1957 | Gravity Well (from Life Cycle by Poul Anderson) If you visualize spacetime as a flat, elastic plane, a planet will deform it, and it sits at the bottom of its own hole. |
1957 | Manshonyagger (from Mark Elf by Cordwainer Smith) An autonomous fighting robot. |
1957 | Launching Cradle (from Needler by Gordon Randall Garrett) A place for a spherical space craft to sit in gravity. |
1957 | Robocop (from Wanted in Surgery by Harlan Ellison) A robotic police officer. |
1957 | Jurymech (from Wanted in Surgery by Harlan Ellison) A robotic entity serving the function of a trial jury. |
1957 | Teleoperated Lab Robot (from Cities in Flight by James Blish) A robot is used to conduct experiments in an environment too extreme for humans. |
1957 | Proselytizing Robot (from Cities in Flight by James Blish) A robotic preacher; designed for use where believers are unwelcome. |
1957 | Neural Door Lock (from The Unreconstructed M by Philip K. Dick) A device that provides access based on neurological data. |
1958 | Farside (from We Have Fed Our Sea by Poul Anderson) The portion of the Moon's surface that faces away from Earth. |
1958 | Robot Brother (from Brother Robot by Henry Slesar) A roboticist brings home a robot brother for his natural son. |
1958 | Ethical Suicide Parlor (from Welcome to the Monkey House by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.) A comfy environment in which you might commit ethical suicide, and thereby serve society. |
1958 | Pressurized Penthouse (from Bread Overhead! by Fritz Leiber) A stratospheric perch - if buildings are tall enough, you'll need this. |
1958 | Venus Cities Float In Atmosphere (from Bread Overhead! by Fritz Leiber) Cloud cities on Venus. |
1958 | Espionage Machine (from No, No, Not Rogov! by Cordwainer Smith) A machine that makes it possible to experience the sensations of another person at a distance. |
1958 | Firebulance (from Vector by Margaret St. Clair) An ambulance equipped to sterilize by fire. |
1958 | Celestial Atlas (from No Planet Is Safe by Harlan Ellison) Planet-by-planet descriptions throughout known space. |
1958 | Walking Mill (from Bread Overhead! by Fritz Leiber) The ultimate combine - giant metal centipede walks through fields, harvesting wheat, threshing, grinding and finally baking bread right in the field. |
1958 | Pocket Computer (from The Feeling of Power by Isaac Asimov) A pocket-sized computer. |
1958 | Flexible Wall Sheet Display (from The Mechanical Monarch by E.C. Tubb) A large clear sheet that displays information. |
1958 | Self-Service Cafeteria (from The Mechanical Monarch by E.C. Tubb) Food on demand. |
1958 | Landing Legs (from No Planet Is Safe by Harlan Ellison) Projections from the base of a space craft that allow it to land upright in gravity. |
1958 | Palm Plate (from The Mechanical Monarch by E.C. Tubb) A device that scanned for a palm print prior to opening a door. |
1958 | Metamen (from The Mechanical Monarch by E.C. Tubb) A human brain placed in a purely mechanical, robotic body. |
1958 | Impactor Determines Composition (from The Mechanical Monarch by E.C. Tubb) The use of an impactor to smash into a small celestial body; watching the impact can determine the composition of the small body. |
1958 | Robot Conductor (from The Woman You Wanted by Robert Silverberg) A robot that serves as the conductor on a bus. |
1958 | Space Suit Helmet Rearview Mirror (from Have Space Suit - Will Travel by Robert Heinlein) Having a way to easily see behind you while wearing a spacesuit. |
1958 | Robot Snake (from Bait for the Tiger by Lee Chaytor) A mechanical reptile, with no legs. |
1958 | Chin Window (from Have Space Suit - Will Travel by Robert Heinlein) An aperture that allows an astronaut to see his own feet (greater field of view). |
1958 | Thought-Record Helmet (from Menace From Vega by Robert Randall) A wearable history book. |
1958 | Machine Suicide (from All the Troubles in the World by Isaac Asimov) A self-aware computer system wants to destroy itself. |
1958 | Cone of Silence (from Cease Fire by Frank Herbert) Distortion field that limits the carrying power of voice or other vibration; it accomplishes noise reduction with an image-vibration 180 degrees out of phase. |
1958 | Build A Planet With Asteroids (from And Then the Town Took Off by Richard Wilson) The idea that it is possible to gather up enough of the asteroids in the solar system to "build" a planet out of the scraps. |
1958 | Nose Gun (from Arm of the Law by Harry Harrison) Weapon system located up high. |
1958 | Life Detector Shield (from Cease Fire by Frank Herbert) An electronic field that is intended to shield living tissue from a Life Detector. |
1958 | Computers Improve Computers (from The Feeling of Power by Isaac Asimov) The idea that it will be possible for computers to design more advanced computers. |
1958 | Edge Controls (from The Feeling of Power by Isaac Asimov) A pocket-sized device using controls on the edge of the device, leaving the face for display purposes only. |
1958 | Police Robot (from Arm of the Law by Harry Harrison) A fully autonomous, man-shaped robotic police officer. |
1958 | Plastotek (from Menace From Vega by Robert Randall) False skin disguise. |
1958 | Hypo Arm (from Simulated Trainer by Harry Harrison) A robotic arm used to autonomously deliver pharmaceuticals to patients. |
1958 | Neutronic Shielding (from The Sign of the Tiger by Alan Nourse (w/Meyer)) Very high density monomolecular shielding |
1958 | Circuit Inhibiting Destructiveness (from To Please The Master by Margaret St. Clair) Ensuring that robots take on the responsibility of pleasing their masters, and obeying their orders. |
1958 | Skew-Flip Turnover (from Have Space Suit - Will Travel by Robert Heinlein) Used halfway to the destination by torch ships to slow for one's destination. |
1958 | Predictable Crime (from All the Troubles in the World by Isaac Asimov) A criminal act that computers were able to foresee in advance. |
1958 | Lunar Observatory (from We Have Fed Our Sea by Poul Anderson) Putting an observatory on the far side of the Moon could have advantages. |
1958 | Photosight (from The Sign of the Tiger by Alan Nourse (w/Meyer)) An automotive device that automatically follows a painted white line on the roadway, letting the car drive itself. |
1958 | Tik-Talker (from The Sign of the Tiger by Alan Nourse (w/Meyer)) A method of scrambling spoken speech for encoded transmission. |
1958 | Field-Minder (from But Who Can Replace A Man by Brian Aldiss) An agricultural robot. |
1958 | Chin Plates (from Have Space Suit - Will Travel by Robert Heinlein) A means of control within a space suit helmet; switching between options with the chin. |
1958 | The Hub (from Worlds of Origin by Jack Vance) A large space resort consisting of inhabitable bubbles in a metal framework. |
1958 | Magnetic Pinions (from Worlds of Origin by Jack Vance) Remote control electromagnetic handcuffs. |
1958 | Life Detector (from Cease Fire by Frank Herbert) A device that was capable of detecting living tissue within a set radius. |
1958 | Para-Beam (from The Mechanical Monarch by E.C. Tubb) A beam of energy that paralyzes the victim. |
1958 | Gyro Two-Wheeled Truck (from The Sign of the Tiger by Alan Nourse (w/Meyer)) A gyroscopically-stabilized truck with just two wheels. |
1958 | Asteroid-Metal (from The Mechanical Monarch by E.C. Tubb) Metal mined from asteroids. |
1959 | Flying Eye (from The Repairman by Harry Harrison) A remote-controlled device for surveillance overflight. |
1959 | Personality Death (from Robot Justice by Harry Harrison) Punishment leaves the body intact. |
1959 | Robot Spectra Analyzer (from The Repairman by Harry Harrison) Device used to find ones position in real space. |
1959 | Grass Carpet (from The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.) An indoor home or office floor covering - living grass. |
1959 | Magnetically Floating Furniture (from The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.) Furniture that is suspended at the proper height using magnetic forces. |
1959 | Metallic Marx (from The Robots Strike by Harry Harrison) A robot who strikes for better working conditions. |
1959 | Mark IV Door Keeping Robot (from The Man Who Could Not Stop by A. Bertram Chandler) A robotic device for responding (and scanning) people who come to your door. |
1959 | Toy Testing Dummy (from War Game by Philip K. Dick) A child-sized device used to test suspect toys. |
1959 | Human Object Recognition (from Robot Justice by Harry Harrison) System uses human beings as an aid to robotic object recognition. |
1959 | Talking Bomb (from Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein) A psychological warfare weapon that talks to the enemy. |
1959 | Memo-Voice (from War Game by Philip K. Dick) Paper memos that read themselves out loud. |
1959 | Powered Armor (or Powered Suit) (from Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein) An armored suit that magnifies the power of the soldier's muscles, along with other weapons. |
1959 | Clone (from The Clone by Theodore L Thomas) The aggregate of individual organisms descended by asexual reproduction from a single sexually produced individual. |
1959 | Robot Trash Collectors (from Robot Justice by Harry Harrison) Robots that drive and operate garbage trucks. |
1959 | Saddle (from The Big Front Yard by Clifford Simak) A comfortable riding saddle - minus the horse. |
1959 | Intelligent Trash Sorting (from Robot Justice by Harry Harrison) Robots sort the garbage - almost completely. |
1959 | Electromechanical Educator (from The Fourth R by George O. Smith) An automated teaching machine. |
1959 | Hands Free Helmet (from Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein) The helmet of a powered suit has controls activated by head movements. |
1959 | Hyperspace Beacon (from The Repairman by Harry Harrison) Located in real space, these devices provide reference points in hyperspace to make navigation possible. |
1959 | Robotic Trash Can (from Robot Justice by Harry Harrison) A sensor-equipped waste can capable of autonomous cleaning - and legal judgement. |
1959 | Robot Judge (from Robot Justice by Harry Harrison) Artificially intelligent legal machine - robes and all. |
1959 | Neodog (from Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein) Canine-derived animal, genetically engineered for increased intelligence and speech. |
1959 | Sentenced Man (from Robot Justice by Harry Harrison) A person who commits asocial actions and lives in society, but in reduced circumstances. |
1960 | Bacteria-Destroying Radiation (from Dr. Futurity by Philip K. Dick) A special beam that created a sterile field for operations. |
1960 | Vulcan 3 (from Vulcan's Hammer by Philip K. Dick) Artificially intelligent self-modifying supercomputer. |
1960 | Dermal Spray (from Dr. Futurity by Philip K. Dick) A color coating for the skin, applied as a jet of vapor. |
1960 | Cold-Pack (from Dr. Futurity by Philip K. Dick) Technology for indefinite cold storage of human beings. |
1960 | Interactive Blackboard (from Vulcan's Hammer by Philip K. Dick) Early description of an interactive display device for lectures and demonstrations. |
1960 | Transdermal Drug Capsule (from Vulcan's Hammer by Philip K. Dick) A drug capsule that delivers medication by being placed on the skin. |
1960 | Starlight Sail (Light Sail) (from The Lady Who Sailed The Soul by Cordwainer Smith) A light sail capable of sailing between solar systems. |
1960 | Robot Tracking Device (from Vulcan's Hammer by Philip K. Dick) Small UAV robot remotely operated by an artificially intelligent computer. |
1960 | Adiabatic Pods (from The Lady Who Sailed The Soul by Cordwainer Smith) Tiny space capsules large enough to hold one passenger. |
1960 | Chameleon Battle-Dress (from Dorsai! by Gordon R. Dickson) Camouflage that allows its wearer to visually blend into the environment. |
1960 | Learning Robot (from Callahan and the Wheelies by Stephen Barr) A robot that learns from its own experiences. |
1960 | Single Sheet Molecule (from Dorsai! by Gordon R. Dickson) A counterfeit-proof way to output unique documents. |
1960 | Pencil Beam (from Vulcan's Hammer by Philip K. Dick) A thin tube-like laser beam weapon. |
1960 | Infiltrators (from Vulcan's Hammer by Philip K. Dick) Surveillance devices, small and insectile. |
1960 | Fluid Metal Letters (from Vulcan's Hammer by Philip K. Dick) A smooth metal display able to display words. |
1960 | Metal BIrds (from Vulcan's Hammer by Philip K. Dick) Surveillance robots that carried weapons, in addition to using their metal bodies. |
1960 | Dixon Pump (from Dr. Futurity by Philip K. Dick) An temporary mechanical heart to circulate blood. |
1960 | Self-Charging Robot (from Callahan and the Wheelies by Stephen Barr) A robot that is able to autonomously find an electrical outlet and plug itself in to recharge. |
1960 | Ball and Hammer Ship (from Dorsai! by Gordon R. Dickson) Spaceship comprised of two sections connected by a shaft. |
1960 | Domed Mapviewer (from Dorsai! by Gordon R. Dickson) Illuminated hemispherical map display. |
1960 | Hammer (from Vulcan's Hammer by Philip K. Dick) Flying blunt trauma weapon remote-controlled by an artificially intelligent computer. |
1960 | Power Holster (from Deathworld by Harry Harrison) Puts the sidearm right in your hand. |
1960 | Bolo (from Combat Unit by Keith Laumer) An highly advanced combat tank controlled by a sophisticated Artificial Intelligence. |
1960 | Indestructible Contract (from Dorsai! by Gordon R. Dickson) Legal document in which can't be easily altered or damaged. |
1960 | Semi-Conducting Graphite-Gel (from Callahan and the Wheelies by Stephen Barr) Computer brain structured like animal brain. |
1960 | Spring-Rifle (from Dorsai! by Gordon R. Dickson) Projectile weapon designed to be resistant to countermeasures. |
1960 | Art-Derm (from Dr. Futurity by Philip K. Dick) Artificial skin sprayed directly on the body. |
1961 | Emotional Register (ER) (from The Primal Urge by Brian Aldiss) A small disk worn in the forehead that discloses the emotional state of the wearer. |
1961 | Hunting Robe (from Time is the Simplest Thing by Clifford Simak) A very thin, furry hunter that captures by constriction. |
1961 | Teleprinter (from Four-Day Planet by H. Beam Piper) A device that printed out a copy of today's newspaper. |
1961 | Lecton (from Return from the Stars by Stanislaw Lem) A device that would read aloud an electronic text book. |
1961 | Recording Radio (from Four-Day Planet by H. Beam Piper) A handheld device that both recorded sound and transmitted it live to a remote broadcasting location. |
1961 | Transmit Camera (from Four-Day Planet by H. Beam Piper) A camera that both takes pictures and uploads it directly to a news station. |
1961 | Carniculture Plants (from Four-Day Planet by H. Beam Piper) Industrial plants that grow meat protein. |
1961 | Green Guk (from The Beat Cluster by Fritz Leiber) Algae that produces essential oxygen as a byproduct. |
1961 | Pleasure Cap (from A Planet Named Shayol by Cordwainer Smith) A device that delivers amps of pleasure directly to the brain. |
1961 | Inflatable Living-Globe (from The Beat Cluster by Fritz Leiber) An inflatable bubble in space, suitable for human habitation. |
1961 | Plexiskin (from A Spaceship Named McGuire by Gordon Randall Garrett) A means of disguise. |
1961 | Sun-Quilt (from The Beat Cluster by Fritz Leiber) A colorful fabric with a silvered backing used to shield the interior of a living-globe from excessive sunlight. |
1961 | Grok (from Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein) To understand fully; become one with (from the Martial verb "to drink"). |
1961 | Parastatics (from Return from the Stars by Stanislaw Lem) Means of completely eliminating injury in vehicles during crashes. |
1961 | Betrization (from Return from the Stars by Stanislaw Lem) An in utero method of reducing human aggression. |
1961 | Precipitrons (from The Beat Cluster by Fritz Leiber) Filtration system to remove dust and other particulates from the atmosphere in space stations. |
1961 | Magnetic Soles (from A Spaceship Named McGuire by Gordon Randall Garrett) Magnetized footwear for easy walking on low gravity metal surfaces. |
1961 | Electronic Book Store (from Return from the Stars by Stanislaw Lem) A place to pick up your electronic books. |
1961 | Taper (from Time is the Simplest Thing by Clifford Simak) A device that records details about a visit to a distant planet. |
1961 | Gobathian (from Time is the Simplest Thing by Clifford Simak) An alien medical technology that enables full body healing in the event of traumatic injury. |
1961 | Dimensino (from Time is the Simplest Thing by Clifford Simak) An alien entertainment center that provides the ultimate in immersive experience. |
1961 | Igloo Inflatable Moon Habitat (from A Fall of Moondust by Arthur C. Clarke) An inflatable, portable lunar shelter that can be easily moved and set up. |
1961 | Electrosecretary (from A Fall of Moondust by Arthur C. Clarke) An automatic transcription device. |
1961 | Butcher Vegetable (from Time is the Simplest Thing by Clifford Simak) A plant that grows steaks (protein). |
1961 | Star Machine (from Time is the Simplest Thing by Clifford Simak) A device that serves as a boost to psychokinetic powers of mind, enabling paranormals to send their awareness to distant planets. |
1961 | Moondozer (from A Fall of Moondust by Arthur C. Clarke) A bulldozer for lunar conditions. |
1961 | Screensaver (Inventor of) (from Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein) Screen savers are used to prevent phosphor burnout in CRTs, and to provide restful entertainment on computer screens. |
1961 | Dromozoa (from A Planet Named Shayol by Cordwainer Smith) Life forms that cause the human body to bud new parts for harvesting. |
1961 | Skip-Glide (from The Planet Strappers by Raymond Z. Gallun) A means of using the atmosphere to delicately slow a space craft during re-entry. |
1961 | Mind Destroyer (from A Planet Named Shayol by Cordwainer Smith) A method for wiping clean the mind of a human being, leaving only enough to run the body's functions. |
1961 | Living Grass Carpet (from Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein) An indoor area covered with grass, in the manner of a carpet. |
1961 | Transo (from Time is the Simplest Thing by Clifford Simak) Teleportation of objects and personnel, used as the basis for "Trading Post" stores across the planet. |
1961 | Sealingsilk (from The Beat Cluster by Fritz Leiber) Transparent and flexible material, even against hard vacuum in space. |
1961 | Mental Radio-Handicap (from Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.) A device that destroys concentration. |
1961 | Lyle Drive (from Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein) Propulsion system for use inside the solar system. |
1961 | Dust-Ski (from A Fall of Moondust by Arthur C. Clarke) Special vehicle adapted for quick travel over powdered lunar soil. |
1961 | Dust-Cruiser (from A Fall of Moondust by Arthur C. Clarke) Specialized lunar transport able to negotiate dust-filled craters on the Moon. |
1961 | Jump Harness (from Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein) A device small enough to be worn as a backpack, that gave booster power for jumping. |
1961 | Stereovision Tank (from Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein) Three dimensional mass media (the grandson of television). |
1961 | Spray-On Clothing (from Return from the Stars by Stanislaw Lem) Body coverings from a spray can. |
1961 | Waterbed (Hydraulic Bed) (from Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein) A bed that uses water instead of springs and stuffing. |
1961 | Reading Machine (from Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein) A projector which showed text on a screen or the ceiling for easy reading. |
1961 | Space Bubble (Bubb) (from The Planet Strappers by Raymond Z. Gallun) An inflatable spacecraft. |
1961 | Sun-Powered Ionic Drive Motor (from The Planet Strappers by Raymond Z. Gallun) A rocket propulsion system that takes solar energy to power an ion drive. |
1961 | Stereo Tank (from Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein) A receiver for three-dimensional televised images. |
1961 | Air-Restorer Capsule (from The Planet Strappers by Raymond Z. Gallun) A device that re-oxygenates air in space suits. |
1961 | Chlorophane (from The Planet Strappers by Raymond Z. Gallun) Similar to chlorophyll but synthetic and far more efficient. |
1961 | IntruGrab (from The Hunch by Christopher Anvil) A system designed to capture intruders. |
1961 | Astroposit (from The Hunch by Christopher Anvil) Retro-style system provides a readout on your position anywhere in the galaxy. |
1961 | Electronic Image Intensifier (from A Fall of Moondust by Arthur C. Clarke) Much more sensitive than the human eye. |
1961 | Flitterboat (from A Spaceship Named McGuire by Gordon Randall Garrett) A one-man cargo space craft. |
1961 | Calster (from Return from the Stars by Stanislaw Lem) A handheld device that printed legal currency on the spot. |
1961 | Interactive Map (from Return from the Stars by Stanislaw Lem) A small book with a 'touch-screen' paper interactive map. |
1961 | Self-Guided Rocket Bullets (from The Planet Strappers by Raymond Z. Gallun) A rifle made for airless environments shoots rocket bullets. |
1961 | Sky Ceiling (from Return from the Stars by Stanislaw Lem) Ceilings that consist of large screens, on which are presented images of the sky. |
1961 | Hydroponics in Space (from The Planet Strappers by Raymond Z. Gallun) Growing plants for food without soil on a spacecraft. |
1961 | Opton (from Return from the Stars by Stanislaw Lem) Very early description of an electronic book, with storage media. |
1961 | Stellene (from The Planet Strappers by Raymond Z. Gallun) A tough, transparent material used to make domes or even spacecraft. |
1961 | Crystal Corn (from Return from the Stars by Stanislaw Lem) Tiny data storage crystals. |
1962 | Photonic Sail (from Think Blue, Count Two by Cordwainer Smith) A sail that uses light pressure for propulsion. |
1962 | Psychotropic House (from The Thousand Dreams of Stellavista by J.G. Ballard) Buildings designed to sense, and mirror, the psychological state of their owners. |
1962 | Plastex (from The Thousand Dreams of Stellavista by J.G. Ballard) A combination of plaster and latex, it allows houses to change shape for you. |
1962 | Light-Sail Ship (from Think Blue, Count Two by Cordwainer Smith) A spacecraft that used a huge sail moved by light pressure. |
1962 | Alcodote (from Space Viking by H. Beam Piper) A compound that maintains sobriety while drinking. |
1962 | Diamagnetic Levitation (from The Currents of Space by Isaac Asimov) Levitation accomplished using magnetic field's interference with the motion of electrons orbiting the atoms or molecules of a material. |
1962 | Solar Sail (Light Sail) (from Sail 25 (Gateway to Strangeness) by Jack Vance) A form of propulsion for spacecraft; a sheet of lightweight material reflects light from the sun or other light source. |
1962 | Rat-Robot (from Anything You Can Do by Gordon Randall Garrett) A small remotely-operated surveillance robot. |
1962 | Laminated Mouse Brain Computer (from Think Blue, Count Two by Cordwainer Smith) A computing device that makes use of neurons from a mouse. |
1962 | Luminescent Vial (from The Dragon Masters by Jack Vance) A glass tube full of luminescent algae; used to provide some measure of light underground. |
1962 | Celestial Armamentarium (from The Dragon Masters by Jack Vance) A small crystal planetarium, in which the stars and planets surrounding Aerlith are seen. |
1962 | Senso-Cells (from The Thousand Dreams of Stellavista by J.G. Ballard) Sensors that recorded personal characteristics of the owners of a house, to better serve their needs. |
1962 | Cataclysmite (from Little Fuzzy by H. Beam Piper) A high explosive. |
1962 | Freezebox (from Think Blue, Count Two by Cordwainer Smith) A chamber for long term sleep between the stars. |
1962 | Robot Earthworm (from War With The Robots by Harry Harrison) Autonomous swarming robots the size of earthworms, with similar earth-digging capabilities. |
1962 | Robot Librarian Filer (from The Robot Who Wanted to Know by Harry Harrison) A device that works as a librarian, automatically filing books in the stacks. |
1962 | Delivery Robot (from Podkayne of Mars by Robert Heinlein) A small autonomous device that will bring goods directly to a person or place. |
1962 | Lunar Web (from Hothouse by Brian Aldiss) The moon ensnared by cobwebs. |
1962 | Carniculture Vat (from Space Viking by H. Beam Piper) Technology to grow meat sans animal. |
1962 | Dumbler (from Hothouse by Brian Aldiss) Half-sentient spores of the whistle thistle. |
1962 | Tand (from The Dragon Masters by Jack Vance) A metal sculpture, made in contemplation, which has great meaning for the initiates. |
1962 | Static House (from The Thousand Dreams of Stellavista by J.G. Ballard) A house that was once fully psychotropic and malleable, but which had been frozen in one configuration. |
1962 | Serving Robot (from Space Viking by H. Beam Piper) A non-humanoid robot designed to serve. |
1962 | Self-Healing Building (from The Thousand Dreams of Stellavista by J.G. Ballard) A building that responds to stresses or cracks in walls by healing the damaged portion. |
1962 | Veridicator (from Little Fuzzy by H. Beam Piper) A device that measured physiologic responses (biometric data) and translated it to a set of colors that unerringly reported whether or not the measured person was telling the truth. |
1963 | Sleep-Inducer (from Sunjammer by Arthur C. Clarke) A device that electronically imposes sleep on a human being. |
1963 | Ice-Nine (from Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.) A crystalline form of water so stable that in practical terms it would never melt. |
1963 | Solar Yacht (from Sunjammer by Arthur C. Clarke) A space craft whose motive power is light pressure on a solar sail. |
1963 | Unicephalon 40-D (from Stand-By by Philip K. Dick) A problem-solving supercomputer. |
1963 | Solar Yacht Periscope (from Sunjammer by Arthur C. Clarke) A device used in the small cabin of a solar yacht. |
1963 | Jump Drive (from Ethical Engineer by Harry Harrison) A means of propulsion used on spacecraft that allows a ship to travel from point to distant point without actually needing to traverse the space in between. |
1963 | Rifle Range (Virtual Shooting Range) (from Way Station by Clifford Simak) Virtual skeet shooting gallery with clay pigeon traps created by aliens. |
1963 | Perky Pat Layout (from The Days of Perky Pat by Philip K. Dick) A very special playset into which adults could project their very being. |
1963 | Way Station Materializer (from Way Station by Clifford Simak) By sending impulses that describe a creature from star to star, transport across the galaxy is accomplished. |
1963 | News Clown (from Stand-By by Philip K. Dick) A person who delivers specially selected light news. |
1963 | Way Station (from Way Station by Clifford Simak) A device used to transport individuals across the galaxy. |
1963 | Talisman (from Way Station by Clifford Simak) Device that causes beings nearby to experience truth and peace; works only in the hands of rare adepts. |
1963 | Shadow People (from Way Station by Clifford Simak) Alien knowledge leads to alien results - for humans. |
1963 | Homotropic News Vending Machine (from The Game Players of Titan by Philip K. Dick) An autonomous news-selling robot, that was able to specifically seek out human beings. |
1963 | Multiverse (from The Sundered Worlds by Michael Moorcock) A set or series of universes in parallel with our own. |
1963 | Transparent, Frictionless Coating (from Way Station by Clifford Simak) An absolutely frictionless, impenetrable coating. |
1963 | Subliminal Billboards (from The Subliminal Man by J.G. Ballard) Enormous outdoor billboards that are totally blank - or are they? |
1963 | Free Telephone Call (from The Subliminal Man by J.G. Ballard) All telephone calls are free - in exchange for short commercials. |
1963 | Fold Box (from Glory Road by Robert Heinlein) A chest that is bigger on the inside than it is on the outside. |
1963 | Alcohol-Sensing System (from The Game Players of Titan by Philip K. Dick) A vehicle subsystem that detected alcohol use in the driver, and then took control of the car away from the driver. |
1963 | Rabbit-Paper (from The Game Players of Titan by Philip K. Dick) A paper pregnancy test that showed immediate results. |
1963 | Desk Secretary (from The Long Result by John Brunner) A desk with a computerized secretary built into it. |
1963 | Tattletale (from The Game Players of Titan by Philip K. Dick) A device is attached to a criminal suspect, ensuring that his whereabouts are always known. |
1964 | Phantomatic Generator (Virtual Reality) (from Summa Technologiae by Stanislaw Lem) A computer-generated experience. |
1964 | Fake-Meter (from The Killing Machine by Jack Vance) A pocket-sized counterfeit currency detector. |
1964 | Weary Deep-Sleep (from Lies, Inc. by Philip K. Dick) Phildickian old-sleep. |
1964 | Walking Fort (from The Killing Machine by Jack Vance) A biomimetic fort based on the model of a centipede. |
1964 | Microrob (from A Game of Unchance by Philip K. Dick) Small stature robots. |
1964 | Court Robo-Clerk (from The Tactful Saboteur by Frank Herbert) A robotic law clerk. |
1964 | Adjustment (from Placement Test by Keith Laumer) Making sure the man fits the job! |
1964 | Single Seat Scooter (from The Star King by Jack Vance) A self-service monocycle. |
1964 | Solar Updraft Tower (from Shortstack by Leigh and Walt Richmond) A renewable-energy scheme that generates power from air movement inside a tall chimney. |
1964 | Skin Toning (from The Star King by Jack Vance) Using artificial means to effect a temporary change in skin color. |
1964 | Identificator (from The Star King by Jack Vance) A hologram projector used to flash door signs. |
1964 | Color Generator (from The Killing Machine by Jack Vance) A variable spectrum light source |
1964 | Undersea Restaurant (from The Star King by Jack Vance) A restaurant located in its entirety under the sea. |
1964 | Stick-Tight (from The Star King by Jack Vance) A general term for surveillance devices that will follow a subject and record speech or video. |
1964 | Downtime (from The Traps of Time by John Baxter) Traveling back in time. |
1964 | Flexible Stem (from The Killing Machine by Jack Vance) A long flexible tube that can expand and contract its length quickly. |
1964 | Jet-Powered Aquaplane (from The Star King by Jack Vance) Overpowered surface boat. |
1964 | Uptime (from The Traps of Time by John Baxter) Forward in time. |
1964 | Chalf (Quick-Scribe Powder) (from The Tactful Saboteur by Frank Herbert) A special powder that forms itself into words and symbols. |
1964 | Universal Technical Consultative Service (from The Star King by Jack Vance) Interstellar travel plans calculated, reserved and confirmed. |
1964 | Adjustable Television (from The Simulacra by Philip K. Dick) A television that allowed viewers to adjust the content of political speeches. |
1964 | Chairdog (from The Tactful Saboteur by Frank Herbert) A chair that is alive and partly sentient; it shapes itself to the person sitting in it. |
1964 | Bibs (from Cantata 140 by Philip K. Dick) People who are put in cold-sleep because there is no niche for them in society. |
1964 | Boulder (from Cantata 140 by Philip K. Dick) A device that homed in on a person's brain wave pattern; a very specific assassination device. |
1964 | Syn-Cof (from Cantata 140 by Philip K. Dick) Synthetic coffee. |
1964 | Artif-Org (from Cantata 140 by Philip K. Dick) A mechanical version of a human organ. |
1964 | Bug Chasers (from Lies, Inc. by Philip K. Dick) Anti-surveillance devices. |
1964 | Autonomic Food-Processing System (from Cantata 140 by Philip K. Dick) Technology allows food to be prepared untouched by human hands. |
1964 | Surface Slider (from The Star King by Jack Vance) A small, lightweight craft. |
1964 | Ampek F-a2 Recording System (from The Simulacra by Philip K. Dick) A device that incorporated a living protoplasm, used as a recording and playback system. |
1964 | Robot Busboy (from Lies, Inc. by Philip K. Dick) A robotic device able to autonomously clear tables in a restaurant. |
1964 | Live Memo (from The Simulacra by Philip K. Dick) A paper memo or short letter that reads itself and can even argue with or exhort its reader. |
1964 | Simulacrum (Sim) (from Clans of the Alphane Moon by Philip K. Dick) An autonomous construct that is a perfect likeness to a human person. |
1964 | Famnexdo (from The Simulacra by Philip K. Dick) A set of four simulacra, one adult male, one adult female and two children; the family next door. |
1964 | Auto Shovel (from The Simulacra by Philip K. Dick) Automated mining equipment for use in space. |
1964 | Optical-Effect Suit (from The Hounds of Hell by Keith Laumer) An invisibility garment. |
1964 | Police Control-Override (from The Hounds of Hell by Keith Laumer) A device that allows police officers to take control of an otherwise normal vehicle. |
1964 | Platform Flyer (from The Star King by Jack Vance) A small craft suitable for journeys close to the ground. |
1964 | Rhetorizer (from The Penultimate Truth by Philip K. Dick) A computerized assistant for writers. |
1964 | Manual Closet (from Clans of the Alphane Moon by Philip K. Dick) An old-fashioned storage room for clothing, which required the user to place and organize articles of apparel by hand. |
1964 | Courtarena (from The Tactful Saboteur by Frank Herbert) A combination of a court of law, and an arena of combat, in which every participant could be called out and executed under legal circumstances. |
1964 | Power-skis (from Selection by Ursula Le Guin) Just the accoutrement for exploration, depending on the world. |
1964 | Automated Laboratory (from The Shores of Death by Michael Moorcock) A fully automated machinery of invention. |
1964 | Autonomic Plow (from Clans of the Alphane Moon by Philip K. Dick) A set of farm implements able to combine and perform as a weapon. |
1964 | Pry-Vie (Robotic Detective) (from Clans of the Alphane Moon by Philip K. Dick) A robotic private eye; autonomic detection services. |
1964 | Cephalic Sniffer (from Clans of the Alphane Moon by Philip K. Dick) Device can locate an individual using brain patterns. |
1964 | Auto Course-Finding Pilot (from Clans of the Alphane Moon by Philip K. Dick) A device that not only pilots the craft, but will also plot out a course for you. |
1964 | Housefly Monitor (from Lies, Inc. by Philip K. Dick) A living fly that is outfitted with sensors for surveillance work. |
1964 | Chalf-Memory Stick (from The Tactful Saboteur by Frank Herbert) Device that organizes special dust in the shape of words and symbols. |
1964 | Time-Warping Construct (from Lies, Inc. by Philip K. Dick) A device that appears to cause alternate worlds or paraworld. |
1964 | Agfom Potent-Shot (from Clans of the Alphane Moon by Philip K. Dick) Special film allows user to take a picture of what happens in the next thirty minutes. |
1964 | Jump Point (from Bill for Delivery by Christopher Anvil) A specific location in space where an interstellar jump can be accomplished. |
1964 | Commercial Fly (from The Simulacra by Philip K. Dick) An autonomous, fly-sized manufactured creature that presents commercial advertisements. |
1964 | Reporting Machine (from The Simulacra by Philip K. Dick) A robotic roving reporter. |
1964 | Creditor Jet-Balloon (from Lies, Inc. by Philip K. Dick) A small, hovering device that hounds debtors. |
1964 | Poison-Bearing Invisible Glove (from Lies, Inc. by Philip K. Dick) Membranous apparel for the hands, used to dispense poisons. |
1964 | Cephalotropic Dart (from Lies, Inc. by Philip K. Dick) A slim, short-range device that homes in on the brain wave pattern of the target. |
1964 | Word Tab (from Cantata 140 by Philip K. Dick) A feature of an e-paper document; touch the word tab and get more information. |
1964 | Surgical Hand (from Clans of the Alphane Moon by Philip K. Dick) A specialized robotic hand used for surgery. |
1964 | Nipple-Assist (from Lies, Inc. by Philip K. Dick) A multi-purpose electronic device worn upon the nipple. |
1964 | Empathy Box (from The Little Black Box by Philip K. Dick) A device which allows a group of people to empathize with a single person (like television lets many people view the same broadcast). |
1964 | Cholinesterase-Destroying Gas (from Lies, Inc. by Philip K. Dick) Horrific anti-personnel poison. |
1964 | Control Harness (from A Game of Unchance by Philip K. Dick) Connects to the brain and nervous system of a host organism for control purposes. |
1964 | Ident-Key (from The Penultimate Truth by Philip K. Dick) Allows the retrieval of a person's entire history of reading material, allowing the prediction of his future thinking. |
1964 | Suicide Tooth (from Lies, Inc. by Philip K. Dick) A false tooth containing poison. |
1965 | Windtrap (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A device which precipitates water from the air for use by people. |
1965 | Factory Crawler (or Harvester Crawler) (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A mobile factory which filtered and processed the sands of Dune for the spice, mélange. |
1965 | Filament Paper Book (from Dune by Frank Herbert) Very small book, made for space travelers in an era when the smallest added weight was costly. |
1965 | Ramscoop (from World of Ptavvs by Larry Niven) An enormous magnetic field precedes a spaceship moving through space, directing interstellar hydrogen inward for use as fuel. |
1965 | Ornithopter (from Dune by Frank Herbert) Also called a 'thopter, it had adjustable wings and was jet-powered. Describes any plane capable of wing-beat flight in the manner of birds. |
1965 | Hunter-seeker (from Dune by Frank Herbert) An assassination device that floats in mid-air; kills by entering the body and following nerve pathways to vital organs. |
1965 | Stillsuit (from Dune by Frank Herbert) It covers almost the entire body, provides cooling and ensures that almost no moisture is lost. |
1965 | Antithermal Shield (from The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch by Philip K. Dick) A material that protected against climate warming. |
1965 | Kingdom in a Box (from The Cyberiad: Fables for the Cybernetic Age by Stanislaw Lem) An entire civilization in miniature - in an interactive box. |
1965 | Golden Lights (from Dune by Frank Herbert) Another unusual use of the suspensor field; lights are suspended in it. |
1965 | Servok (from Dune by Frank Herbert) An 'automatic' or clock-set mechanism to perform simple tasks. |
1965 | Sprung-Samser Treatment (from This Immortal by Roger Zelazny) A medical treatment to extend human life. |
1965 | Mentat (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A person who has been specially trained and conditioned for excellence in |
1965 | Garbage-can Banger (from The Zap Gun by Philip K. Dick) An elaborate noise-based weapon. |
1965 | Handicloset (from The Zap Gun by Philip K. Dick) A self-organizing closet |
1965 | N-e (Needle-eyeification) Weapon (from The Zap Gun by Philip K. Dick) A class of weapons that had the most precise effect imaginable. |
1965 | Leybyrdite (from Subspace Explorers by E.E. 'Doc' Smith) Extremely tough crystalline metal. |
1965 | Civic Notification Distorter (from The Zap Gun by Philip K. Dick) A device that subtly damages databases full of government information. |
1965 | Battery-Powered 3D Comic Book (from The Zap Gun by Philip K. Dick) A comic book the pages of which were animated by battery power. |
1965 | Slow Pellet Stunner (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A projectile device that throws darts in a manner calculated to get past a force shield. |
1965 | Sheep Dip Isolator (from The Zap Gun by Philip K. Dick) A non-lethal malodorant weapon. |
1965 | Thumper (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A short stake with a spring-driven clapper at one end; used to call sandworms. |
1965 | Plasteel (from Dune by Frank Herbert) Extremely tough form of steel, stabilized with stravidium fibers grown into its crystal. |
1965 | Implanted Steel Teeth (from The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch by Philip K. Dick) Replacement teeth implanted in the jaw. |
1965 | Stilltent (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A small, sealable enclosure which reclaimed moisture from the breath of occupants. |
1965 | Poison Tongue Dart (from The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch by Philip K. Dick) Weapon surgically implanted in the tongue. |
1965 | Filterable Virus (from The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch by Philip K. Dick) A special virus that is instantly carcinomatous. |
1965 | Autonomic Cab (from The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch by Philip K. Dick) An automated taxicab (without robotic driver). |
1965 | Gom Jabbar (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A needle with deadly poison, used to test for humans. |
1965 | Inter-Vehicle Communication (from The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch by Philip K. Dick) The ability to talk car-to-car directly. |
1965 | Voice (from Dune by Frank Herbert) Combines exceptional insight into personalty with voice modulation to achieve control over individuals. |
1965 | Autonomic Interviewer (from The Zap Gun by Philip K. Dick) A robotic reporter. |
1965 | Sleep Machine (from Short Trip to Nowhere by R.M. Williams) A device guaranteeing a good night's sleep. |
1965 | Robomule (from Bill the Galactic Hero by Harry Harrison) The robotic equivalent of a mule. |
1965 | Residual Poison (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A poison that, once administered, resides in the body; only regular intake of the antidote keeps the person alive. |
1965 | Truffle Skins (from The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch by Philip K. Dick) Genetically unique skins are the common currency; their special genetic makeup makes forgery impossible. |
1965 | Fencing Mirror (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A dummy fighting instructor for the young Kwisatz Haderach-in-training. |
1965 | Commuter Cooling Unit (from The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch by Philip K. Dick) A portable air conditioner for commuters. |
1965 | Dekon Type DCQ (from Subspace Explorers by E.E. 'Doc' Smith) Decontamination foam. |
1965 | Maula Pistol (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A spring-loaded projectile device. |
1965 | Dr. Smile (from The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch by Philip K. Dick) A suitcase-sized analyst; a machine that served as a psychotherapist. |
1965 | Family Atomics (from Dune by Frank Herbert) Noble houses had their own atomic weapons. |
1965 | Battle Language (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A special-purpose language designed for both clear communication of information related to war, and difficulty of translation. |
1965 | Imperial Handicraft Globe (from Dune by Frank Herbert) Perfectly crafted globe for planetary governors. |
1965 | Chemelectric Afferent Nerve-Analogues (from This Immortal by Roger Zelazny) An engineered sensory skin. |
1965 | Crysknife (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A knife blade ground from the tooth of a giant sandworm of Dune. |
1965 | Model the Universe (from The Cyberiad: Fables for the Cybernetic Age by Stanislaw Lem) A computer capacious enough to contain a representation of the entire universe. |
1965 | Radson Skimmer (from This Immortal by Roger Zelazny) A small vehicle designed for a small number of passengers; capable of low, slow flight. |
1965 | Humming-Code (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A personal communication. |
1965 | Suspensor Lamp (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A lamp that will float in mid-air, and will stay where you put it. |
1965 | Femfatalatron (from The Cyberiad: Fables for the Cybernetic Age by Stanislaw Lem) A device that reverses an infatuation for a particular woman. |
1965 | Spice (Melange) (from Dune by Frank Herbert) The spice must flow. |
1965 | Gnostotron (from The Cyberiad: Fables for the Cybernetic Age by Stanislaw Lem) Computing device capable of producing an informational model of absolutely everything in existence. |
1965 | Gauzy (from This Immortal by Roger Zelazny) A feather-light tent, made of a fabric just one molecule thick. |
1965 | 'Thopter (from Dune by Frank Herbert) Describes any plane capable of wing-beat flight in the manner of birds. |
1965 | Pain Box (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A small box which induced pain into the nerves of the hand. |
1965 | Bubblehead (from The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch by Philip K. Dick) A person who as undergone E therapy, and achieved the frontal lobe of their dreams. |
1965 | Personalized Fashion Display (from Bill the Galactic Hero by Harry Harrison) A set of displays that show you dressed in different uniforms. |
1965 | Chowlock (from The Starfox by Poul Anderson) A small opening in a space helmet for food insertion. |
1965 | Rachag (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A caffeine-style stimulant. |
1965 | Sandsnork (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A device like a snorkel that would provide air to a tent buried by a sand storm. |
1965 | Hypno-Ligation (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A means of psychological control over an individual. |
1965 | Luxvid Eyes (Jensen Wide-Angle) (from The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch by Philip K. Dick) Artificial, unmoving implanted eyes. |
1965 | Steel Teeth (from The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch by Philip K. Dick) Artificial teeth welded to the bone. |
1965 | Interchangeable Hands (from The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch by Philip K. Dick) Specialized manual extremities. |
1965 | Suspensor Chair (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A chair that suspends itself above the floor. |
1965 | Gigagnostotron (from The Cyberiad: Fables for the Cybernetic Age by Stanislaw Lem) Enormously powerful computing device. |
1965 | Water Repellent Surface (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A surface that water flows over without sticking at all. |
1965 | Poison Snooper (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A device that checked food and drink for poisons. |
1965 | CAN-D (from The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch by Philip K. Dick) Illegal narcotic chewed to alter the state of colonists. |
1965 | Remote-Cast Snooper (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A small, easily concealed poison snooper. |
1965 | Lasgun (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A continuous-wave laser projector; can be used as a weapon or as a cutting tool. |
1965 | Palm Lock (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A lock or seal which can be opened only by contact with the palm of the human hand to which it has been keyed. |
1965 | Carryall (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A flying wing (aircraft); used to pick up a sandcrawler (harvester factory) |
1965 | Paracompass (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A very specialized compass that makes use of local magnetic anomalies. |
1965 | Message Cylinder (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A small metal object containing some form of message media and a mechanism for either playing or extruding the medium; secured communication device. |
1965 | Cephalic Pattern Door (from The Zap Gun by Philip K. Dick) A door that only opens for specific people. |
1965 | Heighliner (from Dune by Frank Herbert) Enormous starship used by the Spacing Guild for interstellar travel. |
1965 | Semuta (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A combination of a specific drug and music, which penetrated to the deepest levels of consciousness. |
1965 | Sapho Juice (from Dune by Frank Herbert) Unique substance enhanced the cognitive performance of Mentats. |
1965 | Death-rattle File (from The Zap Gun by Philip K. Dick) A cache of information set to destroy itself upon the death of its owner. |
1965 | Jubba Cloak (from Dune by Frank Herbert) An all-purpose garment in common use on Arrakis |
1965 | Medical Mech (from Warrior by Gordon R. Dickson) A medical robot designed to prevent death during emergencies. |
1965 | Teddy Bear Robot (from I Always Do What Teddy Says by Harry Harrison) A special toy bear given to every child in the world. |
1965 | Suspensor (from Dune by Frank Herbert) An energy field that can nullify gravity for small objects. |
1965 | Cardioplate (from 'Repent Harlequin' Said the Ticktockman by Harlan Ellison) A device that could take seconds or minutes off your life, one beat at a time (or all at once). |
1965 | Diptray (from This Immortal by Roger Zelazny) A hovering tray of drinks, used for parties. |
1965 | Sunshades (from This Immortal by Roger Zelazny) Sunglasses that darken and lighten based on ambient lighting. |
1965 | Radar Mesentery (from This Immortal by Roger Zelazny) A thick covering that supports a network of sensors. |
1965 | Fanmetal (from Dune by Frank Herbert) High tensile strength material; used in collapsible structures opened by "fanning" them out. |
1965 | Wakeshot (from Dune by Frank Herbert) An injection designed to bring a person out of sleep to full wakefulness. |
1965 | Catchpocket (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A small container in a stillsuit that stored reclaimed water. |
1965 | Watertube (from Dune by Frank Herbert) Carries water to and from the catchpockets in a Fremen stillsuit. |
1965 | Krimskell Fiber (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A "claw" fiber which will rubs against itself in such a way that, the tighter the rope is pulled, the stronger the knot becomes. |
1965 | Ego-Likeness (from Dune by Frank Herbert) An extremely detailed portrait played through a shigawire projector; capable of reproducing minute movements said to convey the ego essence of a person. |
1965 | Cutteray (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A laser used in a range of tools - including mining equipment. |
1965 | Doorseal (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A portable plastic seal used in temporary camps to keep moisture from escaping from dwelling places. |
1965 | Distrans (from Dune by Frank Herbert) Device produces a temporary neural imprint on the nervous system of Chiroptera or birds. |
1965 | Spatial-Postal Card (from Bill the Galactic Hero by Harry Harrison) Mail from home - that hungry soldiers can also eat. |
1965 | Chromoplastic Dew Collector (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A small, egg-shaped device that uses a special surface to collect morning dew on the desert planet of Arrakis. |
1965 | Amtal Rule (from Dune by Frank Herbert) Testing to destruction |
1965 | Dispensing Tooth (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A device shaped like a tooth that dispenses gas. |
1965 | Rolem (Wrestling Robot) (from This Immortal by Roger Zelazny) A robotic wrestling companion. |
1965 | Slaver Sunflowers (from World of Ptavvs by Larry Niven) Plants evolved to reflect light to burn natural enemies. |
1965 | Solido Projector (from Dune by Frank Herbert) Projects 3-dimensional images. |
1965 | Simicolor (from This Immortal by Roger Zelazny) Artificial coloring for the body. |
1965 | Oil Lens (from Dune by Frank Herbert) Oil held in tension in an enclosing force field, used as an optical component. |
1965 | Minimic Film (from Dune by Frank Herbert) Very fine message medium. |
1965 | Filt-Plug (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A nose plug worn to collect moisture from exhaled air. |
1965 | Smart Dust (from The Cyberiad: Fables for the Cybernetic Age by Stanislaw Lem) Very tiny computers. |
1965 | Heat-Removing Staff (from The Dead Lady of Clown Town by Cordwainer Smith) Device absorbs all heat from its target. |
1965 | Shigawire (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A very fine wire, used as a recording medium (among other things). |
1965 | Dew Gatherers (from Dune by Frank Herbert) Devices used to gather morning dew as a source of drinking water. |
1965 | Glowglobe (from Dune by Frank Herbert) Floating spherical light bulb with organic energy source. |
1965 | Sietch (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A cave warren designed to protect a tribal community, with a population of thousands, with its own water supply in an endless desert. |
1965 | Electronic Bard (from The Cyberiad: Fables for the Cybernetic Age by Stanislaw Lem) A computing machine that is able to write original poetry. |
1965 | Robot Bar (from Bill the Galactic Hero by Harry Harrison) A combination bartender and bar; a robot capable of dispensing beverages. |
1965 | Communinet (from Dune by Brian Herbert) A public data network.i |
1965 | Autodoc (from World of Ptavvs by Larry Niven) An automated physician, a fully autonomous surgical robot. |
1965 | Mnemonic Pulse (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A feature of filmbook recordings that helps imprint knowledge on the mind of the user. |
1965 | Filmbook (from Dune by Frank Herbert) A storage medium for information, both text and video. |
1966 | TANSTAAFL (from The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein) There ain't no such thing as a free lunch. |
1966 | Cyborg Pilot (from The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein) A combination of a human being (at least the thinking part) and a machine. |
1966 | Sleeping Plates (from Neutron Star by Larry Niven) A pair of plates that nullify gravity for the being(s) sleeping between them. Is null gravity the answer to your sleep problems? |
1966 | Discorporate Sector (from Babel-17 by Samuel R. Delany) An electronic afterlife. |
1966 | Laser Rifle (from Door to Anywhere by Poul Anderson) A laser weapon shaped (and fired) like a traditional rifle. |
1966 | Confinement Asteroid (from At the Bottom of a Hole by Larry Niven) A place where asteroid miner's babies stay to experience some needed gravity. |
1966 | Antigravity Globe Arena (from Babel-17 by Samuel R. Delany) A spherical arena for wrestling. |
1966 | Self-Guided Tractors (from At the Bottom of a Hole by Larry Niven) A farm vehicle that drives itself. |
1966 | Fusion Sunlight Tube (from At the Bottom of a Hole by Larry Niven) Central light source for a spun cylinder space station. |
1966 | Moon As Prison (from The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein) The moon is a prison without bars. |
1966 | Tensile Memory Polarized Matter (from Babel-17 by Samuel R. Delany) The same piece of material can take pre-determined shapes. |
1966 | Morgue (Recall Stage) (from Babel-17 by Samuel R. Delany) Storage and retrieval of frozen bodies. |
1966 | Vivatape (from Babel-17 by Samuel R. Delany) Perfectly seals cuts also helps through-skin implants heal. |
1966 | Ground-to-Orbit Ferry (from The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein) A kind of space shuttle craft. |
1966 | Discorporaphone (from Babel-17 by Samuel R. Delany) For speaking with the electronic dead. |
1966 | Filing Crystal (from Babel-17 by Samuel R. Delany) Part kiosk, part storage system. |
1966 | Multi-View Surveillance Display (from This Moment of the Storm by Roger Zelazny) Lots of different video sources combined into one display. |
1966 | Gravity Planer (from The Warriors by Larry Niven) Device that creates a gravity field. |
1966 | Bubbleworld (from At the Bottom of a Hole by Larry Niven) A rigid space station that is shaped like a cylinder, rotated to achieve centripetal gravity. |
1966 | Hush Hood (from The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein) A device that cancels noise, ensuring that others cannot overhear. |
1966 | Mike (Mycroft Holmes - Fair Dinkum Thinkum) (from The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein) A large computer that woke up - an artificially intelligent, self-aware machine. |
1966 | Transparent Platisplasm Cage (from Babel-17 by Samuel R. Delany) A replacement framework for a body joint - in this case, the shoulder. |
1966 | TW-55 Spy (from Babel-17 by Samuel R. Delany) Conscious control of facial characteristics. |
1966 | Belter (from The Warriors by Larry Niven) A person who was born and raised in the asteroid belt around Sol. |
1966 | Alternate Computer Personality (from The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein) A computer system that can take on complete, alternate personalities. |
1966 | Online Job Search (from The Age of The Pussyfoot by Frederik Pohl) Networked assets allow ordinary people to search through nationwide job listings upon providing a short set of qualifications. |
1966 | Stellarimeter (from Babel-17 by Samuel R. Delany) Used by space navigators. |
1966 | Computer Humorist (from The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein) A computer acquires the ability to tell original jokes. |
1966 | Cellphone Credit Card (from The Age of The Pussyfoot by Frederik Pohl) Cellphone that can act as a credit card. |
1966 | Voice Dialing (from The Age of The Pussyfoot by Frederik Pohl) Speak the name of the person and call them on the phone. |
1966 | Lunar Greenhouse Tunnel (from The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein) A multipurpose conservatory on the Moon. |
1966 | Auto-Navigation (from The Dream Master (He Who Shapes) by Roger Zelazny) Automatic car navigation, provided on a video console in the dashboard. |
1966 | Big Screen Control (from The Age of The Pussyfoot by Frederik Pohl) Display content from your personal device on a large shared screen. |
1966 | Virtual Reality Video Game (from The Age of The Pussyfoot by Frederik Pohl) A description of a computer game simulation played in real time as entertainment. |
1966 | Virtual Keyboard (from The Age of The Pussyfoot by Frederik Pohl) A keyboard that appears at the right moment in game play. |
1966 | Lunar Ice Mining (from The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein) The practice of mining for ice on the moon. |
1966 | Babel-17 (from Babel-17 by Samuel R. Delany) An alien weapon in the form of a language. |
1966 | Vision Implant (from The Dream Master (He Who Shapes) by Roger Zelazny) Photoelectric cell implanted in the forehead grants some vision to the blind. |
1966 | Telepathic Transmitter (Telep-transmitter) (from We Can Remember It For You Wholesale by Philip K. Dick) A device using living alien tissue to transmit your thoughts. |
1966 | Artificial Gill Outfit (from We Can Remember It For You Wholesale by Philip K. Dick) A diving suit that pulls air from the water. |
1966 | Tru-Mem Systems (from We Can Remember It For You Wholesale by Philip K. Dick) Organic process of recalling personal events. |
1966 | Neuristor (from The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein) A solid-state computer component that mimics the human neuron. |
1966 | Sand-Yacht (Land Schooner) (from Cry Hope, Cry Fury! by J.G. Ballard) A vehicle that used wind power upon its sails to move on the land. |
1966 | Photosensitive Pigment (from Cry Hope, Cry Fury! by J.G. Ballard) Special paint that stays 'blank' until exposed to a scene. |
1966 | Cellphone Voice Mail (from The Age of The Pussyfoot by Frederik Pohl) Callers speak into their instrument, and the content of the call is stored by the network for the user to replay at will. |
1966 | Online Employability Profile Testing (from The Age of The Pussyfoot by Frederik Pohl) An online test that determines the best areas in which you might search for a job. |
1966 | Cellphone Tranquilizing Spray (from The Age of The Pussyfoot by Frederik Pohl) A mild sedative administered automatically by your cellphone. |
1966 | Specialized Prosthetic Arm (from The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein) A set of prosthetics that provide different functionality in place of missing arm. |
1966 | Voice-Enabled Smartphone (from The Age of The Pussyfoot by Frederik Pohl) A smartphone capable of complete voice-enabled operation. |
1966 | Van Goom's Gambit (from Von Goom's Gambit by Victor Contoski) A chessboard pattern that unhinges the mind of any player who sees it. |
1966 | Decorative Implant (from Babel-17 by Samuel R. Delany) Small devices that can be implanted subcutaneously in the body and then controlled consciously. |
1966 | Self-Assembling Robots (from The Witches of Karres by James Schmitz) Robots with the capacity to assemble themselves from components, and then switch themselves on. |
1966 | Sheem Spider Robot (from The Witches of Karres by James Schmitz) A robotic spider. |
1966 | Surgical Homeostatic Unit (from Now Wait For Last Year by Philip K. Dick) An autonomous surgical robot, able to drill into the body and perform surgery. |
1966 | Robant Bill Collector (from Now Wait For Last Year by Philip K. Dick) A robot designed to collect overdue bills, no matter what. |
1966 | Networked Personal Device (from The Age of The Pussyfoot by Frederik Pohl) The idea that the true power of a mobile device lies in it's backend network capabilities. |
1966 | Martian Print Amoeba (from Now Wait For Last Year by Philip K. Dick) An organism able to mimic consumer goods. |
1966 | Erased Memory (from We Can Remember It For You Wholesale by Philip K. Dick) A procedure that deletes selected memories from the human mind. |
1966 | Eyes (from This Moment of the Storm by Roger Zelazny) Flying remote-operated surveillance drones. |
1966 | Auto-Scan (from This Moment of the Storm by Roger Zelazny) Automated control of remote surveillance drones. |
1966 | Adam Selene (from The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein) A computer generates a human avatar for itself. |
1966 | Drinking Bulb (from The Warriors by Larry Niven) A small container, used for drinks. |
1966 | Dream Console (from The Dream Master (He Who Shapes) by Roger Zelazny) Device allows a therapist to enter and create dreams in patients. |
1966 | Ro-Womb (from The Dream Master (He Who Shapes) by Roger Zelazny) Device enfolds the patient during therapy. |
1966 | Life Recorder (from The Dream Master (He Who Shapes) by Roger Zelazny) Record the details of your life. |
1966 | Auto-Driven Auto (Spinner) (from The Dream Master (He Who Shapes) by Roger Zelazny) A vehicle that accepts coordinates and proceeds to its destination automatically. |
1966 | Ebony Teeth (from Now Wait For Last Year by Philip K. Dick) Completely black artificial teeth. |
1966 | Interests Profile (from The Age of The Pussyfoot by Frederik Pohl) An intelligent agent; a software program with your personal tastes on file. |
1966 | Mass-Driver Catapult (from The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein) An escape-speed induction catapult to launch material into orbit. |
1966 | Corpsicle (from The Age of The Pussyfoot by Frederik Pohl) Cryogenically frozen person who could (hopefully) be revived later. |
1966 | Ansible (from Rocannon's World by Ursula Le Guin) Faster-than-light communication. |
1966 | Cloaking Device (from Balance of Terror by Paul Schneider) A force field that renders an object invisible to human eyes as well as other sensor devices. |
1966 | Caller Contact List (from The Age of The Pussyfoot by Frederik Pohl) A list of callers kept on the phone instrument. |
1966 | Simulogs (Simulated Playmates) (from The Age of The Pussyfoot by John Brunner) Computer-generated playmates. |
1966 | Virtual Kiss (Tactile Net) (from The Age of The Pussyfoot by Frederik Pohl) A phone-like device that will communicate a kiss in a tactile manner. |
1966 | Virtual Reality Construct (from The Age of The Pussyfoot by Frederik Pohl) A means of projecting a virtual reality experience without special headsets. |
1966 | Joymaker (from The Age of The Pussyfoot by Frederik Pohl) A networked personal digital assistant - that really is an assistant. |
1966 | Right Angle Projectile (from The Mad Metropolis by Philip E. High) A missile that turns at right angles after being fired. |
1966 | General Products Hull (from Neutron Star by Larry Niven) Nearly indestructible outer skin for spaceships; pick your hull size and put what you want inside. |
1966 | Flexible Armor Suit (from Neutron Star by Larry Niven) A pressure suit that, while flexible, becomes rigid like armor upon impact. |
1966 | Extra-Factual Memory (from We Can Remember It For You Wholesale by Philip K. Dick) A "memory" placed in a person's mind by artifice, rather than by real life experience. |
1966 | Laser Cannon (from Neutron Star by Larry Niven) A laser source powerful enough to provide significant light pressure to a "light sail." |
1966 | Reciprocal Name (from The Age of The Pussyfoot by Frederik Pohl) A nickname or familiar name used to specify a more completely defined full name and telephone number. |
1966 | Miniaturization (from Fantastic Voyage (Novel) by Isaac Asimov) Making a physical object smaller in size. |
1966 | Garbage Device (from The Age of The Pussyfoot by Frederik Pohl) Autonomous garbage collection device. |
1966 | Kzinti Lesson - Propulsion As Weapon (from The Warriors by Larry Niven) The power of a craft's means of propulsion repurposed as an offensive weapon. |
1966 | Death-Reversal Equipment (from The Age of The Pussyfoot by Frederik Pohl) Brings you back from losing a duel. |
1966 | Morphogen (from Fantastic Voyage (Novel) by Isaac Asimov) A drug that party relieves the need for sleep. |
1967 | Mining Disintegrator (from The Arsenal Out of Time by David McDaniel) A special-purpose boring machine. |
1967 | Palm Flower (from Logan's Run by William Nolan (w/G.C. Johnson)) It's like a life clock. |
1967 | Pray-Machine (from Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny) A kind of energy receiver that could retrieve a soul from the radiation belt surrounding a planet. |
1967 | Shuttlecraft (from Star Trek by Author Unknown) A small spaceship designed for short journeys. |
1967 | Fornixation (from Riders of the Purple Wage by Philip Jose Farmer) Electrical stimulation of the pleasure centers of the brain. |
1967 | Purple Wage (from Riders of the Purple Wage by Philip Jose Farmer) Guaranteed subsidy paid to every citizen. |
1967 | Fido (from Riders of the Purple Wage by Philip Jose Farmer) Combination television, news camera and surveillance device. |
1967 | Ramrobot (from The Ethics of Madness by Larry Niven) An autonomous interstellar exploration craft using gathered hydrogen for fuel. |
1967 | Cloud Sculpting (from The Cloud Sculptors of Coral D by J.G. Ballard) Using gliders and chemical showers to shape clouds artistically. |
1967 | Power-Wagon (from The Last Castle by Jack Vance) Wagon powered by muscular creature from Etamin 9; uses carbohydrate syrup for fuel. |
1967 | Mechanical Cobra (from Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny) An assassination device; senses brain waves to find its victim. |
1967 | Lift Chair (from The Last Castle by Jack Vance) A single occupant lifted by great birds. |
1967 | Specific Gene Weapon (from The Mannichon Solution by Irwin Shaw) An organic or inorganic weapon aimed at a specific genetic population. |
1967 | Tangler (from Logan's Run by William Nolan (w/G.C. Johnson)) Strong webbing in a tiny capsule, it expands to a net, capturing a suspect. |
1967 | Skycycle (from Handicap by Larry Niven) A flying Harley; motorcycle of the skies. |
1967 | Floating Booths (from Handicap by Larry Niven) Comfortable bar booths that float around and come together for conversation. |
1967 | Dolphin's Hands (from Handicap by Larry Niven) Digital prosthetic for dolphins. |
1967 | Energy-Cannon (from The Last Castle by Jack Vance) Device projects destructive power. |
1967 | Multifunction Gun (from Logan's Run by William Nolan (w/G.C. Johnson)) Offers a selection of lethal and non-lethal alternatives. |
1967 | AM (from I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream by Harlan Ellison) A supercomputer that hates. |
1967 | Scientific Reincarnation (from Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny) Technology to allow a person to transfer themselves to a new, healthy body. |
1967 | Slowboat (from The Ethics of Madness by Larry Niven) An interstellar craft carrying people. |
1967 | Organlegging (from The Jigsaw Man by Larry Niven) Technology needed to deal in illicitly obtained body parts. |
1967 | Vapor Charge (from Logan's Run by William Nolan (w/G.C. Johnson)) A bullet that discharges gas. |
1967 | Sub-microscopic Medical Robots (from These Savage Futurians by Philip E. High) Tiny robots travel the bloodstream, killing bacteria. |
1967 | Soft Weapon (from The Soft Weapon by Larry Niven) A device that changes its shape to alter its function. |
1967 | Embryonic Robots (from Counter Clock World by Philip K. Dick) Very small robots, possibly a very early reference to nanotechnology in science fiction. |
1967 | Rogue Planet (from Satan's World by Poul Anderson) A planet without a sun, it wanders through galactic space. |
1967 | Syrup Sac (from The Last Castle by Jack Vance) A device used to provide an efficient source of nutrition to Meks, servants of the aristocrats of Earth. |
1967 | Pray-o-Mat (from Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny) A device that would offer prayers in exchange for a few coins properly deposited. |
1967 | Homer (from Logan's Run by William Nolan (w/G.C. Johnson)) A device fired from a gun that ends the life of a citizen, based on the color of their palm flower. |
1967 | Win-Reducing Gambling Circuit (from Return Match by Philip K. Dick) Circuitry in a game that detects winning strategies and then alters the game to make winning more difficult. |
1967 | Sleepshop (from Logan's Run by William Nolan (w/G.C. Johnson)) A quiet place to die. |
1967 | Sleep Pod (from Mantis by Chris Boyce) A special place for snoozing. |
1967 | Full-Shift Set Variable (from Return Match by Philip K. Dick) Infinite possibilities built into a game machine. |
1968 | Mood Organ (from Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick) A device which allows you to dial the mood you would like to have. |
1968 | Illyrion (from Nova by Samuel R. Delany) Super-heavy and super-stable elements with atomic numbers greater than 296. |
1968 | Mobile Lab (from 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke) |
1968 | Robot Self-Assembly (from Meccano by Hugo Correa) A robot separated into many pieces reassembles itself. |
1968 | Newspad (from 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke) A notebook-sized computer and display screen for reading news stories or other text matter. |
1968 | TMA-1 (from 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke) The Tycho Monolith. |
1968 | Electro-Binox (from A Specter is Haunting Texas by Fritz Leiber) Binoculars with electronic focusing. |
1968 | Emergency Shelter (from 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke) A small cubicle that provides a last refuge in case the spacecraft's atmosphere is lost. |
1968 | Penfield Wave Transmitter (from Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick) A device that directs some sort of energy wave into a person's brain, allowing them to experience a chosen (dialed) mood. |
1968 | Seven Vane Starship (from Nova by Samuel R. Delany) A faster-than-light ship with seven vanes of energy controlled by human nervous systems. |
1968 | Sensory-Syrynx (from Nova by Samuel R. Delany) A complex musical instrument. |
1968 | Electric Sheep (from Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick) An electronic farm animal; a non-organic robot covered with sheepskin that acts like a sheep. |
1968 | HAL 9000 (from 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke) The canonical example of an artificially intelligent computer. |
1968 | Hibernaculum (from 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke) A small, self-contained chamber in which a person could endure months of enforced sleep. |
1968 | Kipple (from Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick) The collection of useless bits of trash we wallow in; all the paper and junk that is not recycled. |
1968 | Electric Cat (Robot Cat) (from Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick) A robot presenting the appearance of a common domestic cat. |
1968 | Nexus-6 Brain Unit (from Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick) The processing power behind android intelligence. |
1968 | Voight-Kampff Empathy Test (from Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick) A test consisting of a set of images and questions, asked while the subject's biometric data are gathered; intended to separate humans from non-humans. |
1968 | Sleep Generator (from 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke) An automated way to impose sleep on the brain. |
1968 | Panic Alarm (from Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick) Alarm senses intruders and instills mindless panic. |
1968 | Total Environmental and Mental Simulator (from Crown of Infinity by John M. Faucette) An AI that could create and discard whole branches of science in pursuing the answer to a problem. |
1968 | Android Safety Mechanism (from Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick) A device that temporarily incapacitates an android. |
1968 | Cyborg Collar (from A Specter is Haunting Texas by Fritz Leiber) A device worn around the neck that controls the person for the duration of a working day. |
1968 | Cheekplate Container (from A Specter is Haunting Texas by Fritz Leiber) Special compartment of an exoskeleton; provides easy access to medical supplies related to survive heavy gravity environments. |
1968 | Icon Thumbsized Image (from 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke) A very early reference to a screen icon. |
1968 | Architectural Coral (from A Gift From Earth by Larry Niven) A structure grown to a specific shape using small coral-like organisms. |
1968 | Steam Rifle (from Omnivore by Piers Anthony) A gun that propels projectiles with steam. |
1968 | Exoskeleton (Medical) (from A Specter is Haunting Texas by Fritz Leiber) Specially designed for Thins, eight-foot tall microgravity humans. |
1968 | Synthesist (from Stand on Zanzibar by John Brunner) A person who did nothing but make cross-references between one field and another. |
1968 | Newspad Electronic Newspaper (from 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke) An electronic version of a newspaper. |
1968 | Nexus-7 Android (from Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick) The next version after the Nexus-6. |
1968 | False Animal Repairman (from Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick) A specialized roboticist who repaired robotic animals. |
1968 | Auto-Seal (from Stand on Zanzibar by John Brunner) Automatically deployed cover for power outlets; instant child-proofing. |
1968 | Wholographik (from Stand on Zanzibar by John Brunner) Hologram-style picture. |
1968 | Sinclair Molecule Chain (from A Gift From Earth by Larry Niven) A monofilament fiber, used for strength. |
1968 | Loitering Micro-Missile (from Invader on My Back by Philip E. High) A small missile that does not need line-of-sight and can move at a slow pace until it finds its target. |
1968 | Sun Goggles (from Grendel by Larry Niven) Lenses darken in spots to block the brightness of alien suns. |
1968 | Replicant (from Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick) An android; an artificial human being. |
1968 | Karatand (from Stand on Zanzibar by John Brunner) A special glove made of impact-sensitive plastic. |
1968 | Crackers (from The Time Mercenaries by Philip E. High) Bouncing, explosive mines. |
1968 | Mercy Rifle (from Grendel by Larry Niven) Device fired slivers of anesthetic as darts. |
1968 | Stasis Box (from There is a Tide by Larry Niven) A space entirely enclosed by a Slaver stasis field, in which time does not pass. |
1968 | Grip Shoes (from 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke) Shoes with velcro soles used to walk in weightless environments. |
1968 | Artificially Grown Organs (from A Gift From Earth by Larry Niven) Human organs suitable for transplantation, grown outside the body. |
1968 | Mining Worm (Organic) (from A Gift From Earth by Larry Niven) Genetically altered earthworm created just for mining. |
1968 | Slow Glass (Scenedow) (from Light of Other Days by Bob Shaw) A window made of Bose-Einstein Condensate that slows light to a snail's pace. |
1968 | Disease Circuit (from Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick) A feature of robotic animals which indicated a need to repair by emulating animal sickness. |
1968 | Andy (from Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick) A slang term for "android" - an artificially created humanoid being. |
1968 | Flex-Wheels (from 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke) Special wheels designed for getting around on the Moon. |
1968 | Oat-Tropic Circuit (from Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick) A robotic feature that caused electronic animals to move toward offered food. |
1968 | Robot Bird (from Invader on My Back by Philip E. High) A small winged UAV that can mimic a bird in flight. |
1969 | Parenthood Lottery (from Super-Toys Last All Summer Long by Brian Aldiss) A means of restricting population growth. |
1969 | Window Wavelength (from Super-Toys Last All Summer Long by Brian Aldiss) Display's that provide 'views' as if they were windows. |
1969 | Droud (from Death by Ecstasy by Larry Niven) A transformer to step down house current for the wire providing current directly to the pleasure center of the brain. |
1969 | Nothing (from It was Nothing - Really! by Theodore Sturgeon) A super-hard substance created by carefully removing material. |
1969 | Tranquilizing Gum (from Ubik by Philip K. Dick) Chewing gum with a tranquilizing agent. |
1969 | Artiforg (from Ubik by Philip K. Dick) An artificial organ kept 'on line' in the body. |
1969 | Whologram (from Super-Toys Last All Summer Long by Brian Aldiss) Presents a realistic illusion. |
1969 | Ultraflash (from The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton) A device that sterilizes the skin by a pulse of light. |
1969 | Physiognomic Template (from Ubik by Philip K. Dick) A method for changing the appearance of your face at will. |
1969 | Robotic Horse - Faithful Cybernetic Companion (from The Warlock in Spite of Himself by Christopher Stasheff) A robot that is specifically designed to closely resemble a horse. |
1969 | Teep Rod (from Galactic Pot-Healer by Philip K. Dick) A device that gathers the thoughts of an individual. |
1969 | Ubik Spray Can (from Ubik by Philip K. Dick) One of many definitions of Ubik. Take only as directed. |
1969 | Messagecraft (from The Faithful Messenger by George Scithers) An autonomous spacecraft and drone that serves as a communication node in a network that spans star systems. |
1969 | Voice Encyclopedia (from Galactic Pot-Healer by Philip K. Dick) Access to information via robotic voice recognition over the phone. |
1969 | Ident Darts (from The Electric Ant by Philip K. Dick) Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that track individuals. |
1969 | 'Pape Machine (from Ubik by Philip K. Dick) Yet another name for the homeostatic newspaper; this one has special features including news search. |
1969 | Stillsuit Desert Boots (from Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert) Special boots that offered parasitic power harvesting. |
1969 | Protophason Amplifier (from Ubik by Philip K. Dick) Detects brain activity of those in half-life. |
1969 | Moratorium (from Ubik by Philip K. Dick) A place that kept people in cold-pac after death, providing them a kind of half-life. |
1969 | Synthetic Flesh (from Super-Toys Last All Summer Long by Brian Aldiss) Provides robots with realistic coverings, not just plastic. |
1969 | Cold-Pac Bin (from Ubik by Philip K. Dick) A special coffin-sized chamber used to maintain half-life. |
1969 | Electrical Grandmother (Robot Grandma) (from I Sing The Body Electric! by Ray Bradbury) A robotic companion. |
1969 | Geriatric Rooming-House (from Galactic Pot-Healer by Philip K. Dick) An apartment building with rooms built especially with the very senior citizen in mind. |
1969 | Plastic-Eating Bacteria (from The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton) Mutated bacteria able to 'eat' or dissolve rubber and plastic. |
1969 | Toll Door (from Ubik by Philip K. Dick) An apartment door that operates on a cash-only basis. |
1969 | Multi-function Living Room (from Death by Ecstasy by Larry Niven) A small living space with a variety of functions built-in. |
1969 | Memory Plastic (from Death by Ecstasy by Larry Niven) Takes various shapes impressed into it on command. |
1969 | Ecstasy Plug (from Death by Ecstasy by Larry Niven) An implanted module that allowed a wirehead to plug himself into ordinary house current. |
1969 | Automatic Vein Finder (from The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton) A device to automatically locate veins for intravenous needle insertion. |
1969 | Electronic Body Analyzer (from The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton) A replacement for the human doctor. |
1969 | Face Dancer (from Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert) Mimicry enhanced through genetic manipulation. |
1969 | Reality Tape (from The Electric Ant by Philip K. Dick) The medium upon which the life experience of an electric ant - a robotic person - is presented. |
1969 | Ghola (from Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert) A living, functioning person who is regrown or recreated from the tissues of a dead person. |
1969 | Ersatz Window (from Galactic Pot-Healer by Philip K. Dick) A display device used in a room without an actual view of the outside; it shows a projection of a real scene. |
1969 | Psycho-Lease Encephalic Gadget (from Galactic Pot-Healer by Philip K. Dick) A device that provided the conviction that a faked scene was, in fact, real. |
1969 | Spray-Foam Blouse (from Galactic Pot-Healer by Philip K. Dick) Clothing that is sprayed on fresh. |
1969 | Padre Booth (from Galactic Pot-Healer by Philip K. Dick) Device that provides religious aid and comfort on demand. |
1969 | Weightless Work Area (from Galactic Pot-Healer by Philip K. Dick) A small workspace within which there is no gravitational pull. |
1969 | SSA Machine (from Galactic Pot-Healer by Philip K. Dick) A machine that compares two people for compatibility; it sees sub specie aeternitatis, literally 'under the aspect of eternity' or outside of time. |
1969 | Self-Powered Broom (from Ubik by Philip K. Dick) A broom for use in small apartments that cleans under its own power. |
1969 | Tleilaxu Eyes (Metal Eyes) (from Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert) Tleilaxu eye surgery replaces natural eyeballs damaged or destroyed. |
1969 | Automated Apartment Maintenance (from Ubik by Philip K. Dick) Automated devices that would oversee the maintenance of a rented apartment. |
1969 | Flight Stick (from The Flight of the Horse by Larry Niven) A personal flying vehicle, stripped down to the basics. |
1969 | Membrane Balloon Helmet (from The Flight of the Horse by Larry Niven) A selectively permeable membrane worn as a helmet. |
1969 | Vision Cube (from The Man in the Maze by Robert Silverberg) A solid-state memory device. |
1969 | Diagnostat (from The Man in the Maze by Robert Silverberg) A device able to diagnose and treat most human ailments. |
1969 | Gyrocar (Gyro) (from The Ring by Piers Anthony (w/R. Margroff)) A gyroscopically stabilized car; a one-wheeled vehicle. |
1969 | Rapid-Transit Hover Blimp (from Galactic Pot-Healer by Philip K. Dick) Public transportation for a paranoid age. |
1969 | Book of the Kalends (from Galactic Pot-Healer by Philip K. Dick) The ever-changing book without a title; the documented history of a world. |
1969 | Vortal Tube (from Whipping Star by Frank Herbert) An energy passage providing instantaneous transportation between points across the galaxy |
1969 | Viewing Tank (from The Man in the Maze by Robert Silverberg) A display monitor. |
1969 | Mnemonic Flutter System (Pulse-Sychronizer) (from Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert) A device to imprint particular facts from a book upon the brain of the reader. |
1969 | Axolotl Tank (from Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert) A device to regenerate or reshape organic material. |
1969 | Crosswell Tape Worm (from Super-Toys Last All Summer Long by Brian Aldiss) Device that allows you to eat without gaining weight. |
1969 | Float-home (from Whipping Star by Frank Herbert) Living entity genetically designed for use as a houseboat. |
1969 | Jumpdoor (from Whipping Star by Frank Herbert) The entrance to an energy passage providing instantaneous transportation between points across the galaxy. |
1969 | Mass Detector (from The Man in the Maze by Robert Silverberg) Hunting aid. |
1969 | Gravity Web (from Whipping Star by Frank Herbert) Device for limiting the extent to which a person is subject to gravitational attraction. |
1969 | Construct (from Retief, the Long-Awaited Master by Keith Laumer) An artificial being, a pastiche of living and robotic pieces. |
1969 | Pseudoflesh (from Whipping Star by Frank Herbert) Meat (protein) that is produced apart from an animal; great steaks without rumination. |
1969 | Automatic City (from The Man in the Maze by Robert Silverberg) A city designed to protect itself and maintain itself over millions of years. |
1969 | Teddy (from Super-Toys Last All Summer Long by Brian Aldiss) A very intelligent and highly mobile robotic teddy bear. |
1969 | Singleship (from Death by Ecstasy by Larry Niven) A spacecraft designed for use by one person. |
1969 | Stone Burner (from Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert) Atomic weapon which burrows deep into a planet; its radiation also attacks selected nerve tissues. |
1969 | Webfoam Cradle (from The Man in the Maze by Robert Silverberg) A means of softening the landing for humans inside spacecraft. |
1969 | Disruptor Bomb (from The Man in the Maze by Robert Silverberg) A bomb with a very special purpose; when detonated in space, it makes it impossible to detect the center of the explosion from the dispersion of the fragments. |
1969 | Rod (from Wolfling by Gordon R. Dickson) In a fight, it is used in a manner similar to a sword and a flamethrower. |
1969 | Rubber Hoof (from The Warlock in Spite of Himself by Christopher Stasheff) Silent running for robot horses. |
1969 | Project Scoop (from The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton) A space craft feature that collects dust for study. |
1969 | Caliban Beachball (from Whipping Star by Frank Herbert) Dwelling place for unusual lifeform who make jumpdoors possible. |
1969 | Flying Robot Drone Probe (from The Man in the Maze by Robert Silverberg) A remote-controlled flying drone used for remote investigation and surveillance. |
1969 | Artificial Telepathy (from We All Died At Breakaway Station by Richard Meredith) Using technology to determine thoughts, and then translate it to speech that could be shared electronically. |
1969 | Sniggertrance (from Whipping Star by Frank Herbert) The state of a person receiving a call mediated by a Taprisiot; interiorized consciousness accompanied by spastic, jerking body movements. |
1969 | Device Replication (from The Man in the Maze by Robert Silverberg) Manufacturing devices from a template to save space on space craft. |
1969 | Voicecorder (from Whipping Star by Brian Herbert) A device that records verbal output and determines truth or falsehood. |
1969 | Recording Eye (from The Man in the Maze by Robert Silverberg) A surveillance device that can survive being dropped from space; transmits images in a wide view. |
1969 | Bot (from We All Died At Breakaway Station by Richard Meredith) The first use of this contraction for "robot". |
1969 | Protective Field (Safety Field) (from The Man in the Maze by Robert Silverberg) An static energy field used to protect a city. |
1969 | Remote-Control Slavery (from The Man in the Maze by Robert Silverberg) Mental control (possibly mediated by radio waves) of individuals of other species. |
1969 | Drop-Capsule (from The Man in the Maze by Robert Silverberg) Minimal spaceship. |
1969 | Claim Beacon (from Retief, the Long-Awaited Master by Keith Laumer) A electronic device that proclaims that a planet has been claimed by a given party. |
1969 | Automatic Gun (from The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton) A sentry gun that could target and decide to fire without any human intervention. |
1969 | Automated Drone Probes (from The Man in the Maze by Robert Silverberg) Human-sized robot probes for exploration. |
1969 | Mole Probe (from The Man in the Maze by Robert Silverberg) Automated devices that seek underground routes, burrowing as they go. |
1969 | Homeopape (from Ubik by Philip K. Dick) A automated device that produces a newspaper without human assistance. |
1970 | Unichapel (Robotic Confession Booth) (from THX 1138 by George Lucas) Automated religious confessional with monotone, programmed responses. |
1970 | Variable Sword (from Ringworld by Larry Niven) A sword that could vary in length, and cut through anything. |
1970 | Trumps (from Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny) Magical Tarot cards that permitted both communication and transportation. |
1970 | Jack In (from Tower of Glass by Robert Silverberg) To open one's nervous system to a computer's virtual world. |
1970 | Ringworld (from Ringworld by Larry Niven) A 50 foot thick ribbon of matter around a star, a million miles across and as long as Earth's orbital circumference. |
1970 | Tasp (from Ringworld by Larry Niven) A device that induces a current in the pleasure center of the brain, at a distance. |
1970 | Transmat (from Tower of Glass by Robert Silverberg) A teleportation device. |
1970 | Slaver Disintegrator (from Ringworld by Larry Niven) Sometimes used as a digging tool. |
1970 | Light-Sword (from Ringworld by Larry Niven) A laser tuned for use as a cutting tool. |
1970 | Kemplerer (Klemperer) Rosette (from Ringworld by Larry Niven) Planets without a sun; they orbit a central point. |
1970 | Neck Radio (from Our Friends From Frolix 8 by Philip K. Dick) Commercial radio from an implanted device. |
1970 | Great Ear (from Our Friends From Frolix 8 by Philip K. Dick) An electronic telepathic listening device that monitors thousands of people simultaneously. |
1970 | Stepping Discs (from Ringworld by Larry Niven) Open air teleportation pads. |
1970 | Crash Balloons (from Ringworld by Larry Niven) Inflatable bags that would both cushion and hold a flycycle driver in the event of a crash. |
1970 | Refrigeration Tape (from Tower of Glass by Robert Silverberg) A strip of material that can be used to keep large tracts of tundra nicely frozen. |
1970 | Computer Virus (from The Scarred Man by Gregory Benford) A software program that copies itself to other computers. |
1970 | Floating Castle (from Ringworld by Larry Niven) A vast building floating freely above the land surface of Ringworld. |
1970 | Robutler (from The Stainless Steel Rat's Revenge by Harry Harrison) A robotic butler. |
1970 | Nerve Machine (from The Stainless Steel Rat's Revenge by Harry Harrison) A device that delivers pure pain via neural currents. |
1970 | Inert-Wear (from Say Goodby to the Wind by J.G. Ballard) Clothing made of dead fibers; clothing that is unmoving, static. |
1970 | Bio-Fabric (from Say Goodby to the Wind by J.G. Ballard) Living cloth that constantly adapts itself to the personality and needs of its wearer. |
1970 | Powdered Alcohol (from The Stainless Steel Rat's Revenge by Harry Harrison) Alcohol in non-liquid form. |
1970 | Holo (from Ringworld by Larry Niven) Abbreviation of "hologram". |
1970 | Killalc Pills (from The Stainless Steel Rat's Revenge by Harry Harrison) Counteracts the effects of alcohol consumption. |
1970 | Sleep Set (Sleep Headset) (from Ringworld by Larry Niven) An electronic device for inducing deep sleep. |
1970 | Luggage Robot (from The Stainless Steel Rat's Revenge by Harry Harrison) Perfect helper at robotic hotels. |
1970 | Riding Robot (from The Stainless Steel Rat's Revenge by Harry Harrison) A single person means of bipedal transportation. |
1970 | Gaussrifle (from The Stainless Steel Rat's Revenge by Harry Harrison) Projectiles driven by electromagnetic forces. |
1970 | Flywheel Cycle (from The Stainless Steel Rat's Revenge by Harry Harrison) A motorcycle powered by a flywheel. |
1970 | Translator Discs (from Ringworld by Larry Niven) Wearable devices that wirelessly connected to a speech translation computer. |
1970 | Screamer (from The Stainless Steel Rat's Revenge by Harry Harrison) An acoustic weapon. |
1970 | Transparent Overalls (from The Stainless Steel Rat's Revenge by Harry Harrison) Perfect for prisoners, because nothing can be concealed. |
1970 | Osmosis Generator (Cziltang Brone) (from Ringworld by Larry Niven) A device that can render a solid permeable to matter. |
1970 | Food Brick (from Ringworld by Larry Niven) Appropriate manufactured food for any species. |
1970 | Shadow Square (from Ringworld by Larry Niven) An enormous blind that orbits a star. |
1970 | Airmaker (from Ringworld by Larry Niven) A device that creates a specific breathable mix directly from the atmosphere. |
1970 | Sound Deadener (from Ringworld by Larry Niven) Device that acts to damp excessive noise produced by different species. |
1970 | Robotnik Automated Hotel (from The Stainless Steel Rat's Revenge by Harry Harrison) A fully-automated hotel; no human interaction required. |
1970 | Shadow Square Wire (from Ringworld by Larry Niven) Very fine, very light, very strong wire. |
1970 | Slaver Stasis Field (from Ringworld by Larry Niven) A force field that protects everything inside it by creating a space in which time is suspended. |
1970 | Scrith (from Ringworld by Larry Niven) The material used to build Ringworld; has remarkable tensile strength |
1970 | Sigfrid von Shrink (from Gateway by Frederik Pohl) An automated therapist. |
1970 | Flycycle (from Ringworld by Larry Niven) Combination flying motorcycle, kitchen and autodoc. |
1970 | Flashlight Laser (from Ringworld by Larry Niven) Small cylindrical device that generates a green beam of variable intensity and focal length; can illuminate or cut. |
1970 | Sonic Fold (from Ringworld by Larry Niven) Force field that guides air around an air vehicle. |
1970 | Electromagnetic Cannon (from Ringworld by Larry Niven) A set of devices on the Ringworld used to land spacecraft safely on the fast-moving rim. |
1970 | Tower of Glass (from Tower of Glass by Robert Silverberg) An enormous glass tower built to communicate outside the solar system. |
1970 | Nearleather (from What's Become of Screwloose? by Ron Goulart) Fake leather. |
1970 | Squib (from Our Friends From Frolix 8 by Philip K. Dick) A simple form of ground transportation. |
1970 | Blackout Gas (from The Stainless Steel Rat's Revenge by Harry Harrison) Cuts input from the optic nerve. |
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