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Name Purpose Author (Publication Date) Category
Andy - an artificial human A slang term for "android" - an artificially created humanoid being. Philip K. Dick (1968) ai
Autobutle An automated servant. Frank Herbert (1972) ai
Automaton Chessplayer - the first chess-playing computer The first chess-playing computer. Ambrose Bierce (1910) ai
Automonk A robot with an AI trained on an individual monk. Ray Naylor (2022) ai
Ava - she wants to be taught A piece of learning software. Amitav Ghosh (1995) ai
Bard A machine that invents randomized stories and can read them out loud or animate them for viewing. Isaac Asimov (1956) ai
Bendix Anxiety Reducer Machine-based psychotherapy. Robert Sheckley (1956) ai
Big Computer - wide-screen Jehovah Just like it says; this computer knows it all. John Varley (1983) ai
Big Noodle A vast artificial intelligence system used to process all of Earth's information. Philip K. Dick (1981) ai
BLIT (Secret Basilisk) The Berryman Logical Image Technique can "shock" an AI trained to do pattern recognition. David Langford (1988) ai
Boppers - robots do their own thing Self-reproducing robots; they did not obey Asimov's laws for robots (or any other man-made rules). Rudy Rucker (1988) ai
Camera Tunnel A device that captures images of shredded documents from all sides for reassembly. Vernor Vinge (2006) ai
Central Computer A computer capable of running an entire city. Arthur C. Clarke (1956) ai
Cerebral Microprocessors Added boost for maxxed out minds. John Varley (1983) ai
Chiphead - circuits rule, neurons drool A person whose organic brain has been effectively superseded by a firmware (integrated circuit or more advanced technology) device. Bart Kosko (1987) ai
Chirpsithra Supercomputer - build your own An alien race thoughtfully provides mankind with blueprints for the most intelligent computer ever made. Larry Niven (1984) ai
City Fathers - AI with centuries of experience A set of computer systems which run every mechanical system in a city. James Blish (1957) ai
Composite Expert System - interface with a heart Intelligent teaching software - a computer interface with a heart. Bruce Sterling (1984) ai
Computer Humorist A computer acquires the ability to tell original jokes. Robert Heinlein (1966) ai
Construct (Digital) - persona in software A stored version of a person's particular skills and personal approaches to problems. William Gibson (1984) ai
Cybrid - person as data terminal An organic body used by an artificial intelligence. Dan Simmons (1989) ai
Daily Schedule (DS) - intelligent day planner The DS was an artificially intelligent day planner, a schedule keeper with voice recognition features; it also talked back when necessary. Frank Herbert (1977) ai
Deep Thought - second largest computer The second-largest computer ever made. Douglas Adams (1979) ai
Detectophone - machine translation of language First use of the idea of a voice-activated machine. Hugo Gernsback (1911) ai
Dr. Smile - psychiatrist in a suitcase A suitcase-sized analyst; a machine that served as a psychotherapist. Philip K. Dick (1965) ai
Electrical Brain A mechanism that grants memory an intelligence to machines. Miles J. Breuer (1930) ai
Electronic Bard A computing machine that is able to write original poetry. Stanislaw Lem (1965) ai
GPP Genuine People Personalities Giving mechanisms their own unique affect. Douglas Adams (1979) ai
HAL 9000 - prototypical AI The canonical example of an artificially intelligent computer. Arthur C. Clarke (1968) ai
Hangman - robot telefactor A telefactoring device that also was able to function independently. Roger Zelazny (1976) ai
Head Cheese - cultured neurons in a dish Intelligent paste made of neurons; spread upon a substrate for computing. Peter Watts (1999) ai
Home Manager - AI + Franklin Planner A device that responds to verbal or other commands; serves as an intelligent telephone answering machine and other tasks. Greg Bear (1990) ai
Hoverlimo - hovercraft for hire A hovercraft for hire, with servility built in. John Varley (1992) ai
Human Object Recognition - people making robotic life easier System uses human beings as an aid to robotic object recognition. Harry Harrison (1956) ai
Ilse - first intelligent ship brain The first intelligent ship brain. Vernor Vinge (1972) ai
Language Rectifier early reference to machine translation The first reference to machine-translation of human languages. Hugo Gernsback (1911) ai
Lobster AI - brain scanned expert system Scan a lobster brain, get a learning machine. Charles Stross (2005) ai
Maas-Neotek Biochip An integrated circuit chip (or equivalent) that provides hardware and firmware for creating a virtual entity. William Gibson (1988) ai
Machine (Thinking Machine) - very early description of an intelligent computer A very early reference to a thinking machine in charge of a planet. John W. Campbell (1935) ai
Machine Suicide A self-aware computer system wants to destroy itself. Isaac Asimov (1958) ai
Machine Surveillance - first mention of idea The use of artificially intelligent computer systems to learn by monitoring all human interaction within a city. James Blish (1957) ai
Manna A software program that autonomously manages restaurants or other service industry businesses. Marshall Brain (2002) ai
Max Detention (Virtual Counsel) - I ob-b-b-b-ject! A software implementation of a lawyer; an artificially intelligent legal advisor. Greg Bear (2007) ai
Mechanical Consciousness The notion that machines may develop a form of consciousness. Samuel Butler (1872) ai
Meson Filter - a robotic sense of humor Provides robots with the ability to tell the difference between jokes that provide a chuckle and jokes that provide a belly laugh. William Tenn (1951) ai
Micromind - just a little AI A computer helper. Gregory Benford (1989) ai
Mike (Mycroft Holmes - Fair Dinkum Thinkum) - artificial intelligence early on A large computer that woke up - an artificially intelligent, self-aware machine. Robert Heinlein (1966) ai
Neoterics - genius on tap Pure engineering genius on tap. Theodore Sturgeon (1941) ai
Neuro-netsukes - tiny personality construct A small sculpture containing the personality of a living person. Alexander Besher (1994) ai
Nexus-6 Brain Unit - meet my friend Roy The processing power behind android intelligence. Philip K. Dick (1968) ai
Personality-Construct (Lazarus) A chip providing a robotic body with the attributes of the selected person. Ann K. Schwader (1988) ai
Pizzled (Semantic Garble) Use of nonsensical statements to deliberately confuse an artificial intelligence. Philip K. Dick (1955) ai
Positronic Brain - many connections A computer CPU with the capacity to rival a human brain. Isaac Asimov (1941) ai
Positronic Motor A combination of motor and brain; an engine with a cerebellum and a carburetor. Isaac Asimov (1953) ai
Quantum Logic Thinker (QL) - fuzzy logic thinker A computer system that thinks about problems in unusual ways. Greg Bear (1990) ai
Raisin - intelligent hearing aid A small device like a hearing aid that fits inside the external part of the ear; combines an intelligent agent and wireless access to the network. Bart Kosko (1987) ai
Raw Material-Tropic Moves towards desirable raw materials. Philip K. Dick (1955) ai
Recorded Personalities Computer firmware that saves a person's characteristics and reactions. William Gibson (1988) ai
Replicant - an artificial human An android; an artificial human being. Philip K. Dick (1968) ai
Robot Mother - self-reproducing automaton A self-replicating robot, which creates a series of helper bots that adapt to conditions as needed. Maurice G. Hugi (1941) ai
SAL 9000 Successor to the HAL 9000. Arthur C. Clarke (1982) ai
Semi-Conducting Graphite-Gel Computer brain structured like animal brain. Stephen Barr (1960) ai
Sentient Econometrics Use of artificial intelligence in economic forecasting. Sid Meier (1999) ai
Sigfrid von Shrink - computer shrink An automated therapist. Frederik Pohl (1970) ai
Smart Gel - brain in a dish Intelligent paste made of neurons; spread upon a substrate for computing. Peter Watts (1999) ai
Star Stone (Speicus) - this is a recording An artificial intelligence shaped like a rock, which can communicate with living organisms telepathically. Roger Zelazny (1976) ai
Sven - AI investigator Sven is an artificially intelligent computer detective. Harry Harrison (1992) ai
Synthetic Intellect A machine mind, created and improved by more primitive machine minds. William Callahan (1939) ai
Synthetic Intellect A device for providing a robot with intelligence. Raymond Z. Gallun (1936) ai
Thought Coil (Machine Intelligence) Specially designed hardware that imparts intelligence to machines. Nat Schachner (w. AL Zagat) (1931) ai
Total Environmental and Mental Simulator - accelerated machine intelligence An AI that could create and discard whole branches of science in pursuing the answer to a problem. John M. Faucette (1968) ai
Transcriber - an automated transcriptionist A automated transcriptionist - a machine which perfectly translates human speech into words on paper. Isaac Asimov (1953) ai
Variable Modifier - snicker or belly laugh Provides the capability of altering standard jokes to fit new circumstances. William Tenn (1951) ai
Virtual Reality Ceremony - serving up VR Don't just put your motion capture suit on - do it with style. Alexander Besher (1994) ai
Voxbox - talking back An intelligent home agent. William Shatner (1989) ai
Vulcan 3 - endless self-modifying computer Artificially intelligent self-modifying supercomputer. Philip K. Dick (1960) ai
WatchdØg (Watchdog) - guardian for a planet Jack C. Haldeman (1972) ai
Wintermute An artificially intelligent computer system. William Gibson (1984) ai
Armored Clothing - modern armor Ordinary apparel that contained both armor and muscle amplification devices. Frank Herbert (1977) armor
Bullet-guard Overalls Very tough fabric. David Brin (2002) armor
Exoskeleton - a military exoskeleton Fighting suit Bruce Sterling (1999) armor
Flexible Armor Suit - now you're Superman A pressure suit that, while flexible, becomes rigid like armor upon impact. Larry Niven (1966) armor
Impact Suit - shear-thickening armor A body suit that is flexible, but upon a hard impact becomes rigid and impenetrable. David Gerrold (w/L, Niven) (1971) armor
Monomol Mesh Armor - chain (molecule) mail Material to protect selected areas that must bend (elbows, knees, and so forth). Greg Bear (1990) armor
Nemourlon Material for special body armor. Jerry Pournelle (1976) armor
Powered Armor (or Powered Suit) - military exoskeleton An armored suit that magnifies the power of the soldier's muscles, along with other weapons. Robert Heinlein (1959) armor
Refurbished Nervous System - rewired for speed Your nerves are rewired for 5-10 times the speed of a normal person. Alfred Bester (1956) armor
Rigid Metallic Clothing - almost an exoskeleton An early exoskeleton. Edmond Hamilton (1932) armor
Sintered Armorgel A substance that is flexible when moved slowly, but which hardens upon external impact. Neal Stephenson (1992) armor
'Sites - nanobots are your friends Small parasites that cause muscles to twitch in sequence for strength. Neal Stephenson (1995) armor
Space Armor Armored space suits for use in vacuum. James Blish (1957) armor
Genetically Tailored Trees Trees that had been genetically altered to produce and concentrate usable oil. Roger Zelazny (1982) bio
Adaptene Parent of all hormones, it makes possible the adaptation of the human organism to alien worlds. Eando Binder (1939) bio
Alien Life Form Living organisms of non-Earth origin. Arthur K. Barnes (1937) bio
Alien Tarantula Interesting illustration of an animal with gecko-like manipulative capabilities. Ken MacLeod (2003) bio
Alien Zoo A zoo that brings together plants and animals from many planets. Frank Herbert (1977) bio
Allswell An organic compound found (or placed) in food that calms and mellows those who partake of it. Neal Stephenson (2008) bio
Ampek F-a2 Recording System A device that incorporated a living protoplasm, used as a recording and playback system. Philip K. Dick (1964) bio
Android A synthetic being having the form of a human being. Jack Williamson (1936) bio
Artificial Life Creating living beings from inorganic elements. Edmond Hamilton (1926) bio
Biological Package Probe - automaton Johnny Appleseed Larry Niven (1976) bio
Biolution - biological manufacturing The revolution in biological manufacturing techniques. Paul Black (2003) bio
Bladder Birds Alien life well adapted. Stanley G. and Helen Weinbaum (1936) bio
Blithe A plant engineered to produce a substance that brought out compliant behavior in those who consumed it. Neal Stephenson (2008) bio
Bokanovsky's Process A very early description of cloning. Aldous Huxley (1932) bio
Clone The aggregate of individual organisms descended by asexual reproduction from a single sexually produced individual. Theodore L Thomas (1959) bio
Cold-Sleep - hibernation between the stars A form of induced suspended animation, in which a person enters a state like hibernation. Robert Heinlein (1951) bio
Composite Living Forming a meld with other life forms. Robert Sheckley (1995) bio
Cubics Small, square animals that can combine to create a larger entity. Edmond Hamilton (1942) bio
Culture Tank Germs that eat garbage and produce oil. Hal Clement (1950) bio
Cyborg Dolphin (Jones) - war surplus named Jones A heavily modified war surplus dolphin. William Gibson (1981) bio
D-9 Motherspinner - that's a big spider An enormous genetically engineered spider used to create large structures in space. John Varley (1998) bio
Dazer A person who learned biofeedback techniques to float on his own endorphins. David Brin (1990) bio
Desert Cabbage A giant plant that regulates its internal temperature even on Mars. Robert Heinlein (1949) bio
Designed Bacteria - purposive genetic modification Very early reference to the idea of bacteria designed to wipe out a particular species, and no others. Raymond Z. Gallun (1937) bio
Dirt-Farming An archaic method of food production. James Schmitz (1951) bio
DNA Publishing Encode a poem or story in DNA, then multiply. Paul McEuen (2011) bio
Doughpot A mass of white, dough-like protoplasm, ranging in size from a single cell to perhaps twenty tons of mushy filth. Stanley G. Weinbaum (1935) bio
Electro-Culturer A device used to artificially stimulate cell growth and development. A.G. Stangland (1929) bio
Embryo Visualization Special display technique lets researchers see cell development in three dimensions. Joan Slonczewski (1994) bio
Empath - first use A being capable of telepathic empathy with others. J.T. McIntosh (1956) bio
Fabricow Cattle and other creatures that create gene-designed biomachinery in their wombs. David Brin (1990) bio
Face Dancer Mimicry enhanced through genetic manipulation. Frank Herbert (1969) bio
Feeding Room An automated child care. Emile Souvestre (1846) bio
Flat Cat A nearly two-dimensional furry little beast. Robert Heinlein (1952) bio
Flesh Men Thinking beings that are not mechanical robots - human beings. Mari Wolf (1952) bio
Fontema A strange two 'wheeled' animal. E.E. 'Doc' Smith (1950) bio
Freedom Machine - nanotech birth control A birth control device developed using nanotechnology. Neal Stephenson (1995) bio
Fuel Tree Plants raised as fuel. Neal Stephenson (2008) bio
Genejack A genetically-modified human ideally created for menial work. Sid Meier (1999) bio
Genetic Engineering Direct manipulation of genetic material Jack Williamson (1951) bio
Gillfluid - liquid breathing Breathable fluid that provides oxygen to the lungs, allowing greater pressure on the body. Iain M Banks (2004) bio
Gum Tree A huge tree that lashed out with a mind of its own. Eric Frank Russell (1943) bio
Haberman Modified humans controlled by cybernetic implants. Cordwainer Smith (1950) bio
Happicuppa Coffee Bush - the race to the bottom A species of coffee bush designed for ease of harvesting. Margaret Atwood (2003) bio
Homing Butterflies Butterflies modified to accompany a purchased bouquet. Lauren Beukes (2008) bio
Homo Superior A human subspecies created through radical applications of biotechnology. Sid Meier (1999) bio
Hyper-Developed Mulies Bioengineered animals that optimally transform vegetable matter into usable mechanical energy. Paolo Bacigalupi (2005) bio
Hyperpig A genetic chimera of pig and human. Alastair Reynolds (2002) bio
Ideator - gene identification A computer device specifically made to help model genes and proteins for identification. Greg Bear (2003) bio
Life Bank A storage facility with the genetic material that was produced by Earth's ecosystem. John Varley (1977) bio
Life Blanket Sentient moss which, when draped over the shoulders of a human being, becomes fully self-aware, providing valuable services. Clifford Simak (1944) bio
Luggage - sentient container A trunk made from sapient pearwood. Terry Pratchett (1983) bio
Mammontelephas - baby mammoths A 'mammoth' resurrected from the genes of the original. David Brin (1990) bio
Martian Sawgrass - air plant Specialized variety of plant that is used to provide oxygen for space stations. George O. Smith (1942) bio
Meat Puppet A person with a neural cut out chip; the chip allows computer software to completely control their actions. William Gibson (1984) bio
Megadont An engineered mastodon, used to convert vegetable matter into energy. Paolo Bacigalupi (2005) bio
Microde - get a new look like you get the flu A tailored virus, that infects the selected person, and passes on whatever characteristics have been implanted in the virus. Jim Smith (1995) bio
Mind-Parasite Takes over the cognition of a host organism. James Schmitz (1949) bio
Mining Worm (Organic) - living miners Genetically altered earthworm created just for mining. Larry Niven (1968) bio
Modded Dog A canine whose ancestors were genetically modified for higher intelligence; the trait breeds true in offspring. John Brunner (1975) bio
Molemen Alfred Bester (1974) bio
Municipal Cattle Remover A device to pick cattle up and place them in a truck for later dispersion in the countryside. Alan Dean Foster (2006) bio
Mutant A new organism resulting from an alteration in the DNA sequence of its genome or chromosome. Nat Schachner (1934) bio
Mutated Kodiak Bears Animals modified for increased intelligence for defense and companionship. Murray Leinster (1956) bio
Neodog - smarter than Fido Canine-derived animal, genetically engineered for increased intelligence and speech. Robert Heinlein (1959) bio
Nexus-7 Android The next version after the Nexus-6. Philip K. Dick (1968) bio
Nikon Eyes - cultivated eyes Artificially cultivated eyes that can be transplanted to replace (or repair) your original pair. William Gibson (1984) bio
Organlegging - first mention of organ smuggling Technology needed to deal in illicitly obtained body parts. Larry Niven (1967) bio
Pigoon - transgenic pig A transgenic pig, bred to grow replacement organs for humans. Margaret Atwood (2003) bio
Placental Decanters Perfect human bodies with control implants for remote use. James Tiptree, Jr. (1974) bio
Plastic-Eating Bacteria - that's the good news Mutated bacteria able to 'eat' or dissolve rubber and plastic. Michael Crichton (1969) bio
Precog - see the future A person with precognitive ability (can predict the future). Philip K. Dick (1956) bio
Precog (v) - I see you To see the future. H. Beam Piper (1948) bio
Preserving Machine A device that would create a unique animal from a piece of classical music. Philip K. Dick (1953) bio
Prethink - seeing the future The ability to predict the future in a routine perceptual manner. Philip K. Dick (1954) bio
Procreative Stump A woman's torso, kept alive for the purpose of using the womb as an incubator. Frank Herbert (1972) bio
Red Weed (Terraforming Plant) A plant brought by the Martians that grew on Earth. H.G. Wells (1898) bio
Rocket Pine Genetically engineered trees for wood pulp. Alan Dean Foster (2010) bio
Sandtrout Glove A living glove, formed of live creatures. Frank Herbert (1976) bio
Science Chair Grown from your DNA for extra comfort. Nick Harkaway (2023) bio
Scooter - zipping around the moon Biotechnology working to bring you a better solar system - a creepy crawly created to do terraforming work on Jupiter's moon. Gregory Benford (1983) bio
Sculpted Teeth Go beyond teeth whitening to shaped teeth - for a more modern smile. William Gibson (1988) bio
Sentry Trees A set of trees that will allow only those with the safe signal to pass. Jack Vance (1954) bio
Shoggoths Bioengineered creatures, able to change shape, created for labor. H.P. Lovecraft (1936) bio
Slaver Sunflowers Plants evolved to reflect light to burn natural enemies. Larry Niven (1965) bio
Sleep Pod A special place for snoozing. Chris Boyce (1967) bio
Sonic Curtain (Sound Lock) - undersea door An undersea sound curtain that keeps larger animals out. Roger Zelazny (1976) bio
Sours The odor created in enclosed space environments due to the need for bacilli for healthy soil. Bruce Sterling (1985) bio
Spacehound (Beast) Oddly canine, telepathic beast digs in asteroids for metal. F.E. Hardart (1941) bio
Specimen Track A means for transporting laboratory specimens from one workstation to another in an automated lab. Greg Bear (2003) bio
Sterile Seeds Seeds that are bioengineered to grow, but not to produce fertile seeds. Paolo Bacigalupi (2005) bio
Swibble - mind control machine An artificially evolved telepathic metazoan-based mind control device. Philip K. Dick (1955) bio
Symb A symbiont life form that provides its human with life-giving energy. John Varley (1977) bio
Synthetic Babies A means of gestating eggs to term is found. David H. Keller (1928) bio
Synthetic Life Living animals made from scratch using inorganic elements. Charles Cloukey (1930) bio
Tectogenetic Deliberate manipulation of genes to produce unique species. Norman L. Knight (1940) bio
Underpeople An animal modified to be human in shape and intellect. Cordwainer Smith (1950) bio
Universal Sterilization Law All young people were sterilized, and replacement people were generated artificially. David H. Keller (1928) bio
Week Trees - quick bonsai Specially engineered bonsai that could grow in a week, instead of decades. Rudy Rucker (1988) bio
Wimp - body without a mind A special-purpose body; grown without personality, but physically intact. John Varley (1983) bio
Airbag Jacket - instant Michelin Man A jacket or coverall with inflatable air bags throughout for protection against impact. Neal Stephenson (1992) clothing
Air-Conditioned Coat An otherwise ordinary overcoat that fights the heat. Bruce Sterling (1993) clothing
Arachnofiber Uniforms - Spidey delivers pizza Remarkable attire for a pizza delivery person; but given the violence of near future America, the protection offered by ordinary uniforms was insufficient. Neal Stephenson (1992) clothing
Armor Cloth Extremely tough synthetic fabric. Larry Niven (w/J. Pournelle) (1974) clothing
Artificial Cloth The creation of fabrics without organic natural fibers. Hugo Gernsback (1911) clothing
Artificial Silk A fabric like silk produced entirely without silkworms. George Parsons Lathrop (1897) clothing
Automated Surface Measurement - 100 years before cgi needed it A mechanical method of accurately measuring a surface. H.G. Wells (1899) clothing
Bio-Fabric - living cloth Living cloth that constantly adapts itself to the personality and needs of its wearer. J.G. Ballard (1970) clothing
Catchpocket A small container in a stillsuit that stored reclaimed water. Frank Herbert (1965) clothing
Chameleon Battle-Dress Camouflage that allows its wearer to visually blend into the environment. Gordon R. Dickson (1960) clothing
Chameleon Cloth - great camouflage Clothing that changes color and pattern to match its surroundings. George RR Martin (1977) clothing
Crowdcutter A device worn to part crowds. Malka Older (2016) clothing
Digital Running Shoes - just measure it Shoes with a digital readout showing performance. Bruce Sterling (1988) clothing
Electric Diaper A diaper that will indicate when it is wet. David H. Keller (1928) clothing
Electrically Heated Clothes Using artificial heating to counteract the cold of space. A.E. van Vogt (1940) clothing
Email Shirt See your email on your shirt. Margaret Atwood (2003) clothing
Fabricules - squeaky clean nanomachine Tiny bits of fabric that were self-cleaning; gloves made of this material always stayed clean. Neal Stephenson (1995) clothing
Heat-Suit Perfect for those incredibly hot planets with breathable atmospheres. Murray Leinster (1955) clothing
Inert-Wear - unfashionably static Clothing made of dead fibers; clothing that is unmoving, static. J.G. Ballard (1970) clothing
Jubba Cloak An all-purpose garment in common use on Arrakis Frank Herbert (1965) clothing
Mecho-Clothing Apparel created entirely by machines. Philip K. Dick (1954) clothing
Mimetic Polycarbon Suit - urban camouflage Clothing made from a fiber that could change colors based on either recorded images or real-time picture input. William Gibson (1984) clothing
Onionskin Transparent Jeans See-through pants. Gary Shteyngart (2011) clothing
Pneumo-Slacks Pants that make you look beefier. Lewis Padgett (1943) clothing
Scramble Suit - instant anonymity A superthin membrane upon which are projected the characteristics of a million different people, it confers instant anonymity. Philip K. Dick (1977) clothing
Self-Cleaning Gym Suit Removes the source of odor. Margaret Atwood (2003) clothing
Shari A multipurpose net worn as clothing. Margaret St. Clair (1949) clothing
Shiftsuit A form of adaptive camouflage gear. Steve Perry (1986) clothing
Sideglance Robe A dress that is invisible or opaque, depending on how you look at it. Philip K. Dick (1953) clothing
Sleeve Communicator - before ST:TNG An electronic device controller built into clothing. Murray Leinster (1945) clothing
Spray-Foam Blouse - spray and wear Clothing that is sprayed on fresh. Philip K. Dick (1969) clothing
Spray-On Clothing - dresses in a can Body coverings from a spray can. Stanislaw Lem (1961) clothing
Spray-On Clothing Web A 'web' clothing foundation that can be sprayed on and then molded by a couturier. Jack Vance (1952) clothing
Spray-On Gloves Fashionable evening gloves that are sprayed onto the hand and arm. Jack Vance (1952) clothing
Stillsuit - when you want water retention It covers almost the entire body, provides cooling and ensures that almost no moisture is lost. Frank Herbert (1965) clothing
Stillsuit Desert Boots Special boots that offered parasitic power harvesting. Frank Herbert (1969) clothing
Transparent Overalls Perfect for prisoners, because nothing can be concealed. Harry Harrison (1970) clothing
Watertube Carries water to and from the catchpockets in a Fremen stillsuit. Frank Herbert (1965) clothing
Adjustable Television A television that allowed viewers to adjust the content of political speeches. Philip K. Dick (1964) comms
Adnix A device that muted the television to lessen the impact of commercials. Carl Sagan (1985) comms
Aerial Telegraph Communication between individuals in spacesuits. Garrett P. Serviss (1898) comms
Angel Music Player A device that beams music directly into your brain, without wires. Stephen Baxter (2008) comms
Ansible - the ultimate long distance phone Faster-than-light communication. Ursula LeGuin (1966) comms
Argento-Platinoid Dispatch Box Impenetrable message carriers. Nat Schachner (w. AL Zagat) (1931) comms
Artificial Intelligence Device (AID) Hand-held device responds intelligently to military intelligence requests. John Ringo (2000) comms
Artificially Produced Speech Speech produced by mechanical means, rather than with vocal chords. Raymond Z. Gallun (1938) comms
Atomician Sign Language Specialized sign language used by those who work with atomics. Leo Zagat (1948) comms
Audio Relay - personal RFID transceiver A communication device implanted behind the ear; also used as an alarm for wake-up calls. Robert Heinlein (1951) comms
Automatic Commercial Deletion - no more commercials Device automatically detects commercials and turns off the set for the duration. Arthur K. Barnes (1938) comms
Autosecretary (Autosec) - clipping service for the net A software agent able to accept your query and then seach the public net for related information. David Brin (1990) comms
Avatar - godlike poseurs A computer-enhanced doppelganger; a computer-generated image that takes your place in a three-dimensional online encounter. Neal Stephenson (1992) comms
Babble Machine - you know Not just television - this describes what we call 'the idiot box' (technology and media). H.G. Wells (1899) comms
Babel Fish - improbable translator A living fish which, when placed in your ear, will live there and translate any form of language for you. Douglas Adams (1979) comms
Battle Language A special-purpose language designed for both clear communication of information related to war, and difficulty of translation. Frank Herbert (1965) comms
Biosoft A biography that includes actual life experience from the subject; a biographical download. William Gibson (1986) comms
Black Cube Teaching Machine A device that offers recorded images, teaching the user. Jack Williamson (1934) comms
Black square A device for secret communication. Frank Herbert (1981) comms
Boob Cube - 3D TV is no better Device for showing three-dimensional news broadcasts. Larry Niven (1998) comms
Bugged Money - money rigged for surveillance American cash with embedded listening devices. Bruce Sterling (1998) comms
Caleban Contact - listen to the stars A form of telepathy based on the use of unimaginably enormous amounts of energy. Frank Herbert (1977) comms
Call Notification Unit A small portable device that let you know that you had a phone call at your home. Roger Zelazny (1982) comms
Caller Contact List - very early use A list of callers kept on the phone instrument. Frederik Pohl (1966) comms
Cellphone Voice Mail - very early use of concept Callers speak into their instrument, and the content of the call is stored by the network for the user to replay at will. Frederik Pohl (1966) comms
Chalf (Quick-Scribe Powder) - wave the stick A special powder that forms itself into words and symbols. Frank Herbert (1964) comms
Chalf-Memory Stick Device that organizes special dust in the shape of words and symbols. Frank Herbert (1964) comms
'Chatterbox' News-Receptor An appliance for listening to the news that lacked content controls. Robert Heinlein (1941) comms
Chest Disc - speak clearly A voice activated wireless transmitter. Philip Frances Nowlan (1928) comms
Claim Beacon A electronic device that proclaims that a planet has been claimed by a given party. Keith Laumer (1969) comms
Comlink Short for communications link; a small portable communicator. George Lucas (1976) comms
Command Microphone - for Battle Commanders A cloak that served as a microphone and public address system. Keith Laumer (1982) comms
Commercial Fly An autonomous, fly-sized manufactured creature that presents commercial advertisements. Philip K. Dick (1964) comms
Communicate with Extraterrestrials - first use of concept Early plan to communicate with life on planets removed from the earth. Jules Verne (1867) comms
Communication Disk A wearable device that told the time as updated from a central source. Nat Schachner (w. AL Zagat) (1931) comms
Communications Implant - I think therefore I network A surgically implanted device enabling the user to communicate with computer networks. Jerry Pournelle (w/L. Niven) (1981) comms
Communicator A small device that works to communicate over large distances. E.E. 'Doc' Smith (1934) comms
Communinet A public data network.i Brian Herbert (1965) comms
Companion Implant - life monitor Electronic device placed within the body; it has a wide variety of uses. Robert J. Sawyer (2003) comms
Compulsive Subsonics - ads dodge your cortex An advertising agency works with every part of the audience's brain. Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth) (1952) comms
Cosmic Teletype A device that utilizes the fourth dimensional continuum to achieve communication at great distances. Carl Jacobi (1938) comms
Daisy Projector Beam of energy penetrates the Heaviside layer to enable communication from planet to planet. John W. Campbell (1932) comms
Dattoo A data exchange device worn on the skin like a tattoo. Greg Bear (2009) comms
Diabological Armory A set of verbal tools based on a higher form of reasoning. Eric Frank Russell (1955) comms
Dictatel A thought-based dictating machine. Frank Herbert (1981) comms
Dirac Transmitter (also Tranceiver or Communicator) - instant communication A device that provides instantaneous communication anywhere in the galaxy. James Blish (1957) comms
Discorporaphone For speaking with the electronic dead. Samuel R. Delany (1966) comms
Distrans - talk to the animals Device produces a temporary neural imprint on the nervous system of Chiroptera or birds. Frank Herbert (1965) comms
Dog Pod Grid - aerostat defensive maneuver A swarm of quasi-independent aerostatic devices. Neal Stephenson (1995) comms
Eccentric Projection Remote manipulation of a body not your own. James Tiptree, Jr. (1974) comms
E-Document Distribution - step up to the kiosk A method of wirelessly distributing a document to a large group of people in an ad hoc setting. David Brin (1990) comms
Electrosecretary - automatic transcription machine An automatic transcription device. Arthur C. Clarke (1961) comms
Emissarial Projection - almost an a.i. An expert system able to converse and act in the capacity of ambassador. Iain M Banks (2004) comms
EPR Phone Telephony that uses quantum effects for transmission - and is therefore the ultimate in anti-eavesdropping technology. Greg Bear (2009) comms
Etherphone Receiver A special earpiece to hear coded updates. Raymond Z. Gallun (1938) comms
Ether-Traffic The communications spectrum of the solar system. P. Schuyler Miller (w/D. McDermott) (1932) comms
Fatline - FTL communication A communications technology that provides immediate communication between star systems; faster-than-light communication. Dan Simmons (1989) comms
Filament Paper Book - small for space travel Very small book, made for space travelers in an era when the smallest added weight was costly. Frank Herbert (1965) comms
Filmag A video magazine. Leo Zagat (1943) comms
Fixed Star Advertising In which the positions of the fixed stars are changed to form advertising. Frederic Brown (1945) comms
Fossil Shell Coin The use of rare natural shells of an extinct species, for money. Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1871) comms
Free Telephone Call All telephone calls are free - in exchange for short commercials. J.G. Ballard (1963) comms
Generate New Phone Number A software program that creates a new phone number for each call. John Varley (1984) comms
Geosynchronous Satellite - invention of idea A communications satellite that appears to "hover" over one spot on the earth's surface; it goes around the earth in twenty-four hours. Arthur C. Clarke (1945) comms
Ghostsmoke An advertisement projected onto a fine mist. John Varley (1977) comms
Green Bullet - carry your mentor with you A very compact (for 1950) radio transceiver, worn in the ear like a hearing aid. Ray Bradbury (1953) comms
Hearing Aid - someone to listen A service that allows people to anonymously talk with another person who only listens. John Brunner (1975) comms
Home News Printer - news hot off the press A device that prints out the newspaper of your choice right in your own home. Edward Page Mitchell (1879) comms
Hush Corner - noise reduction A space made private by canceling sound waves in that area. Robert Heinlein (1956) comms
Hush-a-Phone - noise suppression for telephones A special kind of telephone that reduced noise while talking. Robert Heinlein (1940) comms
Implanted Comlink Transceiver inserted below the skin. Nancy Kress (2004) comms
Implanted Tranceiver - totally hands free phone Device enables two-way communication with needing to carry a device. Frank Herbert (1972) comms
Ingestible Communication Capsule - only in emergencies A tiny transmitter that can be swallowed, which makes possible voice communication. E.E. 'Doc' Smith (1934) comms
Interplanetary Communications Center - sol system switchboard The backbone for a solar system-wide communications system. George O. Smith (1942) comms
Kinagram - moving letters Small print-size icons that presented a moving image. Neal Stephenson (2008) comms
Lecton - be read to A device that would read aloud an electronic text book. Stanislaw Lem (1961) comms
Librareome Project Blasting libraries into bits to create a library of perfect digitized electronic books. Vernor Vinge (2006) comms
Live Memo - it reads itself to you A paper memo or short letter that reads itself and can even argue with or exhort its reader. Philip K. Dick (1964) comms
Living Book A small creature that is used to contain and play back information. Sydney Fowler Wright (Collins So) comms
Logics Service A networked service that retains all of your personal information, schedules and phone messages online. Murray Leinster (1946) comms
Mail-Post Letter-Ball A system of sending mail quickly from town to town via steam-cannon-powered hollow spheres. Jane Webb Loudon (1828) comms
Maximum-security Booth - high security phone system A special phone booth for receiving high-security, scrambled telephone calls, calls which included 3D visuals. Robert Heinlein (1956) comms
Mechanical Newsmachine An automated device that delivers on-the-spot news. Philip K. Dick (1955) comms
Menograph (Mind-Writer) Direct translation of thought to paper. Hugo Gernsback (1911) comms
Menslator - mental translation A translator that works by examining the mental image of what you are trying to say. George O. Smith (1952) comms
Mentophone A device that facilitates long-distance telepathy. Clifford Simak (1951) comms
Message Cylinder - locked capsule A small metal object containing some form of message media and a mechanism for either playing or extruding the medium; secured communication device. Frank Herbert (1965) comms
Message Cylinder (Message Bomb) A means of sending dispatches from space via a small projectile dropped from orbit; effectively a message rocket. Bruno H. Burgel (1931) comms
Message Tree - communication standard for a world A tree growing out of a huge cliff of crystal provides communication for a world. James Blish (1953) comms
Messagecraft An autonomous spacecraft and drone that serves as a communication node in a network that spans star systems. George Scithers (1969) comms
Metal Message In Space A message sent to other worlds, inscribed on metal. John Edwards (1934) comms
Monobloc Dating System - advanced dating software A kind of pub with unique hardware and software for computer dating. Larry Niven (1998) comms
Moratorium A place that kept people in cold-pac after death, providing them a kind of half-life. Philip K. Dick (1969) comms
Multiple Sample Voice - sound mixing 30's style The use of multiple voice samples to create a single, smoothed voice. Nat Schachner (1937) comms
Neck-Phone An implanted telecommunications device. Philip K. Dick (1955) comms
Needlecast - tightbeam transmission of being A tightbeam transmission of your very being. Richard Morgan (2003) comms
Networked Telephone Answering Machine A device that would accept verbal messages and store them for replay from any remote station. H.G. Wells (1923) comms
Networked World Very early description of our dependence on technology and communication. H.G. Wells (1899) comms
Newsbox (News-Receptor) - better than Google news plus Tivo Also referred to as a microviewer; could search media programming for news on a particular words used in the broadcast. Robert Heinlein (1941) comms
News-Dispenser Audio news ready when you are. Francis Flagg (1932) comms
Newstaper Gear The devices used by a person who serves as a reporter, cameraman and story finder. Larry Niven (1972) comms
Open-Air Moving Picture Shows Public news outlets Victor Rousseau (1917) comms
Optic Television An eye that "sees" more than just its surroundings. Bruce Sterling (1984) comms
Opti-Phone Yet another name for a videophone. Eando Binder (1939) comms
Optophone (Opto) A video call system. Harl Vincent (1931) comms
'Pape Machine - name your news Yet another name for the homeostatic newspaper; this one has special features including news search. Philip K. Dick (1969) comms
Pay Per View TV The broadcast of games and matches to private televisions for a fee. David H. Keller (1929) comms
Phased Acoustical Array - hear it all An music system implanted right on your eardrum. Neal Stephenson (1995) comms
Phonotelephote - earliest reference to videophone A means of transmitting and receiving both voice and picture for a personal conversation. Jules Verne (1889) comms
Photophone A device that provided a view of the other booth. Homer Eon Flint (1918) comms
Picphone A small telephone that has a screen to show pictures. Philip K. Dick (1974) comms
Planetary Telegraphing A method for communicating with dwellers on other planets in the solar system. George Parsons Lathrop (1897) comms
Pocket Phone (or pocketphone) - invention of the cell phone A telephone that is not hard wired to the network; a mobile or cell phone. Robert Heinlein (1953) comms
Pocket Receiver An early visualization of the smartphone. Stanislaw Lem (1955) comms
Pocket wireless phone An entirely portable, pocket-sized, telephone. Harry Stephen Keeler (1915) comms
Pocket-Caller Private communication device that fits in your pocket. Manly Wade Wellman (1940) comms
Pokkecon A device tied into a good will network. Bruce Sterling (1998) comms
Polycarbon Phone Screen A telephone that provides videophone capability using a very thin screen that is folded away when not in use. William Gibson (1986) comms
Polyceltron Iconoscope Televisor A portable camera and microphone setup that could broadcast on-the-spot news. Harl Vincent (1939) comms
Portable Telephone - early reference The essence of a cell phone. Robert Heinlein (1948) comms
Portal Sensory experience of a data network. Vernor Vinge (1981) comms
Post Office - special package delivery A vault used to store time capsules left by travelers to the past; not your usual delivery service. John Varley (1983) comms
Pray-Machine - megawatts of prayer A kind of energy receiver that could retrieve a soul from the radiation belt surrounding a planet. Roger Zelazny (1967) comms
Preserved Brains Preserving a brain, and then communicating with it. Edmond Hamilton (1938) comms
Projection - be in two places at once A means of projecting your image to a distant place. Alfred Bester (1974) comms
Protophason Amplifier Detects brain activity of those in half-life. Philip K. Dick (1969) comms
Psychode A device that enables communication by thought alone. Jack Williamson (1938) comms
Psycho-Phone A device that recorded and played back the thoughts of the user. David H. Keller (1928) comms
Quantum Communications Hub - EPR rules A communications satellite that permits immediate communication between planets and ships in the solar system. Sean McKee (2004) comms
Radio-Facsimile Receiver A device that prints a newspaper in your home. Don Wilcox (1939) comms
Reciprocal Name - cellphone nickname A nickname or familiar name used to specify a more completely defined full name and telephone number. Frederik Pohl (1966) comms
Relay - the total experience of mankind A central information system used to coordinate all of human culture and technology. Philip K. Dick (1954) comms
Reserve Bracelet A means of sending a message via tiny shocks in code, delivered to the wrist. Murray Leinster (1944) comms
Robot Voice A voice box for a robot that is an analog of the human voice system. Isaac Asimov (1944) comms
Runcible - every page an LCD screen A book made of smart paper; every page is a flexible LCD (liquid crystal display) screen. Neal Stephenson (1995) comms
Screening Software Rules-based software trained to eliminate spam email. Greg Egan (1991) comms
Seashell Radio (Thimble Radios) - original walkman (or ear buds) Small radios that fit into the ears like hearing aids or ear buds. Ray Bradbury (1953) comms
Signal Skin Natural communication form for this species; skin that can spell out text. Iain M Banks (2004) comms
Sniggertrance - caught between the stars The state of a person receiving a call mediated by a Taprisiot; interiorized consciousness accompanied by spastic, jerking body movements. Frank Herbert (1969) comms
Soft Speaker - focus sound like a spotlight A device that sends a tightly-controlled beam of sound. L. Sprague de Camp (1940) comms
Sono-Induction Coils - buried speaker technology A public address system consisting of buried coils. Nat Schachner (1937) comms
Sound Analysis Improving language teaching by showing the waveform of a spoken word or phrase, and comparing it to standard speech. Robert Heinlein (1953) comms
Sound-Transposing Machine A device that scans a printed page and reads it out loud. David H. Keller (1934) comms
Spacegram - solar system telegram Telegrams of the space lanes. J. Harvey Haggard (1931) comms
Speakwrite - transcription of tyranny A dictation machine that also transcribes the speech into typed words. George Orwell (1948) comms
Speedtalk A constructed language that uses a single sound to stand for a word, achieving great improvements in communication speed. Robert Heinlein (1953) comms
Spotcast A new form of one-to-many communication. Henry Kuttner (1946) comms
Spot-Wavex Scrambler - personalized mass media Provides a more personalized experience of television, by letting the announcers talk to you personally. Ray Bradbury (1953) comms
Stereo Tank - 3D TV receiver A receiver for three-dimensional televised images. Robert Heinlein (1961) comms
Stereovision Tank - 3D TV tank (and first screen saver) Three dimensional mass media (the grandson of television). Robert Heinlein (1961) comms
Stratovideo (Television Plane) - line-of-sight communication An aircraft with studios that continuously broadcast line-of-sight television. E.B. White (1950) comms
Sub-Etha Sens-O-Matic - better range than your thumb A device which senses passing spacecraft; essential tool of interstellar hitchhikers Douglas Adams (1979) comms
Suction Mail Tube An evacuated tube system carrying mail to residences. Ray Bradbury (1951) comms
Sun-Telephone Receives transmissions from the sun itself. George Parsons Lathrop (1897) comms
Talking Pamphlet - maybe too convenient An instructional pamphlet that instructs you through ordinary speech. Harlan Ellison (1974) comms
Talking Tape - smart as a brick Adhesive-backed network connection, global positioning, voice synthesis and speakers. Bruce Sterling (1998) comms
Taper - interstellar portable A device that records details about a visit to a distant planet. Clifford Simak (1961) comms
Taprisiot - galactic long distance calling A kind of symbiote, which attuned itself to the user, allowing an expansion of consciousness - telepathic communication anywhere in the galaxy in real time. Frank Herbert (1977) comms
Taprisiot Monitor Bead - last chance to surveil A small bead to be swallowed that allowed the thoughts of a person to be transmitted and recorded during a specified interval. Frank Herbert (1977) comms
TBR (Talk Between Robots) Circuit A special means of communications used by robots to speak with each other. Frederik Pohl (1954) comms
Telaudiogram An interplanetary communication method. Edmond Hamilton (1942) comms
Telautograph First fictional reference to a fax machine. Hugo Gernsback (1911) comms
Tele-Audiovized Meeting Teleconferencing done right. Nat Schachner (w. AL Zagat) (1931) comms
Telepath Transmitter A device for long distance communication that makes use of telepathy. James Schmitz (1949) comms
Telephonoscope A device that effectively transmits pictures and sound over long distances. Albert Robida (1882) comms
Telephot - early videophone A device that combined the functions of telephone and television; a phone with a screen. Hugo Gernsback (1911) comms
Telephotography Sending pictures over a distance, displaying them on a vast screen. Bruno H. Burgel (1931) comms
Telescribe Creates a written record of distress signals and other reports. Malcolm Jameson (1939) comms
Teleview A device for seeing at a distance. Bob Olsen (1929) comms
Televisiophone A device that combines picture with sound for personal communication. John W. Campbell (1931) comms
Televisor A viewing screen. Bob Olsen (1929) comms
Telucid A holographic projector. R.F. Starzl (1931) comms
Third Eye An output device that uses the skin of the user. Daniel Suarez (2006) comms
Thumper - rhythmic vibration A short stake with a spring-driven clapper at one end; used to call sandworms. Frank Herbert (1965) comms
Tiered Internet The idea that some forms of Internet network traffic should be given priority over others. John Brunner (1975) comms
Tik-Talker A method of scrambling spoken speech for encoded transmission. Alan Nourse (w/Meyer) (1958) comms
Time Capsule - time traveler's use them A hollow block of metal, impervious to the elements, used by time travelers to send messages to the future. John Varley (1983) comms
Translation Program A computer program that translates speech from one language to another, in real time, to aid in conversation. Bruce Sterling (1993) comms
Translatophone A device that performs mechanical translation of one language into another. Frank Stockton (1901) comms
Translator Discs Wearable devices that wirelessly connected to a speech translation computer. Larry Niven (1970) comms
Transmit-Paper - first use of this idea Paper form with a built-in capability to transmit the information written with a stylus to a remote computer network. Frank Herbert (1972) comms
Transmitter Eyes Closed circuit cameras that provided sight and sound to remote viewers of the Courtarena who wish to remain anonymous. Frank Herbert (1977) comms
Trans-Space Transmission A curious method of communication between worlds. Jack Vance (1976) comms
Trumpaphone A loud, brassy instrument. Don Wilcox (1940) comms
Trumps Magical Tarot cards that permitted both communication and transportation. Roger Zelazny (1970) comms
Ullran Enunciator Special prosthesis needed to aid humans in speaking an alien language. H. Beam Piper (1952) comms
Ultra-Communicator A communication system that transfers voice commands from one person to selected others. E.E. 'Doc' Smith (1937) comms
Ultraphone Ear-Disc - no need for Bluetooth Wireless receivers that fit directly over the ears; they also offered noise reduction. Philip Frances Nowlan (1928) comms
Ultraset (Ultrawave Set) - fast comm A device that used ultrawave faster-than-light (FTL) communication. Lester del Rey (1939) comms
Ultrawave - FTL communication A means of faster-than-light (FTL) communication. E.E. 'Doc' Smith (1934) comms
Ultrawave Relay or Hyperwave Relay - first use of FTL communication Instantaneous, faster-than-light communication system. Isaac Asimov (1951) comms
Ultrophone - FTL communication A means of communication that transmits and receives simultaneously. Philip Frances Nowlan (1928) comms
Vibrowriter - automatic transcription A device that translated speech and typed it out for you. David H. Keller (1934) comms
Video Communicator A device that carried both voice and image, letting the two parties see each other. E.M. Forster (1909) comms
Videophone A person-to-person communication device offering sight as well as sound. Harl Vincent (1928) comms
Visiphone Visual as well as audio communication. David M. Speaker (1930) comms
Visual Report Screen A device that allows a robot nanny to let the owners view what the robot sees from a remote location. Philip K. Dick (1955) comms
Voder Device that produces speech by purely mechanical means. D.L. James (1940) comms
Voice Dialing Speak the name of the person and call them on the phone. Frederik Pohl (1966) comms
Voicecorder A device that records verbal output and determines truth or falsehood. Brian Herbert (1969) comms
Voice-Enabled Smartphone - I talk, it listens A smartphone capable of complete voice-enabled operation. Frederik Pohl (1966) comms
Voxcoder - secret comm Device for secure communication. Chris Wooding (2006) comms
Wearable White-Noise Generator - urban isolation gear A device worn when the wearer preferred not to be the subject of audio recordings. William Gibson (1996) comms
Web (Data Network) - remarkable first use An information network. Philip K. Dick (1954) comms
Webcast - first use A broadcast accomplished over a data network. D.K. Moran (1987) comms
Whisper Line A means of communication between prisoners held in wide separation. Alfred Bester (1956) comms
Whispering Gallery A means of communication in specifically shaped spaces. Jules Verne (1864) comms
Wireless Access Point Infrastructure that provides power and wireless communication. H.G. Wells (1923) comms
Wireless Wrist Intercom - like a cell phone A portable wireless intercom, worn on the wrist. H.G. Wells (1936) comms
Word Tab - find out more info. A feature of an e-paper document; touch the word tab and get more information. Philip K. Dick (1964) comms
Wrist Command - very trek A wearable communications device; the logical endpoint of mobile computing. Gregory Benford (1989) comms
XV - share your thoughts Allows anyone to directly experience another person's conscious awareness. John Barnes (1994) comms
Zoom Call Visaphone System An amazingly early description of a modern zoom call on a big screen monitor. Harry Stephen Keeler (1915) comms
Accu-Terrain Floor A special floor for virtual reality environments that simulates any kind of surface. David Brin (1994) computer
Aggressive-Response Service An answering service with an attitude. John Varley (1998) computer
Airboarding Typing in thin air to input characters into a computer. Charles Stross (2007) computer
Alien Trojan Malware from another world! David Webber (2010) computer
Alternate Computer Personality A computer system that can take on complete, alternate personalities. Robert Heinlein (1966) computer
AM - an Agressive Menace A supercomputer that hates. Harlan Ellison (1967) computer
Answerboard - good name for it A forum or computer meeting location with experts on a particular topic. Vernor Vinge (2006) computer
Artificial Brain A non-organic device structured like a human brain. Edmond Hamilton (1926) computer
Automated Travel Bureau A computer program that allows individuals to book their travel arrangements themselves, with a credit card. Robert Heinlein (1982) computer
Auto-Treadmills (Needle-Gym) A simulation-exercise room floor that allows the user to walk and run on a consistently realistic surface. David Brin (1994) computer
Ballistic Calculator - trajectories between planets An on-board computer for a spaceship to calculate its course and perform other related tasks. Robert Heinlein (1939) computer
Biologics - organic computing A computer that is made of organic (biological) components, rather than inorganic materials like silicon. Greg Bear (1984) computer
Blacknet - antisocial networking An antisocial networking site. Charles Stross (2007) computer
Brain Machine Powerful mechanical computer. Nat Schachner (Astounding) computer
BrainPal A neural implant. John Scalzi (2005) computer
Brains 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 Eando Binder (1953) computer
Briefcase Computer - early reference A portable computer workstation. James P. Hogan (1977) computer
Briefcase Console - the original notebook computer A notebook computer Jerry Pournelle (w/L. Niven) (1981) computer
Brood Assembly - first self reproducing automata Artificially intelligent computers that can replicate themselves. James Blish (1957) computer
Calculator Pad - grandfather of the pocket calculator Used to make psychohistoric calculations Isaac Asimov (1951) computer
Carson Circuit - the secret of the Internet A means of distinguishing betweem millions of different information sources - the secret of the Internet. Murray Leinster (1946) computer
Chemical Brain A purely chemical artificial intelligence. Francis Flagg (1929) computer
CIC Virtual Earth - google earth A software application that presents detailed information about the Earth. Neal Stephenson (1992) computer
Comeye - portable video camera A portable video camera, used by the mobile functionary to keep in touch with office. Frank Herbert (1984) computer
Computational Textile Wearable computer sensors. Alastair Reynolds (2005) computer
Computer Generated DigItal Music A computer composes music with a few simple inputs from the user. Donald Kingsbury (1979) computer
Computer Translator - computer translator and GPS A computer translator; software that provides automatic translation when jacked into a data port. William Gibson (1996) computer
Computer Virus A software program that copies itself to other computers. Gregory Benford (1970) computer
Computer Vision (Artificial Eye) A device which, attached to a suitable computer, will allow the device to see. Edmond Hamilton (1926) computer
Computer Worm (Tapeworm) - first use of the concept The first description of a set of computer codes that moves from one computer to another on a network as a coherent entity. John Brunner (1975) computer
Computer-Created Dub Music created by an artificially intelligent computer for a specific audience. William Gibson (1984) computer
Computers Improve Computers The idea that it will be possible for computers to design more advanced computers. Isaac Asimov (1958) computer
Comsole (Home Communications Console) A home computer, connected to data services. Arthur C. Clarke (1976) computer
CopSpace - MySpace for police, and then some A virtual location for police lifelogs, official communications, paperwork, informational databases and evidence of all kinds. Charles Stross (2007) computer
Cortical Stack - USB/WiFi flashdrive for your brain Implanted hardware device that contains a backup copy of your mental self. Richard Morgan (2003) computer
Cutoff Switch - a cable guillotine A means of instantaneously switching off an artificial intelligence. Arthur C. Clarke (1982) computer
Cyberspace - the original consensual hallucination A computer technology that allowed people to see a computer network as an internal experience. William Gibson (1982) computer
Cyborg Pilot - man plus machine A combination of a human being (at least the thinking part) and a machine. Robert Heinlein (1966) computer
Data Space Computer storage and processor time rented by the user. Vernor Vinge (1981) computer
Datacase - a status-thin briefcase for electronics A portable suitcase, containing useful electronics for the mobile business-person. Frank Herbert (1984) computer
Data-Net An early mention of the idea of a nationwide data network. John Brunner (1975) computer
Data-Retrieval Programs - ferrets, hounds, foxes and badgers Programs that searched the Net for specific information. David Brin (1990) computer
Dataset A portable computer with multiple screens and capabilities. Vernor Vinge (1992) computer
Datasphere The entirety of computers and their information linked together, typically on a planet, in concept. Dan Simmons (1989) computer
Datumplane The workspace of console cowboys - the matrix. Dan Simmons (1989) computer
Desk (Personal Computer) A computer for students. Orson Scott Card (1985) computer
Desktop-TV Video available worldwide, prepared by everyone. Robert J. Sawyer (1998) computer
Dustmote A tiny sensor device that could also form networks with other motes. Vernor Vinge (1999) computer
Edgar Computer that falls in love with a human woman. Rusty Lemorande (1984) computer
Edge Controls A pocket-sized device using controls on the edge of the device, leaving the face for display purposes only. Isaac Asimov (1958) computer
Electromagnetic Shotgun - take out an AI A device to shut down an artificial intelligence if it becomes dangerous. William Gibson (1984) computer
Electronic Analogue of Living Brain Imposing the abilities of a human brain into a computer Frederik Pohl (1955) computer
Electronic Voting Using computer terminals to register votes from citizens. John Brunner (1975) computer
EmilyPost - checks for flames An autonomous worm that searches the Net for lack of courtesy. David Brin (1990) computer
EYE Program A massive government database on civilians. John Twelve Hawks (2014) computer
EyePod - you'll need one for your implant A generic term for the external computing processing unit needed for eye implants. Robert J. Sawyer (2009) computer
Flexy (or Flexies) A flexible, quasi-living computer. Alastair Reynolds (2005) computer
Folding Computer Terminal A foldable pocket computer. John Barnes (2002) computer
Folding Terminal A computer that unfolds itself for use. Ray Naylor (2022) computer
Full-Shift Set Variable - early mention in gaming Infinite possibilities built into a game machine. Philip K. Dick (1967) computer
Games Machine A vast computer system. A.E. van Vogt (1945) computer
Geometric Modeling - eighteenth century NURBS The first recorded use of geometric figures to directly represent, or model, living beings. Jonathan Swift (1726) computer
Ghostwheel A sentient computer partially built with magic. Roger Zelazny (1986) computer
Gigagnostotron Enormously powerful computing device. Stanislaw Lem (1965) computer
Gnostotron Computing device capable of producing an informational model of absolutely everything in existence. Stanislaw Lem (1965) computer
Governing Keyboard A remote-controlled robot responds to keyboard commands. David H. Keller (1929) computer
Government Data Transparency The idea that all of the information available to the government should be posted online and be easily accessible to everyone. John Brunner (1975) computer
Government Machine The automata that constitute the entire government, all in one building. Miles J. Breuer (1932) computer
Grantline Comptometer - long before Mathematica Key-driven computer/calculator that easily solves even calculus problems. Ray Cummings (1928) computer
Hand Computer A small pocket-sized computing device. Isaac Asimov (1956) computer
Handbag Computer Device capable of carrying on your conversation for you. Stanislaw Lem (1974) computer
Holo-Printing Errors introduced in data storage media when recording under improper conditions. Philip K. Dick (1977) computer
House Records -10K years of information management The vast archival information management system of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood, covering millennia. Frank Herbert (1984) computer
Human Habit Pattern Machines Imposing human habits onto machines. Frederik Pohl (1955) computer
ICE (intrusion countermeasures electronics) - anti-hacker Electronic protection for computer databases. William Gibson (1984) computer
Icon Thumbsized Image - first reference? A very early reference to a screen icon. Arthur C. Clarke (1968) computer
Implanted Microprocessor Monitor Chips that are implanted in people to ensure compliance with company rules. William Gibson (1984) computer
Integral Calculator A device that accepts complex equations and solves them. Nat Schachner (w. AL Zagat) (1931) computer
Intellectual Cell - cellular computing A smart lymphocyte; a cell with enhanced capacity for memory, understanding and communication. Greg Bear (1984) computer
Interests Profile - an intelligent agent An intelligent agent; a software program with your personal tastes on file. Frederik Pohl (1966) computer
Internet Addiction A state in which human beings experience addiction to computer access and data streams. Dan Simmons (1989) computer
Jackleg - dodge the data cops Moving data around to avoid detection or capture. Bruce Sterling (1988) computer
Joymaker - the ultimate PDA A networked personal digital assistant - that really is an assistant. Frederik Pohl (1966) computer
Junkbot - spamachine An automated email program that specializes in sending junk mail (spam) Bruce Sterling (1998) computer
Keyboard With Changing Keys A computer keyboard with keys faced with little displays, so the label could change based on the application or language. Arthur C. Clarke (1976) computer
Knowledge Engine - machine-made expertise The first reference to a machine that could create sentences or write books. Jonathan Swift (1726) computer
Kuang Grade Mark Eleven Penetration Program Chinese virus software for breaking the ICE. William Gibson (1984) computer
Laminated Mouse Brain Computer - extra fast computer A computing device that makes use of neurons from a mouse. Cordwainer Smith (1962) computer
Localizer - tiny network mote Devices that work together to form ad-hoc networks. Vernor Vinge (1999) computer
Logical Pathogen Malware concealed in DNA. Alastair Reynolds (w/S. Baxter) (2016) computer
Logics - early home computer Machines that let you request information, and then display it for you on a screen. Murray Leinster (1946) computer
Machine Psychologist - computer psychiatrist A computer that understands and uses its knowledge of human psychology to benefit human users. James Blish (1957) computer
Machine Test Scoring A device that scans a specially prepared grade sheet and determines a student's score. Isaac Asimov (1951) computer
Matrix - shared virtual reality A shared virtual reality space; users project their consciousness into a representation of networked data. William Gibson (1982) computer
Mechanical Jokester A vast computer system learns about humor. Isaac Asimov (1956) computer
Mechanical Teacher - one for all A computer device able to teach children. Isaac Asimov (1951) computer
Medically Applicable Biochip - a microarray A computer formed of organic components that is used for a medical purpose. Greg Bear (1984) computer
Metal Calculator Planet - the Burroughs planet A planet covered entirely with machinery to a height of twenty miles and covered with a metal roof. Clifford Simak (1949) computer
Metavirus (Digital Metavirus) Binary code that can infect computers or even hackers, through the binary nerve. Neal Stephenson (1992) computer
Microterm A very small computer system. Bruce Bethke (1983) computer
Mnemiphot A device used to search for information, which is then presented on a convenient screen. Jack Vance (1952) computer
Model the Universe A computer capacious enough to contain a representation of the entire universe. Stanislaw Lem (1965) computer
Mook Computer-based proxy that deals with communication. Bruce Sterling (1997) computer
Morality Rating-Computer - spotting the deviant A computer system able to determine moral deviancy. Kendall Foster Crossen (1953) computer
Multivac A computer with millions of facts. Isaac Asimov (1955) computer
Muscle Sensor Interface Interface senses muscle movements to control display. Iain M Banks (2004) computer
Net Shutdown Worm - computer tapeworm project A tapeworm designed to shut down a nationwide network in the event of national emergency. John Brunner (1975) computer
Network Monitoring Detection - why the slowdown? Detection of someone monitoring your computer workstation Frank Herbert (1977) computer
Neuristor A solid-state computer component that mimics the human neuron. Robert Heinlein (1966) computer
Neuristor Brain A computer device made up of neuristors. Roger Zelazny (1976) computer
No Human Programmers The idea that computers are too complicated and too important to be programmed by human beings. John Varley (1983) computer
Odorophonics - scent player A system capable of reproducing selected scents capable of fooling the human nervous system. Ray Bradbury (1951) computer
Opton - electronic book Very early description of an electronic book, with storage media. Stanislaw Lem (1961) computer
Panther Modern Cyberterrorists for hire. William Gibson (1984) computer
ParanoidLinux A computer operating system that deliberately obscures the activities of the user. Cory Doctorow (2008) computer
Personal Cache - a digital safety deposit box An online data repository used to store personal data. David Brin (1990) computer
Personality Simulator - game your office politics A device which, when fed enough data about a person, simulated their personality allowing the user to predict behavior in stated circumstances. Frank Herbert (1977) computer
Phantomatic Generator (Virtual Reality) A computer-generated experience. Stanislaw Lem (1964) computer
Planetary Computer Network A global data net. Stanislaw Lem (1957) computer
Pocket Computer - a PDA A pocket-sized computer. Isaac Asimov (1958) computer
Portable Ident-Plate - quick prints A small, thin device that will capture biometric data from a person's finger. David Brin (1990) computer
Powered Print-Book Part computer, part book. Isaac Asimov (1988) computer
Primer A special software program that teaches basic language skills. Neal Stephenson (1995) computer
Retaliatory Tapeworm (Counter-Worm) - take that! Using computers to deliberately damage another person's reputation and well-being. John Brunner (1975) computer
Sandbenders - a gem of a computer A highly customized computer system; the opposite of a box from Gateway or Dell. William Gibson (1996) computer
SchoolBook A standard-issue laptop computer for school use. Cory Doctorow (2008) computer
Screensaver (Inventor of) - the original idea Screen savers are used to prevent phosphor burnout in CRTs, and to provide restful entertainment on computer screens. Robert Heinlein (1961) computer
Selector Card Pneumatic delivery of book films by using a mechanical form of data storage; selector cards - probably punch cards. Robert Heinlein (1951) computer
Self-Maintaining Circuit Monitoring and Repair A computer that monitors itself for repair. Frank Quattrocchi (1952) computer
Sensory Skinsuit A form-fitting garment with sensory connections. Larry Niven (w/S. Barnes) (1981) computer
Separated At Birth Database Missing persons database uses similarity to famous people. William Gibson (1993) computer
Simulogs (Simulated Playmates) Computer-generated playmates. John Brunner (1966) computer
Skin Computer A computer that looks like a tattoo, on a stretchable base. Greg Bear (2009) computer
Smart Dust - intelligent sand Very tiny computers. Stanislaw Lem (1965) computer
Stellar Analog Computers Special systems used to calculate safe "jumps" for interstellar trips. Rose Sharon (1957) computer
Talking Head - retro output device A mechanical head (with an analog voice) used as the output terminal for a computer. William Gibson (1984) computer
TechnoCore A group of artificial intelligences with vast resources and the entirety of human dataspheres to access. Dan Simmons (1989) computer
Telebook - words on a screen A book made available in text on a television screen. Isaac Asimov (1951) computer
The Machine - supplies every need A single vast contrivance that supplied all the needs of the world's millions of solitary inhabitants. E.M. Forster (1909) computer
The Machines A few of these can run a planetary economy. Isaac Asimov (1950) computer
Thorsen Memory Tube Computer component that allows a machine to learn through experience. Robert Heinlein (1956) computer
Tongue Mouse A pointing device using input from the tongue. Greg Bear (2007) computer
Touch Tablet Another name for a wireless Tablet PC. Greg Bear (2003) computer
Trace Web A small, handheld device that contacts (and even instantiates) the larger network. Philip K. Dick (1954) computer
Unicephalon 40-D - yes, mr. president A problem-solving supercomputer. Philip K. Dick (1963) computer
Universal Checkbook - radioactive checking Fully electronic banking system, which allows easy withdrawal of funds from any bank. Robert Heinlein (1956) computer
Universal Dictionary - grandfather of the electronic dictionary A machine that provided references to anything known. Robert Heinlein (1954) computer
Universal Technical Consultative Service Interstellar travel plans calculated, reserved and confirmed. Jack Vance (1964) computer
Veridicator - lie detector that works 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. H. Beam Piper (1962) computer
Virtual Kiss (Tactile Net) - affection by wire A phone-like device that will communicate a kiss in a tactile manner. Frederik Pohl (1966) computer
Virtual Reality (Virtual Matrix) - early usage An early use of a term very similar to the idea of cyberspace. Damien Broderick (1982) computer
Virtual World Kiss Kissing mediated by a computer system. Vernor Vinge (1981) computer
Virtual world metaphor - early use use of fanciful imagery to represent real-world data systems in a virtual world. Vernor Vinge (1981) computer
Virtual World Theft - faux thievery A method of stealing or reassigning ownership to items of value in virtual worlds. Charles Stross (2007) computer
Virtuality Helmet ('Virching' Helmet) A helmet with a communication system and a display; a pilot wearing this helmet could sit on the ground and control a distant aircraft. Bruce Sterling (1994) computer
Vivisector - software deconstruction A program that takes another computer program apart, while it's running, to see what it does. David Brin (1990) computer
Vizzyprint - phone printer A printer attached to a video phone. Rudy Rucker (1988) computer
Voicewriter Screen (Computer Monitor) A screen that displays characters. Theodore Sturgeon (1954) computer
Wearables - computers to go Slang for 'wearable computer.' Vernor Vinge (2001) computer
Wearables (Wearable Computers) - embroidered circuits Computers and peripherals that use textiles for electronic circuitry. Vernor Vinge (2006) computer
Websight - visualize the Net A way of visualizing the Internet internally. Robert J. Sawyer (2009) computer
Worldweb All Thing Network connects billions of people in real time. Dan Simmons (1989) computer
Wristpad A tablet computer worn on the wrist. Kim Stanley Robinson (2017) computer
Cranial Amplified Programming CAP An aid to learning, which you apply directly to your skull. Greg Bear (2015) culture
Mental Radio-Handicap A device that destroys concentration. Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. (1961) culture
Uptime Forward in time. John Baxter (1964) culture
Accelerated Schooling Knowledge force-fed directly into the brain. James Blish (1957) culture
Accelerated Schooling Helmet A device that stimulates the brain and imparts knowledge directly. James Blish (1957) culture
Adjustment Making sure the man fits the job! Keith Laumer (1964) culture
Adoption of Television Prediction of TV penetration in homes and the death of movie houses. Bernard Brown (1931) culture
Aeroplane Baseball A standard-sized baseball making possible non-standard pitches. Bob Olsen (1928) culture
Agony Box - testing for humans A device for causing non-lethal, non-injuring pain by nerve induction. Frank Herbert (1984) culture
Alcoholic Reliever Mechanized relief from alcoholism. Robert Sheckley (1956) culture
Alien Self-Government Rules to assure intelligent aliens the right to govern themselves in freedom. A.E. van Vogt (1942) culture
Aliens Speak English The skeleton men of Mercury speak English, but have a good reason for it. Maurice G. Hugi (1934) culture
Amtal Rule Testing to destruction Frank Herbert (1965) culture
Asterite A person who was born and lived amongst the asteroids. Jack Williamson (1942) culture
Automatic Judge Automatically listens to the plaintiff and defendant and provides a just verdict. Clement Fezandie (1926) culture
Babel-17 - words are telling An alien weapon in the form of a language. Samuel R. Delany (1966) culture
Belter A person who was born and raised in the asteroid belt around Sol. Larry Niven (1966) culture
Bohemias - a cultural incubator A place where the ordinary rules of society don't apply; the "next big thing" often comes from these places. William Gibson (1999) culture
Book of the Kalends - no author, no title The ever-changing book without a title; the documented history of a world. Philip K. Dick (1969) culture
Booklegger A smuggler of books. Robert Heinlein (1951) culture
Brain Erasure Deleting selected knowledge from the brain using electrical impulses. Edmond Hamilton (1948) culture
Brainlock - life in the now A technique to focus the attention of prisoners on a limited task, precluding the possibility of escape. William Gibson (1988) culture
Breed Humans For Machines Carefully cull the strong, resilient humans in favor of weakness, that the human race might be more adapted to life in the Machine. E.M. Forster (1909) culture
Centrifugal Bumble-Puppy Futuristic children's game. Aldous Huxley (1932) culture
Checker-City A city planned as a checker-board of alternating vegetation and buildings. Edmond Hamilton (1933) culture
Citizen Journalism - silence dogood lives! The notion that ordinary people can make use of technological tools like cellphone cameras and the Internet to provide information. David Brin (1990) culture
Cloud Sculpting - remake the clouds Using gliders and chemical showers to shape clouds artistically. J.G. Ballard (1967) culture
Coder Specialized humans who excel at engineering tasks. Chris Wooding (2006) culture
Cold-Pac Bin A special coffin-sized chamber used to maintain half-life. Philip K. Dick (1969) culture
Coley Group A musical form that involves dancing in a field of weak microwaves. John Brunner (1975) culture
Court Robo-Clerk - hear ye, hear ye! A robotic law clerk. Frank Herbert (1964) culture
Credibility Rating How believable are your blog posts? your emails? your tweets? David Brin (1990) culture
Credit - first use A basic unit of currency. John W. Campbell (1934) culture
Cyberethics Philosophy detailing how computers work within human communities. Sid Meier (1999) culture
Darkdawn City - the venue is musical An entire city that is tuned to be played by the winds. George RR Martin (1977) culture
Death Bath A suicide chamber. Nat Schachner (w. AL Zagat) (1931) culture
Delphi Pool A large group of people used as a statistical sampling resource; even if the correct answer is not known, responses tend to cluster around the correct answer. John Brunner (1975) culture
Diaspar Memory - everyone gets a copy The city's memory could store works of art, and reproduce them upon request. Arthur C. Clarke (1956) culture
Didge-Ital Digital music. Bruce Sterling (1988) culture
Discorporate Sector An electronic afterlife. Samuel R. Delany (1966) culture
Disney Therapy Letting people retreat to a simpler time, for their mental health. John Varley (1992) culture
Downtime Traveling back in time. John Baxter (1964) culture
Dream Console - used by he who shapes Device allows a therapist to enter and create dreams in patients. Roger Zelazny (1966) culture
Dream-Adventures Dreams sent directly to the brain are more popular than movies. Edmond Hamilton (1940) culture
Dream-House An establishment wherein one could find the finest dream adventures placed in his own mind. Edmond Hamilton (1940) culture
Dream-Machine The mechanism that sent standardized dreams into the brain. Edmond Hamilton (1940) culture
Drink the Fungi A method of suicide or criminal punishment involving ingestion of spores. Edwin K. Sloat (1933) culture
Earplug Decision (Restraint of Advertising) A Supreme Court judgement that declared that earplugs used to block advertising were unconstitutional. Anne Warren Griffith (1953) culture
Eetee (E.T. - extraterrestrial) A sentient being not of this Earth. Thomas Wilson (1953) culture
Electro-Education The latest thing in electrically stimulated learning. Edmond Hamilton (1948) culture
Electromechanical Educator An automated teaching machine. George O. Smith (1959) culture
Electronic Book Store A place to pick up your electronic books. Stanislaw Lem (1961) culture
Electronic Cash A digital currency, like Bitcoin. Bruce Sterling (1994) culture
Emotion Meter A device for empirically determining human emotion. W. Varick Nevins, III (1935) culture
Environmental Happening Weather created as a work of art. John Varley (1976) culture
Esper A person to perceive the contents of another person's mind. Alfred Bester (1952) culture
Ethical Calculus Mathematics used to determine positive social conduct. Sid Meier (1999) culture
Ethical Suicide Parlor - don't be a drupelet A comfy environment in which you might commit ethical suicide, and thereby serve society. Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. (1958) culture
EverRest Cryotorium - cryonics in orbit Rest forever in cryonic suspension among the stars. Roger Zelazny (1992) culture
Extra-Factual Memory - an implanted memory A "memory" placed in a person's mind by artifice, rather than by real life experience. Philip K. Dick (1966) culture
Filter Program - live in your own world Using programs to filter Internet results; a person need see only what they want to see. David Brin (1990) culture
Flash Crowd (Flash Mob) - or flash mob What you call a group of people who suddenly appear at an interesting location. Larry Niven (1972) culture
Flatscreen Movie - old-fashioned 2D entertainment Like holographic or three-dimensional recordings, but showing only two dimensions. John Barnes (1991) culture
Floating Spherical Pool Control of gravity permits mid-air pools of water. Jack Williamson (1939) culture
Forced Scholars Hothouse intellectuals. Emile Souvestre (1846) culture
Free Play (The Mind Game) A computer simulation that presents an enjoyable game for young people that is also used for psychological evaluation. Orson Scott Card (1985) culture
Fyunch(click) An alien assigned to become an expert in just one person. Larry Niven (w/J. Pournelle) (1974) culture
Galaxy Superbrain The idea that the galaxy itself is a conscious entity. Robert Castle (1939) culture
General Intelligence Machine News and information from one device. H.G. Wells (1899) culture
Geriatric Rooming-House - swept aside An apartment building with rooms built especially with the very senior citizen in mind. Philip K. Dick (1969) culture
Government Lethal Chamber A legal suicide booth. Robert W. Chambers (1895) culture
Grok - a Martian sees and knows To understand fully; become one with (from the Martial verb "to drink"). Robert Heinlein (1961) culture
Group Ego - a kind of group mind A group mind; a single entity that shares a number of bodies. Robert Heinlein (1941) culture
Group Mind A shared consciousness between a number of individuals. Olaf Stapledon (1930) culture
Hall of Euthanasia - a death trap A place for (mostly) voluntary suicide. Jack Williamson (1939) culture
High-Frequency Oven - essence of the microwave This describes the essence of a microwave. Robert Heinlein (1948) culture
Histo-Research - best possible evidence Historical research using a time machine. Philip K. Dick (1954) culture
Hive Mind A group mind. Edmond Hamilton (1942) culture
Home Ad Blocker Device insulates house against intrusion by 3D advertisements. Alfred Bester (1974) culture
Hooman An alternative spelling. Nelson S. Bond (1943) culture
Horsten Psychomat Re-creates a mental scene for the viewer. Stanley G. Weinbaum (1935) culture
House Records Archivist - forget holographic memories A specialist who correlated information within the House Records of the Bene Gesserit. Frank Herbert (1984) culture
House Voice - Thurber's nightmare A house-based system that mediates technologies (like phone) with a verbal interface directed to the inhabitants of the house. William Gibson (1988) culture
Human Quarter A ghetto for human beings; in this case, in a world of robots. Philip K. Dick (1954) culture
Human Serial Number A unique number tattooed on body of a person. David H. Keller (1933) culture
Humanoid An alien with a human-like shape and appearance. Isaac Asimov (1940) culture
Hypnobioscope - learn while you sleep The first fictional reference to sleep teaching. Hugo Gernsback (1911) culture
Hypno-Encyclopedic Techniques If you plan to live for centuries, you need to organize your memories. Robert Heinlein (1973) culture
Hypno-Ligation A means of psychological control over an individual. Frank Herbert (1965) culture
Hypnopædia (Sleep-Teaching) - learn while asleep The idea that a person can learn explicit subject matter while sleeping. Aldous Huxley (1932) culture
Immersive Home Video Technology lets users interact with home videos. Steven Spielberg (2002) culture
Improve Memory Help immortals make sense of their memories. Robert Heinlein (1941) culture
Indestructible Contract Legal document in which can't be easily altered or damaged. Gordon R. Dickson (1960) culture
Indoor Stadium An entirely enclosed baseball stadium. Clarence Edward Heller (1930) culture
Inflatable Church A church using an inflatable projection screen as an altar. John Brunner (1975) culture
Interactive Suicide Note A last message for the people you are leaving behind - that encourages their participation. John Varley (1984) culture
International Fantasy Gaming Society (IFGS) - the fictional basis for the real one A group dedicated to playing live action role-playing games. Larry Niven (w/S. Barnes) (1981) culture
Interplanetary Clearance Bureaucratic red tape associated with busy space ports. Robert Heinlein (1941) culture
Interplanetary Passport Required document for space travelers. Edmond Hamilton (1938) culture
Inurbanity (Inurbane) Criminal penalties for persons who are unable to behave properly in crowded cubic cities. Louis Tucker, D.D. (1929) culture
Key Club - by booth id only A social club made exclusive by teleportation booth; may be in a chain with other physically identical locations. Larry Niven (1972) culture
Kingdom in a Box An entire civilization in miniature - in an interactive box. Stanislaw Lem (1965) culture
Korsakov's - mind control A type of mind control imposed on prisoners to make them more manageable during their prison time. William Gibson (1988) culture
Law Expert System (LEX) - law software Software capable of rendering a legal opinion. Greg Egan (1991) culture
Law of Contact Non-interference in the development of other worlds. Orville Shaara (1952) culture
Lawyer Program - AI goes to the dark side Software that could listen to legal argument. David Brin (1990) culture
Learning-Cap - for thinking A special metal helmet for electro-education. Edmond Hamilton (1948) culture
Legislation Analyzer - torn from the headlines Device analyzes potentially biased bills. Philip K. Dick (1953) culture
Lifebox A device that captures a person's life experience in software. Rudy Rucker (1986) culture
Lunar Advertisement An 'ad' on the lunar surface that can be seen by its audience on Earth. Arthur C. Clarke (1957) culture
Lunar Disneyland - underground playground A vast cavern excavated on the Moon - used for entertainment. Very large scale entertainment. John Varley (1976) culture
Magnetically Floating Furniture - like sitting on a cloud Furniture that is suspended at the proper height using magnetic forces. Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. (1959) culture
Massive Open Learning Teach using standard videos prepared by the best teachers. David H. Keller (1929) culture
Master Ventriloquism Corporation (MV) A central source of product advertising, commercials sent out to every product. Anne Warren Griffith (1953) culture
Mechanical Funeral An entirely autonomous burial rite. Ray Bradbury (1947) culture
Mechanical Judge A device that makes legal decisions. Stanton A. Coblentz (1939) culture
Mechanical Tune-Maker An electromechanical device that created unique music. Philip K. Dick (1954) culture
Mechanotherapy A mechanism or device-based therapy that cures (or palliates) alcoholism. Robert Sheckley (1956) culture
Memory Hole A receptacle for unwanted documents. George Orwell (1948) culture
Mental Static Device Cloak the minds of individuals with a kind of 'noise'. Isaac Asimov (1953) culture
Mentat A person who has been specially trained and conditioned for excellence in Frank Herbert (1965) culture
Metal Foil Advertisement An advertising circular made out of metal. Ray Bradbury (1951) culture
Micro Book (Microbook) - perfect for space travel A very small volume, possibly an electronic book. Anthony Boucher (1943) culture
Millenniaire A person with much more Time than an ordinary person. Hannu Rajaniemi (2010) culture
Mind-Shield - internal mind control A mental defense or barrier that prevents access to one brain by another person or device. A.E. van Vogt (1940) culture
Mnemonic Flutter System (Pulse-Sychronizer) A device to imprint particular facts from a book upon the brain of the reader. Frank Herbert (1969) culture
Mnemonic Pulse A feature of filmbook recordings that helps imprint knowledge on the mind of the user. Frank Herbert (1965) culture
Mnemonic Service Dedicated humans who collected bits of data in hopes of catching key correlations between fields of study. Isaac Asimov (1954) culture
Mood Organ - play your partner A device which allows you to dial the mood you would like to have. Philip K. Dick (1968) culture
Moon-Terror A syndrome common to people who live in less than half Earth-normal gravity. Jack Williamson (1941) culture
Mother World One's home planet, or the origin world of one's species. Earl L. Bell (1928) culture
Movie Pill Gives you the experience of having seen a movie. Don Wilcox (1939) culture
Municipal Darwinism The process by which smaller towns were eaten by larger ones. Philip Reeve (2003) culture
Navicloud Custom Debinder A machine that pulls books apart and scans the contents. Vernor Vinge (2006) culture
Nerve Control Lines Designs that take control of human nervous systems. A.E. van Vogt (1948) culture
News Clown - they're all the rage A person who delivers specially selected light news. Philip K. Dick (1963) culture
News Receptor - listens for news Devices used by homeostatic newspapers to gather news autonomically. Philip K. Dick (1953) culture
Nexialist A person with a coordinative knowledge across a variety of sciences. A.E. van Vogt (1950) culture
Novel-Writing Machines A device that automatically produces fiction. George Orwell (1948) culture
Nowhen At no time. Poul and Karen Anderson (1971) culture
OLED Body Film Attaching or implanting flexible screen material to the body as decoration. Chen Qiufan (2019) culture
Online Employability Profile Testing - get the right job first An online test that determines the best areas in which you might search for a job. Frederik Pohl (1966) culture
Out-Worlder A person from another planet. Harry Bates (1934) culture
Overmind A consciousness that supersedes the minds of many individuals. Francis Flagg (1929) culture
Padre Booth Device that provides religious aid and comfort on demand. Philip K. Dick (1969) culture
Painted Respirator Masks Children choose to decorate otherwise uniform equipment masks. Robert Heinlein (1949) culture
Paint-to-Order Robot Artist A robotic mechanism that could produce a unique picture, given subject and artistic style. F.L. Wallace (1953) culture
Palm Flower - what color It's like a life clock. William Nolan (w/G.C. Johnson) (1967) culture
Parenthood Lottery A means of restricting population growth. Brian Aldiss (1969) culture
Personality Alteration Permanent alternation of personality, the tools of the trade. Fritz Leiber (1943) culture
Personality Death - you're dead to yourself Punishment leaves the body intact. Harry Harrison (1959) culture
Phone-Grid Transex Network Addictive network-enhanced sexuality. Philip K. Dick (1974) culture
Photosensitive Pigment Special paint that stays 'blank' until exposed to a scene. J.G. Ballard (1966) culture
Planetary ID Card Identification for every person on every planet in the solar system. Edmond Hamilton (1940) culture
Pocket-Sized Ad-Blocker A device that prevented targeted advertisements from reaching you. Alan Dean Foster (2006) culture
Post-Crime - you're still a criminal Criminal activities after they have actually happened. Philip K. Dick (1956) culture
Pray-o-Mat - coin-based religion A device that would offer prayers in exchange for a few coins properly deposited. Roger Zelazny (1967) culture
Predictable Crime A criminal act that computers were able to foresee in advance. Isaac Asimov (1958) culture
Predictions Registry - if you're sure An organization that keeps track of predictions made by individuals. David Brin (1990) culture
Prime Directive The first and most important rule; usually protective. Jack Williamson (1947) culture
Print-Book You’ve seen them. Isaac Asimov (1988) culture
Psychic Probe A device capable of discerning truthful information in a living human brain. Isaac Asimov (1952) culture
Psychohistory Branch of mathematics describes the behavior of human beings en masses. Isaac Asimov (1951) culture
Psycho-History The application of psychology to historical data. Eric Frank Russell (1941) culture
Puff-Pipe Pipe with lighting built in. Clarence Edward Heller (1930) culture
Purple Wage Guaranteed subsidy paid to every citizen. Philip Jose Farmer (1967) culture
Randominoes Dominoes that randomly generate new numbers. Jeff Noon (2000) culture
Reactive Walls - club scene 2020 Wall surfaces designed for use in clubs; they reacted to the music played in the room. John Shirley (1985) culture
Recorded Books Electronically recorded books. Isaac Asimov (1952) culture
Relations with Extraterrestrial Life - before the Prime Directive Instructions to earth citizens on how to behave when encountering alien civilizations. Clifford Simak (1944) culture
Replaced Worker Benefits Compensation for people whose jobs are taken by robots. John Twelve Hawks (2014) culture
Rewriting History Use of sophisticated technology to continuously rewrite the historical record. George Orwell (1948) culture
Rhetorizer - the writer's assistant A computerized assistant for writers. Philip K. Dick (1964) culture
Robots Take Human Jobs Robots displace human beings in the workforce. David H. Keller (1929) culture
Rocket-Polo Polo played with rocket-powered craft. John Victor Peterson (1938) culture
Ro-Womb - enfold the patient. Device enfolds the patient during therapy. Roger Zelazny (1966) culture
Royalties For Machine Learning Subjects A payment to people who are used as subjects for imitation learning by robots. Anthony Boucher (1943) culture
Sapience The ability of a species to think, to reason with discernment and wisdom. E.M. Johnson (w/C.A. Smith) (1931) culture
Scent-Organ A device that output specified odors. Aldous Huxley (1932) culture
Scientifiction Writing that combines science and fiction. Hugo Gernsback (1916) culture
Self-Opening Box Don't show this to Apple. William Tenn (1947) culture
Sensory-Syrynx A complex musical instrument. Samuel R. Delany (1968) culture
Shadow People Alien knowledge leads to alien results - for humans. Clifford Simak (1963) culture
Simple Organisms Do Math Insects show unusual signs of intelligence. Clifford Simak (1944) culture
Single Sheet Molecule A counterfeit-proof way to output unique documents. Gordon R. Dickson (1960) culture
Singularity In science, a condition in which spacetime breaks down; in society, a technological advance causes social conditions to break down. Arthur C. Clarke (1952) culture
Skin Toning Using artificial means to effect a temporary change in skin color. Jack Vance (1964) culture
Sky Ceiling - long before Hogwarts Ceilings that consist of large screens, on which are presented images of the sky. Stanislaw Lem (1961) culture
Sleepshop A quiet place to die. William Nolan (w/G.C. Johnson) (1967) culture
Smarter People Having Fewer Children The original argument that less suitable human pairs are having proportionally more children. C.M. Kornbluth (1951) culture
Sol-Ido The universal language of interplanetary travelers. Harl Vincent (1932) culture
Space Lawyer (Sky-Lawyer) - space laws A lawyer with special knowledge of space law. Nat Schachner (1941) culture
Space Madness The monotony of space travel could drive you crazy. Max Valier (1931) culture
Space-Court The place of judgement for crimes committed in interstellar space. Edmond Hamilton (1938) culture
Spark Plug (Systematician) A person who draws information from diverse areas of knowledge. Stephen Lawhead (1983) culture
SPOOKS - go on a LARP for a lark A live-action role playing (LARP) game that lets ordinary people play at being secret agents. Charles Stross (2007) culture
SSA Machine A machine that compares two people for compatibility; it sees sub specie aeternitatis, literally 'under the aspect of eternity' or outside of time. Philip K. Dick (1969) culture
Strakh - prestige in payment The prestige or social prominence which serves as a medium of exchange on the planet Sirene. Jack Vance (1976) culture
Subdermal Microchannels - dayglo body mod A means of personal adornment; think of day glow tattoos. Paul Di Filippo (1985) culture
Subjunctivisor Projects a possible future, based on your own impressions. Stanley G. Weinbaum (1935) culture
Synthesist - the Dilettante Dept A person who did nothing but make cross-references between one field and another. John Brunner (1968) culture
Synthetic Personality A artificial identity, a legal fiction of a person. Robert Heinlein (1940) culture
Synthony A musical performance by robots. F.L. Wallace (1953) culture
Talisman - focus on your hopes Device that causes beings nearby to experience truth and peace; works only in the hands of rare adepts. Clifford Simak (1963) culture
Tand - an abstract venerated sculpture A metal sculpture, made in contemplation, which has great meaning for the initiates. Jack Vance (1962) culture
TANSTAAFL - and there isn't There ain't no such thing as a free lunch. Robert Heinlein (1966) culture
Teaching Chair No-frills teaching machine. Larry Niven (1991) culture
Teaching Machine A helmet placed on the head focuses illimitable knowledge into even the head of an earth man. Nat Schachner (1936) culture
Teep Rod - give me your thoughts A device that gathers the thoughts of an individual. Philip K. Dick (1969) culture
Telepadion Instructor A device that places an entire sensory experience directly into the brain. J. Harvey Haggard (1931) culture
Telephonic Music Room Places where a person could go, at any time, to share in musical performances happening at some distance away. Edward Bellamy (1888) culture
The Book of the Machine The only book needed for life in the vast Machine. E.M. Forster (1909) culture
The Krang - instrument or weapon? An enormous musical instrument (or weapon). Alan Dean Foster (1972) culture
Theater Seat Indicators Vacant seats are clearly shown. Clarence Edward Heller (1930) culture
Thought Screen A material screen that is worn by the user, upon which are projected the mental images of the user. Nat Schachner (w. AL Zagat) (1931) culture
Thought-receptor Vote-counting Machine That's one way to do a plebiscite. R.F. Starzl (1931) culture
Thought-Record Helmet A wearable history book. Robert Randall (1958) culture
Threat Team (of sf writers) Gathering together a group of science fiction writers to try to predict what will happen, or to understand an unknown threat. Larry Niven (w/J. Pournelle) (1985) culture
Three Generation Work (Century Piece) An artwork created by three consecutive generations of artists, in exactly one century. Jack Vance (1949) culture
Tiersian Therapy A therapeutic discipline in which the patient chooses a character from a book and then attempts to be that character. Philip Jose Farmer (1991) culture
Timebroker - trading fungible time A person who traded in the commodity of other people's time. Paul Di Filippo (2006) culture
Timeslip When humans keep time on Mars, they must work with the extra forty minutes in each day. Spider Robinson (1992) culture
Toposcope A special helmet used in a form of sleep teaching. James Blish (1957) culture
Toy Testing Dummy A child-sized device used to test suspect toys. Philip K. Dick (1959) culture
Transdress - transparent clothing A transparent dress upon which thousands of patterns may be projected. Larry Niven (w/S. Barnes) (1992) culture
Treatment of Extramundane Aborigines Laws for aliens on their own planet. Eric Frank Russell (1943) culture
Tune-Maker Automated music production. Philip K. Dick (1956) culture
Ultimate Football League (UFL) A football league without restrictions on human modification. Chris Nakashima-Brown (2008) culture
Undersea Restaurant A restaurant located in its entirety under the sea. Jack Vance (1964) culture
Unichapel (Robotic Confession Booth) - automated religion Automated religious confessional with monotone, programmed responses. George Lucas (1970) culture
Van Goom's Gambit A chessboard pattern that unhinges the mind of any player who sees it. Victor Contoski (1966) culture
Verse Transcriber A device that would produce perfect poetry, given the necessary parameters. J.G. Ballard (1971) culture
Versificator A device that composes words to music. George Orwell (1948) culture
Virtual Assembly Use of holograms to accomplish an assembly of people. R.F. Starzl (1931) culture
Virtual Childrearing - long distance childcare Learn childcare the virtual way; maybe long distance childcare, too. David Brin (1994) culture
Visible Halo Providing a religious figure with a technological sign of grace. Anson MacDonald (1941) culture
Visicastor A person who presents video broadcasts. Isaac Asimov (1953) culture
Visigraphic Crowd Emotional Record A graphic record of the emotions of a crowd. Fritz Leiber (1943) culture
Voice Combines exceptional insight into personalty with voice modulation to achieve control over individuals. Frank Herbert (1965) culture
Voice Encyclopedia - a robot has answers Access to information via robotic voice recognition over the phone. Philip K. Dick (1969) culture
Voight-Kampff Empathy Test - can you pass? 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. Philip K. Dick (1968) culture
Voight-Kampff Test - are you human? A test intended to distinguish human beings from replicants. Ridley Scott (1982) culture
Wende A change, a turning point, a reversal of culture and politics. Bruce Sterling (1993) culture
Whuffie A system in which one's actions, as perceived by others, directly procure the necessities of life; reputation-based currency. Cory Doctorow (2003) culture
Wire Act A person with special hardware modifications that allow him or her to create music by bodily movement. John Shirley (1985) culture
3D 'Chess' Game Board - let the wookie win A flatbed 3D display which is used to play chess-style board games in three dimensions. George Lucas (1976) display
3D Tank Display A transparent cube showing a three-dimensional display. E.E. 'Doc' Smith (1934) display
Battery-Powered 3D Comic Book A comic book the pages of which were animated by battery power. Philip K. Dick (1965) display
Battle Tank Display Three-dimensional display showing tactical information for space battles. James Blish (1957) display
Big Screen Control - right from your personal device Display content from your personal device on a large shared screen. Frederik Pohl (1966) display
Blaupunkt Holostage - a tabletop 3D projector A three-dimensional tabletop display. Tom Maddox (1986) display
Browser Paper - one page IE A paper-thin computer display. Vernor Vinge (2006) display
Celestial Armamentarium - the mechanism of star movements A small crystal planetarium, in which the stars and planets surrounding Aerlith are seen. Jack Vance (1962) display
Cinematophote (Blue Optic Plate) - first reference to television The first reference to a tablet-sized, handheld screen. E.M. Forster (1909) display
Control Screen An alien display device. Arthur C. Clarke (1953) display
Control-Face - an LCD remote control A small liquid crystal display (LCD) unit linked to a larger network; gives a window onto your larger network world. William Gibson (1996) display
Data Goggles - immerse yourself in the matrix Eyewear connected to a computer provides total immersion in the matrix. Neal Stephenson (1992) display
Data Tiles - panes of data Transparent panes that contain data and programs. Steven Spielberg (2002) display
Desktop Flat Panel Intercom A small desktop screen intercom system. H.G. Wells (1936) display
Digital Paper Pad Just one molecule thick, it flips bits by flipping molecules. Warren Hammond (2007) display
Dimensoscope - see into new dimensions A telescope for peering into other dimensions. Murray Leinster (1931) display
Domed Mapviewer Illuminated hemispherical map display. Gordon R. Dickson (1960) display
DreamTime Scleral Contact Lenses - VR contact lenses Full-size contact lenses that can provide an augmented reality view. Larry Niven (w/S. Barnes) (1992) display
DVD/VCR (Entertainment Player) A device that accepts stored moving picture entertainment and makes it available for viewing. H.G. Wells (1899) display
Ego-Likeness - a true portrait An extremely detailed portrait played through a shigawire projector; capable of reproducing minute movements said to convey the ego essence of a person. Frank Herbert (1965) display
Electronic Book - more massively useful than a towel An early reference and description of electronic book hardware and operation. Douglas Adams (1979) display
E-paper Hologram A cover image that really pops out at the viewer. Greg Bear (2003) display
E-paper Newspaper A paper-thin, flexible LCD-style display that is large enough to display a full newspaper page. Steven Spielberg (2002) display
Ersatz Window - fake view of outside A display device used in a room without an actual view of the outside; it shows a projection of a real scene. Philip K. Dick (1969) display
E-Sheet - disposable LCD displays A disposable medium for reading electronic messages. Greg Bear (2003) display
Esper Photo Analysis - zoom way in A device that can find remarkable levels of detail from a photograph. Ridley Scott (1982) display
Eyephone(s) - big screen in a small package A projection system using small goggles to project an image directly on your eye. William Gibson (1996) display
Fido Combination television, news camera and surveillance device. Philip Jose Farmer (1967) display
Fieldstim A device that used stimulation of a large skin area to impart images to the user. John Shirley (1985) display
Flat Photo A two-dimensional pictorial representation of a three-dimensional real space. A picture. Dan Simmons (1989) display
Flexible Car Map A nonrigid map that extrudes from the dashboard of a car when needed. Bruce Sterling (1994) display
Flexible Wall Sheet Display - flexy flat panel A large clear sheet that displays information. E.C. Tubb (1958) display
Fluid Metal Letters A smooth metal display able to display words. Philip K. Dick (1960) display
Galactovue Star display. Robert Heinlein (1957) display
Giant Flat Panel Display Movie screen-sized flat panel display for live televised images. H.G. Wells (1936) display
Gogglelike Televisors A screen technology placed very close to the eyes. Manly Wade Wellman (1938) display
Handipad An electronic tablet for information browsing. Jay Caselberg (2003) display
Helmet Visor Display - heads-up A heads-up display with a variety of advanced features. David Drake (1997) display
Holo-Cube A very large holographic display, that a person could walk into. Philip K. Dick (1977) display
Holomist A means of projecting a commercial message onto a fine spray. John Varley (1977) display
Holopad A small display like an iPad that shows 3D images. Arthur C. Clarke (1978) display
Holo-Scanner A small portable device that acquired holographic surveillance images. Philip K. Dick (1977) display
Homeopape - news just you can use A automated device that produces a newspaper without human assistance. Philip K. Dick (1969) display
Hood Hologram A hologrammatic display on the outside surface of a car. William Gibson (1993) display
HUD Glasses Integrated glasses and projector provides a portable heads-up display for augmented reality. Daniel Suarez (2006) display
Identificator - holographic signage A hologram projector used to flash door signs. Jack Vance (1964) display
Interactive Blackboard Early description of an interactive display device for lectures and demonstrations. Philip K. Dick (1960) display
Interactive Map - very early concept A small book with a 'touch-screen' paper interactive map. Stanislaw Lem (1961) display
Interactive Video Column - see the world -- from convenience stores? A video display in a chain convenience store that shows random scenes from other stores in the chain around the world. William Gibson (1999) display
Kinetiscope Appliance - like a PDA A small object that could show a variety of artificially created or extrapolated images. H.G. Wells (1899) display
Kinotrope Small bits of painted wood in a grid that spin around to form different pixelated images. William Gibson (w/B. Sterling) (1990) display
Leaf Screens Bioform displays grown from plants offering flat surfaces - like leaves. Thomas A. Easton (1990) display
Lens Image A presentation of the night sky, calculated for any planet or point in space. Isaac Asimov (1953) display
Magic Spectacles Very early take on virtual reality hardware. Stanley G. Weinbaum (1935) display
Mediatron - paper-thin LCD display A paper-thin networked computer display. Neal Stephenson (1995) display
Mediatronic Display Electronic paper comes in big sheets. Neal Stephenson (1995) display
Metallic Display Scroll A rollable video screen. Daniel Suarez (2010) display
Moving Picture Player - like a video iPod A machine that plays recorded pictures back for a single person - a combination DVD player and screen. H.G. Wells (1899) display
Newspad - flat panel news display A notebook-sized computer and display screen for reading news stories or other text matter. Arthur C. Clarke (1968) display
Overlay Specs Glasses that provide an additional feature; an overlay that lets you see information and graphics along with the real-world view. Charles Stross (2007) display
Ovoid 3D Galactic Model A handheld display of a galaxy. Isaac Asimov (1953) display
Parlor Wall (TV Parlor) - original big screen TV The original "big screen TV" takes up an entire wall of a room. Ray Bradbury (1953) display
Personalized Fashion Display A set of displays that show you dressed in different uniforms. Harry Harrison (1965) display
Phantoscope (phenomenoscope) - see it all A device that provides you with a computer-operable display; can be worn or surgically implanted right on your own eyes. Neal Stephenson (1995) display
Photo Crystal (Cube) A small handheld display for a picture Isaac Asimov (1952) display
Photomnemonic Tablet - blank recording slate A device that both records and displays images with the same element. Neal Stephenson (2008) display
Pocket Display Projector - a nano-projector A pocketsized projector capable of displaying high resolution images so they can be viewed by a group of people. Jack Vance (1971) display
Pocket Projector A personal device for replaying media. Isaac Asimov (1952) display
Police Sketch Artist Software - pc-based police art A tablet-style computer with sketch pad software to help identify suspects. Michael Crichton (1985) display
Poster TV - flattest of flat screen TVs This display gives new meaning to the term "flat screen." Larry Niven (1976) display
Predator Wrist Display A wrist bracelet with a variety of useful functions. John McTiernan (1987) display
Prime Radiant - the ultimate conference projector 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. Isaac Asimov (1953) display
Psycho-Lease Encephalic Gadget A device that provided the conviction that a faked scene was, in fact, real. Philip K. Dick (1969) display
Reading Plaque - ultrathin display A tablet-sized display for reading. David Brin (1990) display
Reading Plate - 50's style flat panel A flat screen that provided computer output for viewing. Robert Heinlein (1954) display
Readout Skin - Gutenberg gets tattoos Normal-appearing skin that can be used as an output device for text or graphics. John Varley (1992) display
Reality Graphics One-stop design - the final design is the object. Vernor Vinge (1992) display
Retinal Projection - put the ad right on the eyeball A method for projecting advertisements directly on the retina. Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth) (1952) display
Retinal Vid-Screen - implanted news screen A tiny display surgically implanted directly in the retina of the eye. Philip K. Dick (1954) display
Selective Television - wrap TV around the world A special kind of 'television' that let the user choose any scene around the world. Arthur J. Burks (1938) display
Sights - skull gun crosshairs Sunglasses-mounted crosshairs (you'll need one with your skull gun). Neal Stephenson (1995) display
Simulacrum Window A 'window' that provides a realistic outdoor view in an interior room. Robert Heinlein (1955) display
Smart Contact Lenses - data from wearables Contact lenses that have a built-in computer display. Vernor Vinge (2001) display
Smart Paper - thin-film transistor display A very slim thin-film transistor display. Neal Stephenson (1995) display
Solido Abbr. for solidograph; a device that produced a solid three dimensional image. Milton Lesser (1956) display
Solido Projector - envy of presenters Projects 3-dimensional images. Frank Herbert (1965) display
Solidograph Long distance projection of three-dimensional images. Fritz Leiber (1943) display
Solidograph-Projector - gives you that 3D image A device that projected a 3D image of objects or a person. H. Beam Piper (1948) display
Stim-Crib A cradle that provides virtual reality experiences to tiny tots. David Brin (1994) display
Tabletop Display A display monitor built into a flat, horizontal table surface. Francis Flagg (1930) display
Telechart - the one indispensable aid An interactive metal plate upon which were displayed celestial objects for interstellar navigation. Edmond Hamilton (1928) display
Teledar - 3D TV Three-dimensional television. William Tenn (1951) display
Tele-Screen A display screen for live events. Francis Flagg (1932) display
Telesolidograph Projects three-dimensional images at great distances. Fritz Leiber (1943) display
Telestereo - earliest reference to holograms? A disk, upon which the projected image of the distant sender appears. Edmond Hamilton (1928) display
Television Sheet A large, flat screen television set. David H. Keller (1929) display
The Veldt - serengeti in the nursery A nursery that comes alive for the viewer. Ray Bradbury (1951) display
Transparent Flat Panel Display - early flat panel A fifty-inch flat panel display that is (or can be) transparent. H.G. Wells (1936) display
Ultra-Light Vision System A viewing technology able to see through and even within most objects. E.E. 'Doc' Smith (1931) display
Video Wallpaper Very thin, large scale display. Vernor Vinge (1999) display
Video-Glasses - see in all directions at once Special light-gathering elements allowed the end user to see omni-directionally. Bruce Sterling (1988) display
Videoshades - be sure to get wraparound style Sunglasses that let you watch what you want. Bruce Sterling (1988) display
Viewing Tank A display monitor. Robert Silverberg (1969) display
Viewplate A flat panel viewing display. Philip Frances Nowlan (1928) display
Viewscreen Pentagon A display with a central, pentagonal display surrounded by square displays attached to the sides. Leo Zagat (1943) display
Virtual Meeting - grandson of the web conference A meeting space that exists only in a computer; the descendant of today's web conferences. William Gibson (1996) display
Virtual Reality Construct - VR without headgear A means of projecting a virtual reality experience without special headsets. Frederik Pohl (1966) display
Visiglobe A display that provided a spherical, 3D visualization of a scene. James Schmitz (1949) display
Vision Cube A solid-state memory device. Robert Silverberg (1969) display
Vision Plate - early flat screen A flat panel monitor. Murray Leinster (1945) display
Visiplate - early flat panel viewer A flat screen for viewing remote images. E.E. 'Doc' Smith (1930) display
Visi-Screen - future display A display device. Arthur K. Barnes (1938) display
Visor - personal screen A snap-down video screen for your eyes only. John Shirley (1985) display
Vistascreen Large screen entertainment. Kendall Foster Crossen (1953) display
Wall Screen A large size display for video, anchored to a wall, or actually forming the wall itself. Jack Williamson (1941) display
Whologram - word play Presents a realistic illusion. Brian Aldiss (1969) display
Window Wavelength Display's that provide 'views' as if they were windows. Brian Aldiss (1969) display
Wired Glove Interface Display - gesture interface from Minority Report A large screen display that uses a wired glove interface. Steven Spielberg (2002) display
Womb Room - return to the control room The ultimate ship's bridge. Larry Niven (1976) display
Zip Paper Very thin display like a single sheet of paper. Greg Bear (2009) display
Book-Film - literary storage A storage medium for books. Isaac Asimov (1988) ds
Crystal Corn - tiny crystal books Tiny data storage crystals. Stanislaw Lem (1961) ds
Data Haven - an alternative web host A place where data that cannot legally be kept can be stashed for later use; an offshore web host. Bruce Sterling (1988) ds
Datapack - portable DRAM A compact device for carrying data. Brian Herbert (2001) ds
Dime Disk - data storage A very small data storage medium. Larry Niven (1998) ds
DNA Music Storage Encoding music in junk DNA. Rob Reid (2012) ds
Filing Crystal Part kiosk, part storage system. Samuel R. Delany (1966) ds
Filmbook A storage medium for information, both text and video. Frank Herbert (1965) ds
Heritable Memories Bloodline Using magical means to tie specific memories to the bloodlines of selected families. Barbara Hambly (1982) ds
Memory Diamond - high density storage Very dense memory storage. Charles Stross (2004) ds
Merc-Pool A device that stores information in vibration patterns on a mercury surface. Isaac Asimov (1953) ds
Microwire A very thin wire used for recording purposes. Robert Heinlein (1951) ds
Molecule Matrix Storing information in individual molecules and atoms. Robert Heinlein (1951) ds
Platinum Alloy Disc - first CD or DVD? A silvery disc used for data record storage. E.E. 'Doc' Smith (1934) ds
Schrön Loop - ultimate portable data storage Small data storage device; a USB chip that stores terabytes. Dan Simmons (1989) ds
Synapsis-Coils Human-like storage for computers. Philip K. Dick (1954) ds
Tanks - massive mass storage Device that provides mass storage of information. Murray Leinster (1946) ds
Tri-Type Record - 3D reduced to two A printed card that stores information about a person, including a perfect three-dimensional representation. Jack Vance (1954) ds
Welton Cube - fine grain storage High-density storage device. Robert Heinlein (1973) ds
Acoustic Apparatus (Osophone) - original patent filing A device that used bone conduction to transmit sound. Hugo Gernsback (1923) eng
Actinoscope A device that used a pulsating polarized ether wave to judge the distance to an object (a RADAR) Hugo Gernsback (1911) eng
Aeriduct (Rain Maker) - watch for showers A specific means of producing rain. John Jacob Astor IV (1894) eng
Aeropile A fluttering wing airplane for a few passengers. H.G. Wells (1899) eng
Agile Recording Robot A recording machine that moves toward its subject. Philip K. Dick (1955) eng
AIRE - reverse engineering software A piece of software that can break through encryption to determine exactly how a compiled program accomplishes its tasks. John Barnes (1994) eng
Anti-Burglar Installations Every electronic house should have automated defenses. Richard R. Smith (1955) eng
Antigravity Plate (Antigravity Raft) A thin, circular craft that floats. A.E. van Vogt (1942) eng
Antiturbulence Wings Wings that are designed to buffer turbulence for passengers. Bruce Sterling (1993) eng
Architectural Coral - build to any shape A structure grown to a specific shape using small coral-like organisms. Larry Niven (1968) eng
Artificial Gill Outfit A diving suit that pulls air from the water. Philip K. Dick (1966) eng
Artificial Island For Ocean Rocket Launch An entirely artificial, floating island used as a launch platform. Otfrid von Hanstein (1930) eng
Asteroid Garden A method for building a greenhouse on a small, airless body. Raymond Z. Gallun (1951) eng
Atmosphere Control Recently terraformed planets require constant maintenance. Larry Niven (w/J. Pournelle) (1974) eng
Atmospheric Pressure Control Plane A vessel that flies by creating pockets of high and low pressure. R.H. Romans (1929) eng
Atmospherics Switchboard Make sure each hotel room has the right atmosphere from the right planet. John Victor Peterson (1941) eng
Atom Compactor (Metal Earthworm) A tunneling device. Paul Ernst (1936) eng
Atomic Drill An atomic-powered auger, for use in drilling deep into planets and asteroids. John D. Clark, Ph.D (1937) eng
Atomic Energy Motor An engine which utilizes atomic energy. G. Peyton Wertenbaker (1926) eng
Atomic Engine A motor running on atomic fuel. H.G. Wells (1914) eng
Atomic Machine A device that shrinks and expands its wearer. G. Peyton Wertenbaker (1926) eng
Atomic Microscopy A device that can actually visualize a individual molecule and its parts. Robert Cromie (1895) eng
Atomic Torch An atomic-powered cutting and welding tool. Jack Williamson (1939) eng
Atomic-Powered Lifting Suits Special exoskeletons that would allow an ordinary human being to walk in doubled gravity. John W. Campbell (1938) eng
Atomics The field of nuclear energy. Lester del Rey (1942) eng
Atom-Shifter A device that 'softens' matter, making it possible for a person to pass through. Manly Wade Wellman (1940) eng
Attractor - come hither and stay still A beam capable of holding objects motionless, as well as adjusting their position. L.F. Stone (1931) eng
Auto-Clerk An automated accounting system. Robert Heinlein (1942) eng
Automatic City A city designed to protect itself and maintain itself over millions of years. Robert Silverberg (1969) eng
Automatic Delivery Library A library able to deliver any volume within a few moments. Stanton A. Coblentz (1939) eng
Automatic Door - like a roll top desk A wall strip that rolls up automatically to let you through. H.G. Wells (1899) eng
Automatic Light Switch A device that senses if an illuminated room is empty, and turns off the light. Robert Heinlein (1950) eng
Automatic Shell A projectile that bores through obstacles - even the Earth! Frank Stockton (1897) eng
Automatic Speeding Fine An automated device that not only computes the speed of a vehicle, but registers and then issues an electronic citation. Nat Schachner (1941) eng
Automatics Machinery capable of running some aspect of a space ship's operation on its own. Ray Cummings (1932) eng
Autonomously Recharging UAV Unmanned aerial vehicles that recharge themselves automatically. Roger Zelazny (1980) eng
Auto-Seal Automatically deployed cover for power outlets; instant child-proofing. John Brunner (1968) eng
Autosight Achronic Beam A range-finder for weaponry that isn't limited by time, for the ultimate in accuracy. Jack Williamson (1940) eng
Avatar Construction Set - build your virtual self A collection of software that allows the building of a complete avatar. Neal Stephenson (1992) eng
Barber Helmet Cuts your hair quickly and efficiently. Don Wilcox (1939) eng
Barytrine Field - planet moving Very large scale stasis field. George O. Smith (1952) eng
Batacitor A storage device for electricity that could be charged in a very short time. Philip Jose Farmer (1971) eng
Beckerley Electrical Field An energy field that can protect a city or large area. R.M. Farley (w/SG Weinbaum) (1936) eng
Beltway A moving sidewalk. Leo Zagat (1948) eng
Bifocal TV Screen Lenses Using the bottom lens of bifocals as a TV screen. Edmond Hamilton (1940) eng
Bio-Energy - produce electricity from organic material The first reference to extracting electricity from organic materials. Jonathan Swift (1726) eng
Bolt Anti-Grav This device produces a torus-shaped discharge that causes weightlessness. Margaret St. Clair (1949) eng
Bone Conduction Receiver A concealed radio receiver. Anson MacDonald (1941) eng
Boring Heat Machine Takes tunnel boring material and turns it into building material. Frank Phillips (1929) eng
Buy-Me-Discs Tiny disks attached to products in stores that received transmitted ads to share with consumers. Anne Warren Griffith (1953) eng
Causality-violation Device (or Weapon) Any of a variety of technologies intended to exploit time travel as a weapon. Charles Stross (2003) eng
Centrifugal Force Creates 'Artificial Gravity' Using centrifugal force in a rotating cylinder as a substitute for gravity. Jack Williamson (1931) eng
Cephalic Pattern Door A door that only opens for specific people. Philip K. Dick (1965) eng
Cheekplate Container - exoskeleton accessory Special compartment of an exoskeleton; provides easy access to medical supplies related to survive heavy gravity environments. Fritz Leiber (1968) eng
Chemelectric Afferent Nerve-Analogues An engineered sensory skin. Roger Zelazny (1966) eng
Chemotactic Artificial Jellyfish - big jellies Artificial device modeled on jellyfish capable of seeking specific components of liquid. Rudy Rucker (w/B. Sterling) (1994) eng
Chromoplastic Dew Collector - when every drop counts A small, egg-shaped device that uses a special surface to collect morning dew on the desert planet of Arrakis. Frank Herbert (1965) eng
Chronoscope A device used to see into specific internals of time. John W. Campbell (1936) eng
Chronoscopy Using a device to view different points in time. Isaac Asimov (1956) eng
Clearsac A simple device that filters water perfectly for reuse. Paolo Bacigalupi (2015) eng
Click-Band Worn on the wrist, it helps you locate your transport. Philip K. Dick (1954) eng
Clothing Size Scanner A device that scanned a living person to determine clothing sizes. Alan Dean Foster (2006) eng
Coldlight A means of producing illumination that does not produce heat. Leo Zagat (1943) eng
Color Generator A variable spectrum light source Jack Vance (1964) eng
Cone of Silence - the original sound-dampener 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. Frank Herbert (1958) eng
Control Harness Connects to the brain and nervous system of a host organism for control purposes. Philip K. Dick (1964) eng
Controlway An automated highway system that takes full operational control of vehicles traveling upon it. Robert Heinlein (1941) eng
Cop Block - patrol officer's friend A device that allows law enforcement officers to shut down the engine of a suspect's car or truck. Greg Bear (2007) eng
Crash Balloons Inflatable bags that would both cushion and hold a flycycle driver in the event of a crash. Larry Niven (1970) eng
Cube Being A living being comprised of linked cubes. Jack Williamson (1938) eng
Curtain (Force Barrier) An easily set-up protective force barrier. Nat Schachner (w. AL Zagat) (1931) eng
Cushion Fence Gentle force field Alfred Bester (1974) eng
Cyborg Collar - controlled work gangs A device worn around the neck that controls the person for the duration of a working day. Fritz Leiber (1968) eng
Decibel Alarms - shhh! we're protesting Alarms that would go off if the noise in public gathering places was rising to riotous levels. Anne McCaffrey (1973) eng
Dew Gatherers Devices used to gather morning dew as a source of drinking water. Frank Herbert (1965) eng
Digger Worm - mining robot A robot shaped like a fat snake, or worm; used for mining. Connie Willis (1985) eng
Digital Ink License Plate License tags that can change both state and number in the blink of an eye. Daniel Suarez (2006) eng
Disintegrator Ray (Dis Ray) A device that projects a beam reducing matter to nothingness. Philip Frances Nowlan (1928) eng
Disinto - a disintegrating ray A disintegrating ray. Isaac Asimov (1941) eng
Disperser - back off Device that gives an electric shock to anyone who touches a vehicle. Alan Dean Foster (2006) eng
Disposal-Safe Device to store and, if necessary, destroy documents. Murray Leinster (1956) eng
Dolphin's Hands Digital prosthetic for dolphins. Larry Niven (1967) eng
Donnersprache A hypnotic transceiver that enhances the charisma of speakers. Dean Ing (1991) eng
Double-Pane Vacuum Window Double-pane glass separated by vacuum. Raymond Z. Gallun (1940) eng
Drafting Dan - born before CAD The first computer software drafting program (Computer Aided Design - CAD). Robert Heinlein (1956) eng
Drop Shaft (Neutralization of Inertia) - watch that first step An 'elevator shaft' in which the user can fall at the speed of gravity, then be stopped without inertia (i.e., instantly). E.E. 'Doc' Smith (1937) eng
Duplication Chamber A means of precisely duplicating an object. William F. Temple (1939) eng
Dutch Clock (Time Machine) A tall Dutch clock with hands that move... backward. Edward Page Mitchell (1881) eng
Earmite A small speaker that you can put in your ear. John Shirley (1985) eng
Earthsuit Like a spacesuit, but protects you from the Earth. Neal Stephenson (2021) eng
Electric Protection-Wires (Electrified Fence) An electric fence. John Jacob Astor IV (1894) eng
Electric Wall A wall of electric force. Edmond Hamilton (1942) eng
Electric-Space-Strain Projector - wireless power transmission Device enables the wireless transmission of power. John W. Campbell (1934) eng
Electro-Binox Binoculars with electronic focusing. Fritz Leiber (1968) eng
Electron Gun How to add a lot of electrons to a lot of positrons? Nat Schachner (1934) eng
Energy Converter Massive unit on the sunside of Mercury converts heat into energy, and beams it around the solar system. Isaac Asimov (1942) eng
Energy Curtain Key A small handheld "key" to shut off a force field. Nat Schachner (w. AL Zagat) (1931) eng
Energy Screen A field of force. A.E. van Vogt (1944) eng
Evolution Machine A device that accelerates the process of evolution by millions of times. Edmond Hamilton (1931) eng
Exoskeleton (Medical) - first look Specially designed for Thins, eight-foot tall microgravity humans. Fritz Leiber (1968) eng
Factory Crawler (or Harvester Crawler) - sift the sands of Arrakis A mobile factory which filtered and processed the sands of Dune for the spice, mélange. Frank Herbert (1965) eng
Fairy Digits (Tiny Waldoes) Waldoes used for very fine work. Robert Heinlein (1942) eng
Feeler-Planes - sensors for 3D models Special sensors that make extremely detailed three-dimensional models. Jack Vance (1954) eng
Femfatalatron A device that reverses an infatuation for a particular woman. Stanislaw Lem (1965) eng
Fenton Silencer - early noise cancellation A device to cancel noise over a broad area. Arthur C. Clarke (1957) eng
Field-Projector A device that dematerializes a person and then sends forth a ray that will then rematerialize a person at the end. Edmond Hamilton (1938) eng
Filter Wheel - stepwise refinement A device for filtering liquid or gas to obtain a pure sample of a selected molecule. Neal Stephenson (1995) eng
Filter-Mask Perfect for dystopian future air pollution. John Brunner (1972) eng
Filt-Plug - lose no moisture A nose plug worn to collect moisture from exhaled air. Frank Herbert (1965) eng
Finger Jet Bath The ultimate in luxury tubs. Jack Vance (1954) eng
Flame Barrier A form of protective force field. A.E. van Vogt (1943) eng
Flexible Stem A long flexible tube that can expand and contract its length quickly. Jack Vance (1964) eng
Fluor Strips Lighting long narrow devices. Margaret St. Clair (1949) eng
Flying Harness Device allows free movement in the air. E.E. 'Doc' Smith (1928) eng
Foam Station Sprayer A device that stills the stormy Great Red Spot on Jupiter. Frank Belknap Long, Jr. (1936) eng
Fold Box A chest that is bigger on the inside than it is on the outside. Robert Heinlein (1963) eng
Force-Screen - protective energy A variation on the force shield idea. Frank Belknap Long, Jr. (1939) eng
Fottengill Process An early mention of the idea that energy can be derived from random noise. Lloyd Biggle, Jr. (1956) eng
Frictionless Cups Cups with a special surface to which liquid does not adhere. Larry Niven (1973) eng
Frictionless Toilet A toilet bowl that does not require water, because its surface is frictionless. Larry Niven (w/J. Pournelle) (1974) eng
Fusion Power Creating energy from nuclear fusion reactions. Gerald Vance (1956) eng
Garbage Mine - there's gold in them heaps The idea that recycling can spawn entirely new industries. David Brin (1990) eng
Gateway A device that opens a portal to another dimension. Harl Vincent (1933) eng
Geofractor Device provides instantaneous teleportation of selected objects over vast distances. Jack Williamson (1939) eng
Geotect A person who creates landforms and physical environments Neal Stephenson (1995) eng
Gesture-Controlled Device An electronic device that is controlled by hand gestures. Douglas Adams (1979) eng
Ghost Trap Device for capture and temporary storage of ectoplasmic entities. Harold Ramis (1984) eng
Glass Dome Protective cover for cities. H.G. Wells (1905) eng
Global Climate Control Adjust the Earth's axis so the seasons are more temperate and uniform. John Jacob Astor IV (1894) eng
Glowstone - great at parties A mineral that absorbs light by day and emits it by night. George RR Martin (1977) eng
Grapple Tracks - auto parking A means of automating the process of parking and releasing passenger vehicles from a parking garage. Frank Herbert (1977) eng
Gravitic Lift An elevator with no visible means of support. Isaac Asimov (1988) eng
Gravity Beam An conical attractive ray, it pulls ships to their doom. Ray Cummings (1932) eng
Gravity Lens - see the stars An optical lens created using the lightbending properties of gravity. Larry Niven (1973) eng
Gravity Neutralizing Disks Two plates between which Earth's gravitational influence is cancelled out. Edmond Hamilton (1937) eng
Gravity Nullification (Gravity Screen) Gravity annulled in its entirety in a small area. Hugo Gernsback (1911) eng
Gravity Nullifier Shields a large object from the effect of gravity. Henri Dahl Juve (1929) eng
Gravity Tube - e-z store A special passage way that eases the movement of material within a ship. Jack McDevitt (2002) eng
Grill-Screen Adaptor Approved General Electronics Corporation solution for bomb shelters, in response to Soviet bore-pellets. Philip K. Dick (1955) eng
Half-Sphere Force Field - not an ordinary spherical force field A protective force field that can manifest even as a half-sphere. Robert Heinlein (1951) eng
Hand Wave Control Control an electronic or other device with gestures. Philip K. Dick (1955) eng
Harvest Power From Stray Energy A means of collecting enough energy from stray electronic impulses to power a device. Harl Vincent (1928) eng
Headset - wireless ear-clips Wireless headsets provide computer language translation. William Gibson (1996) eng
Heat Transmitter - warmth to outer planets Device which captures solar energy close to the source and then beams it in concentrated form to outer planets. Edmond Hamilton (1928) eng
Hedgerly Effect A means of producing a gravitational field artificially. George O. Smith (1947) eng
Helio-Dynamophores (Sun-Power-Generators) Photo-electric elements which transformed the solar heat direct into electric energy. Hugo Gernsback (1911) eng
Helium Tubes Lighting that exactly mimics the frequencies of sunlight. Louis Tucker, D.D. (1929) eng
Helmet-Mounted Display Screen - display where you need it A small electronic display mounted for easy viewing. Harry Harrison (1951) eng
Hilsch Vortex Tube - Maxwell's demon lives! A T-shaped device that admits air under pressure and outputs hot air from side and cold from the other. Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth) (1952) eng
Historical Listening Machine Device can hear sounds from down through the ages. A.T. Locke (1933) eng
Holodeck A computer-simulated environment. David Gerrold (1987) eng
House-of-Cards Construction Architectural technique that uses computers to help buildings maintain their balance during earthquakes. Vernor Vinge (2006) eng
Hush Hood - privacy when you need it A device that cancels noise, ensuring that others cannot overhear. Robert Heinlein (1966) eng
Hyperbolic Solenoid - mag lock picker Device that creates and manipulates magnetic fields. L. Sprague de Camp (1940) eng
Hyperstereoscope A book of three-dimensional pages. Miles J. Breuer (1929) eng
Iceberg Water Tub - fresh water mountain An enormous bag or tub that encloses an iceberg used to supply fresh water. Jerry Pournelle (w/L. Niven) (1981) eng
Ice-Nine - the final form of water A crystalline form of water so stable that in practical terms it would never melt. Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. (1963) eng
Indirect Cold Light Apparently source-less lighting, highly efficient, with no waste heat. Henri Dahl Juve (1929) eng
Individualized Clothing Manufacture - clothes just for you A device that will produce suits of clothing based on measurement data gathered. H.G. Wells (1899) eng
Inertia Tank A device that protected its delicate contents by cushioning. Raymond Z. Gallun (1939) eng
Instant Photography A photograph that develops immediately inside the camera. Henri Dahl Juve (1929) eng
Inviolability Field A kind of field of force built into a robe, to protect an individual person. Fritz Leiber (1943) eng
Invisibility Shield A means of concealing a physical object to the naked eye. E.E. 'Doc' Smith (1934) eng
Invisible Cloak -long before Harry Potter A cloak that renders the wearer invisible. Ray Cummings (1930) eng
Iridium Spirals (Street Lights) Streetlights provide sunlight at night. Hugo Gernsback (1911) eng
Jonnytruck A movable bathroom for hire; cost is offset by reclamation. Paolo Bacigalupi (2015) eng
Kink-Spring - reusable energy source A device that stores energy with near-perfect efficiency. Paolo Bacigalupi (2005) eng
Lanson Screen An elliptical shield of force large enough to enclose a city. Leo Zagat (1936) eng
Lethe-Mirror Induces sleepy mindedness. Philip K. Dick (1956) eng
Levitating Path Anti-gravity metal used to make a floating walkway. Ray Bradbury (1952) eng
Lighting Panel A large panel that presents illumination without heat. Lyle Monroe (1940) eng
Liquid Metal Metal that can be sprayed on. Arthur K. Barnes (1938) eng
Local Time Clock A clock for use in airships that always indicates the time for the place they are flying over. Henri Dahl Juve (1929) eng
Locatimeter A method for a plane to know its location over the Earth. Otis Adelbert Kline (1937) eng
Lunar Ice Mining - water on the moon The practice of mining for ice on the moon. Robert Heinlein (1966) eng
Lunar Observatory Putting an observatory on the far side of the Moon could have advantages. Poul Anderson (1958) eng
Maelstrom A description of the next generation Internet Peter Watts (2002) eng
Magnetic Pinions - electromagnetic cuffs Remote control electromagnetic handcuffs. Jack Vance (1958) eng
Manmade Black Hole Using the power of a hole in the continuum. Jack Williamson (1939) eng
Matched-Frequency Separable Units Devices that can draw power wirelessly from a matched source. E.E. 'Doc' Smith (1930) eng
Matter Duplicator Makes a perfect copy of any material object. George O. Smith (1945) eng
Matter Editation Technology that enables the easy manipulation of atomic properties. Sid Meier (1999) eng
Matter Transmitter - ride the beam Device which causes a physical object to disappear from one place and reappear in another. L.F. Stone (1931) eng
Matter Transmitter and Receiver A device that transports matter through space. Edmond Hamilton (1931) eng
Mechanical Hand A large robotic hand or claw, large enough to grasp a person. Philip Nowlan (w/D. Calkins) (1929) eng
Mechanical Mole - Underground vehicle A self-contained device for digging large tunnels. Jerry Pournelle (w/L. Niven) (1981) eng
Mechanical Thought Transformers Machinery to expedite the process of thought transfer. L.F. Stone (1931) eng
Metaverse - the whole virtual world A virtual universe. Neal Stephenson (1992) eng
Meteorite Deflector A means of pushing aside asteroids that get in the path of your space ship. Miles J. Breuer (1931) eng
Micro-Cosmos (Microcosm) The universe in miniature. Edmond Hamilton (1935) eng
Miniature Universe A microcosmic universe created in the laboratory. Edmond Hamilton (1937) eng
Miniaturization Making a physical object smaller in size. Isaac Asimov (1966) eng
Mining Disintegrator A special-purpose boring machine. David McDaniel (1967) eng
Minisec A device like a personal digital assistant (PDA) today. Arthur C. Clarke (1976) eng
Mole Probe Automated devices that seek underground routes, burrowing as they go. Robert Silverberg (1969) eng
Molecular Sieve A device that can extract any element from seawater. Arthur C. Clarke (1957) eng
Molecule Replacement Lamp A means of attaining practical invisibility. Frank Belknap Long, Jr. (1936) eng
Monopole Mining Looking for natural sources of monopoles. Larry Niven (1973) eng
Moondozer - moonmover A bulldozer for lunar conditions. Arthur C. Clarke (1961) eng
Movable Slideway - it comes to you A slideway (moving sidewalk) that can be extended to a spaceship to ease the debarkation process. Robert Heinlein (1951) eng
Nanomachine Swarm (Black Cloud) - tiny machines work together A cloud of tiny machines, able to work together autonomously. Stanislaw Lem (1954) eng
Neutralizing Wall A barrier that stops electrical and mechanical vibrations, rendering the protected area effectively invisible. Harl Vincent (1928) eng
Nuclear Shears Device uses nuclear power to accomplish basic shop tasks. Isaac Asimov (1951) eng
Nuclear-Field Depressor A device that causes nuclear-powered devices to stop working. Isaac Asimov (1952) eng
Nullfield A field of energy that creates a barrier. John Varley (1977) eng
Object-Finder Beam A unique device that projected a beam that found what you wanted. L.F. Stone (1931) eng
Oceanic Thermal Energy Converter - energy from the sea A device that uses the sea to help create electricity. Larry Niven (w/S. Barnes) (2000) eng
Oil Lens - infinitely adjustable lens Oil held in tension in an enclosing force field, used as an optical component. Frank Herbert (1965) eng
One-Way Passage A different way to assure permanent egress. Jack Vance (1954) eng
Optical-Effect Suit An invisibility garment. Keith Laumer (1964) eng
Orphids Nanomachines replicate theselves from dust - and cover the Earth. Rudy Rucker (2007) eng
Osmosis Generator (Cziltang Brone) - the air lock A device that can render a solid permeable to matter. Larry Niven (1970) eng
Pail of Air A small bucket filled with (liquid) air. Fritz Leiber (1951) eng
Palm Plate - your hand is the key A device that scanned for a palm print prior to opening a door. E.C. Tubb (1958) eng
Para-Beam - light of paralysis A beam of energy that paralyzes the victim. E.C. Tubb (1958) eng
Paralyzing Eye False eye contains mechanism for causing brief paralysis. L. Sprague de Camp (1941) eng
Parastatics Means of completely eliminating injury in vehicles during crashes. Stanislaw Lem (1961) eng
People-Sorter - catalog them quickly A device able to sort human beings with incredible speed. John Varley (1983) eng
Perfect Voice Modulation Artificially creating the perfect human singing voice. Bernard Brown (1931) eng
Personal Solar Plant A single-home solar-powered energy source. Clifford Simak (1952) eng
Photic Borer (Artesian Ray) A ray of energy that illuminates a cross-section of Earth as it goes through solid earth and rock. Frank Stockton (1897) eng
Photoelectric Course Warning - aid to spaceship pilots A means of keeping a spaceship on course using a selected star and a photoelectric cell. Robert H. Wilson (1931) eng
Photo-Voltaic Robes Outerwear made from material that absorbs sunlight and outputs electricity. Neal Asher (2002) eng
Pina2bo A huge cannon that shot shells filled with sulfur high into the atmosphere for the purpose of geoengineering a change in climate. Neal Stephenson (2021) eng
Planet City A planet the surface of which is entirely covered over, forming one single city. David M. Speaker (1930) eng
Plastibulb A squeezable drink container. Lewis Padgett (1943) eng
Pneumatic-Tube Zone The portion of a city that is served by direct tubes to each dwelling. Miles J. Breuer (1932) eng
Pocket Gravity Nullifier Personal device stops gravity's effect. Henri Dahl Juve (1929) eng
Polyfrequency Neutralizer Dissolves projected solidographs (holograms). Fritz Leiber (1943) eng
Positron Beam Vast numbers of positrons, the antimatter counterpart of the electron, are beamed around the Earth. Nat Schachner (1934) eng
Powered artificial exoskeleton A robotic device designed to support someone too weak to comfortably move in high gravity. Robert Heinlein (1951) eng
Predictograph Capable combining and projecting hundreds of complex curves into the future. S.P. Meek (1929) eng
Private Flyer A privately-owned air vehicle that used no control surfaces for maneuvering. Arthur C. Clarke (1953) eng
Probability Time Wave Tube A device that allows the user to see every possible event. John W. Campbell (1936) eng
Prosthetic Yachting Gloves Robotic gloves for sailors. Bruce Sterling (2022) eng
Protective Energy Halo A device that cast a hemisphere of protective beams. Raymond Z. Gallun (1936) eng
Protective Field (Safety Field) An static energy field used to protect a city. Robert Silverberg (1969) eng
Protoplast Artificial life, tougher than protoplasm. Raymond Z. Gallun (1954) eng
Psychophone A device that allows the user to tune their mind to a future reality - a time-traveling device. Maurice G. Hugi (1941) eng
Public Urine Collection Arcologies offer public latrines, then collect for reclamation. Paolo Bacigalupi (2015) eng
Quantum Power Power generation through photon fission. Sid Meier (1999) eng
Quench Field Stopped runaway nuclear reactions by quenching the cascades of neutrons. E. Waldo Hunter (1941) eng
Radar Detection of objects at a distance. Hugo Gernsback (1911) eng
Radiant Power Receptor (DeKalbs) - broadcast power receiver A device which received and used energy transmitted from a station or satellite. Robert Heinlein (1942) eng
Radium-Action Lighter A personal device used to ignite tobacco products. Manly Wade Wellman (1940) eng
Reality Tape The medium upon which the life experience of an electric ant - a robotic person - is presented. Philip K. Dick (1969) eng
Recording Radio A handheld device that both recorded sound and transmitted it live to a remote broadcasting location. H. Beam Piper (1961) eng
Reflectocosmic Spectrometer A device that detects and measures cosmic rays that reflect from different metals. Philip Nowlan (w/D. Calkins) (1929) eng
Refrigeration Tape - ground cooling A strip of material that can be used to keep large tracts of tundra nicely frozen. Robert Silverberg (1970) eng
Remote-Control Slavery Mental control (possibly mediated by radio waves) of individuals of other species. Robert Silverberg (1969) eng
Repair Drone Autonomous robots repair damage or sabotage. William Gibson (1984) eng
Repellor Anti-Gravity Rays Device provides support for planet-side air travel. Philip Frances Nowlan (1928) eng
Repulsor Ray Fires an invisible beam of electrons for propulsion. Edmond Hamilton (1927) eng
Rhennius Machine - reverse yourself Device of alien manufacture, which will reverse, or turn inside out, any object passed through its mobilator. Roger Zelazny (1976) eng
Robomule The robotic equivalent of a mule. Harry Harrison (1965) eng
Robopark - automated parking garage An automated parking garage. Robert Heinlein (1941) eng
Robotic Microhands Mechanical replica of hands, that mimic the movements of actual human hands. Boris Zhitkov (1931) eng
Rooftop Windmill - renewable energy vision Renewable energy source for the home. John Jacob Astor IV (1894) eng
RUMOKO - island builder A project to create additional land surface by deliberate stimulation of undersea volcanoes. Roger Zelazny (1976) eng
Sandsnork - breathe under sand A device like a snorkel that would provide air to a tent buried by a sand storm. Frank Herbert (1965) eng
Scanner Palm A document scanner implanted in the palm of the hand. Warren Hammond (2007) eng
Scanning-Disk Telescope A telescope which uses a television-like monitor instead of an eyepiece. Murray Leinster (1931) eng
Schrieber Analyzer Superior automatic air testing - for the discriminating space traveler. Eric Frank Russell (1955) eng
Security Restraint Field A force field that restricts personal movement. Robert Heinlein (1951) eng
Self-Sustaining Nuclear Reaction An 'atomic fire' is started that consumes all matter in reach! Raymond Z. Gallun (1931) eng
Servok An 'automatic' or clock-set mechanism to perform simple tasks. Frank Herbert (1965) eng
Ship That Swims Under Water (Submarine) A Ship that could swim under Water. Margaret Cavendish (1666) eng
Shipstone - lots of power A lot of power in a small, manufactured package. Robert Heinlein (1982) eng
Shovel-Handed Digging Machines Huge multi-legged machines used to dig and manipulate earth. Frank Phillips (1929) eng
Slideway - moving sidewalk A slidewalk, or moving walkway, that moves people forward. Robert Heinlein (1942) eng
Slug An underwater "barge", consisting of a giant tube for transporting oil. Frank Herbert (1956) eng
Smart Rope Long 'rope' consisting of a variety of intertwined cables with different properties; controlled with special glove interface. Bruce Sterling (1994) eng
Smartcoral Reef - water purifying reef An artificial coral reef that pulls water in for use in large communities. Neal Stephenson (1995) eng
Sobriety Ray - instantly sober A ray of a particular wavelength and intensity, that conferred instant sobriety on those it shone upon. Lewis Padgett (1942) eng
Solar Beam Obtaining solar power by means of a direct connection with the sun. George O. Smith (1944) eng
Solar Electric Paint - Black Power - solar power in a spray can A black-colored paint that can be sprayed on, making any surface a solar power generator. Larry Niven (1995) eng
Solar Energy Beam - ultimate in solar power production A solar energy plant on Mercury provides power for projects all over the solar system. Clifford Simak (1941) eng
Solar Power Generation A very early description of the use of solar powered 'farms' for generating electrical power on a large scale. John Jacob Astor IV (1894) eng
Solar Power Screen Absorb all solar energy, and emit electrical energy. Lyle Monroe (1940) eng
Solar Reception Screen - photovoltaics in action A device for converting sunlight to electricity Robert Heinlein (1940) eng
Solar Station Switch Room A power station for the entire solar system. Edmond Hamilton (1940) eng
Solar Updraft Tower A renewable-energy scheme that generates power from air movement inside a tall chimney. Leigh and Walt Richmond (1964) eng
Solar-Powered Aircraft A plane powered entirely by solar energy. John W. Campbell (1930) eng
Solar-Powered Ball An autonomous round toy that powers itself. Raymond Z. Gallun (1954) eng
Solar-Powered Electric Helicopter An electric helicopter, with sun cells. James Patrick Kelly (1933) eng
Solid Power - it's super-valuable! A concentrated form of easily accessed energy to supply any need. Edmond Hamilton (1940) eng
Sonabarrier - keep the vultures out A type of energy fence, used to keep birds away from particular areas. Frank Herbert (1977) eng
Sonar Pistol A device that divers can use to find seabottom and objects in extremely dark or murky water. Peter Watts (1999) eng
Sonic Fold Force field that guides air around an air vehicle. Larry Niven (1970) eng
Sound Deadener Device that acts to damp excessive noise produced by different species. Larry Niven (1970) eng
Sound Nullifier A barrier to sound; the cancellation of sound waves. Bernard Brown (1931) eng
Sound-Killing Air Fluid A means to eliminate all of the noise made by machines in a city, leaving the voices of human beings. A.M. McNeill (1930) eng
Spaceplane (Clarke-class) An inexpensively powered flight to low earth orbit. Peter F. Hamilton (1998) eng
Spex (Spexware) Video glasses with computer assistance. Bruce Sterling (1993) eng
Spinnerettes - handling nanofibers A device that will unspool a nanowire filament and then pull it back in. Arthur C. Clarke (1978) eng
Stasis Box - infinite storage A space entirely enclosed by a Slaver stasis field, in which time does not pass. Larry Niven (1968) eng
Stasis Field Energy field which prevents time from passing inside the field walls; no time passes, nobody gets hurt. Robert Heinlein (1942) eng
Steel Tentacle Flexible robotic steel limbs that can both support a vehicle and grasp objects. H.G. Wells (1898) eng
Stereoscopic Vernier and Cube A means of photographing in depth. Eric Frank Russell (1939) eng
Straightening the Earth's Poles By means of a suitable force, push the Earth until the planet's axis of rotation is perpendicular to the ecliptic. Jules Verne (1889) eng
Stratoplane An airplane that flies up to the edge of the atmosphere. Donald Wandrei (1934) eng
Structural Scanning Essentially, a whole-object camera, that would take a detailed picture of the structure of an object. James P. Hogan (1978) eng
Sub-Etheric Below the level at which ordinary light is propagated. Jack Williamson (1938) eng
Sunparlor A vast esplanade enclosed in glass, to permit sunbathing without leaving an immense building. Louis Tucker, D.D. (1929) eng
Sunpower Screen - photovoltaic cells power vehicle A solar cell array used to provide power for a vehicle. Robert Heinlein (1940) eng
Sunray Tank A device that stores sunlight itself for use as an energy source. Edgar Rice Burroughs (1914) eng
Sun-Room On a planet-wide city, the only way to get some sun without going to the roof. Isaac Asimov (1951) eng
Sunshade-Photocell Collector A fanciful design for a device that gathers solar energy. David Brin (1990) eng
Superconductor of Heat A light metal that accepts heat applied to its surface, and then dissipates the energy throughout the material, leaving the temperature of the material unchanged. Larry Niven (w/J. Pournelle) (1974) eng
Suspensor - suspend gravity An energy field that can nullify gravity for small objects. Frank Herbert (1965) eng
Swiss A small piece of personal gear that combines a great many items in a single device. Karen Traviss (2004) eng
Talking Speedometer A gauge that tells you its value verbally Theodore Sturgeon (1941) eng
Tanglefoot Field - non-lethal crowd control A force field that would not harm but merely entangle and stop anyone (or anything) caught in it. Robert Heinlein (1954) eng
Telelubricator - perfectly frictionless Makes any surface or substance perfectly frictionless. L. Sprague de Camp (1940) eng
Telepomp (Matter Transmission) - first use A device that transmitted matter from one place to another. Edward Page Mitchell (1877) eng
Temporal Paradox The paradoxical idea that making changes in the past results in changes in the present. Brian Berry (1954) eng
Tesseract House A house built in the shape of a four-dimensional figure. Robert Heinlein (1940) eng
The Cosmic Express A means of transmitting matter wirelessly. Jack Williamson (1930) eng
The Dip A device that randomly dredges up things from the past... or the future. Philip K. Dick (1954) eng
Thermlectrium An alloy that turns heat directly into electricity. John W. Campbell (1935) eng
Tickler - clears smog Clears smog and saves the residue for later use. R.A. Lafferty (1972) eng
Time Dredge A device that scoops up material from the past, and returns it to the present. Robert Arthur (1942) eng
Time Line The sequence of events leading up to, and past, this moment. Ross Rocklynne (1941) eng
Time Line Time seen linearly, as a distinguishable series of events. John Russell Fearn (1935) eng
Time Loop A series of events repeats, the stream crosses over itself. Eando Binder (1936) eng
Time Quake Too much energy applied to a time-fault may have started this. Philip K. Dick (1954) eng
Time Tunnel A gateway into the past. Clifford Simak (1938) eng
Timepress - time in a bottle A device that makes time go more quickly in a limited area. John Varley (1983) eng
Time-Space Television A device for seeing into the past. Harl Vincent (1932) eng
Time-Telespectroscope. See other time-travelers. Ray Cummings (1931) eng
Tiny Atomic-Power Drive Unit - compact power of the atom A very small power generator that is atomic powered. John W. Campbell (1938) eng
Tiny Nuclear Generator A complete nuclear-based generator of power no bigger than a walnut. Isaac Asimov (1952) eng
Traction City Gut The area of a Traction City used for taking apart and consuming captured prey cities. Philip Reeve (2003) eng
Transmit Camera A camera that both takes pictures and uploads it directly to a news station. H. Beam Piper (1961) eng
Trans-Oceanic Rocket Ship Rocket-propelled airplanes making short work of long trips on Earth. Max Valier (1930) eng
Trantor - planet city A city that covers the entire surface of the planet. Isaac Asimov (1951) eng
Trimagniscope - see inside any object A device that produced a usable cross-sectional image of any part of an object. James P. Hogan (1977) eng
Trion Library An early visualization of the Internet. Stanislaw Lem (1955) eng
Ultra-Light Allows the user to see into rock or other solid matter. Harry Harrison (1951) eng
Ultra-microrobot - small as an insect A nanomachine; a machine whose parts are no bigger than atoms. Raymond Z. Gallun (1937) eng
Ultra-Vibrator Transports objects into another dimension through intense vibration. Maurice Duclos (1939) eng
Undersea City A great city under the sea, covered by a crystal dome. Andre Laurie (1895) eng
Undersea Mining Conducting mining operations on the sea floor. Jules Verne (1875) eng
Uranatomic An atomic pile that generates electricity. Jack Williamson (1941) eng
Vanwinkling Another name for time-traveling into the future. L. Sprague de Camp (1941) eng
Vaporator A device which extracted moisture from the air for use in farming. George Lucas (1976) eng
Vibratium Wall Time Machine An element that is unstable in time makes time travel possible and enables the Grandfather Paradox. Nat Schachner (1933) eng
Violet Shrink Ray A miniaturization ray. Jack Williamson (1932) eng
Virtual Immortality A method for storing the mind and memories of a person, and recalling and reconstituting them at will. Arthur C. Clarke (1956) eng
Voice-Activated Door - come in A door that opens upon verbal command. Kendall Foster Crossen (1953) eng
Voice-Clock A clock that could state the time out loud. Ray Bradbury (1950) eng
Waldo - the origin of telefactoring A telefactoring device; also known as the Waldo F. Jones Synchronous Reduplicating Pantograph. Robert Heinlein (1942) eng
Wall-Light The walls of a room provide illumination. Isaac Asimov (1952) eng
Water Repellent Surface - non-wetting surface A surface that water flows over without sticking at all. Frank Herbert (1965) eng
Waveform Hypothesis - J. Frederick Arment (2004) eng
Weather Integrator - every day perfect An entire technology for controlling the weather. Robert Heinlein (1941) eng
Weather Machine A device for controlling the weather. Nat Schachner (1932) eng
Weather Pod - self-contained meteorology lab Imperial technology available to planetologists only. Brian Herbert (2001) eng
Weightless Work Area - the ideal workbench A small workspace within which there is no gravitational pull. Philip K. Dick (1969) eng
Wholographik Hologram-style picture. John Brunner (1968) eng
Wildcode A vast, actual desert comprised of nanites, nanomachines. Hannu Rajaniemi (2012) eng
Windmill Mast Enclosed machinery in large masts powers ships. John Jacob Astor IV (1894) eng
Windtrap - pure water source A device which precipitates water from the air for use by people. Frank Herbert (1965) eng
Win-Reducing Gambling Circuit - very sneaky Circuitry in a game that detects winning strategies and then alters the game to make winning more difficult. Philip K. Dick (1967) eng
Worldcraft Bubble An incredibly detailed mechanical simulation of a world. Philip K. Dick (1953) eng
Wrist Search Display A wearable device that uses its own search beam to view scenes close by. Harry Bates (1934) eng
Zero-Time Jail - no time off for good behavior A building in which an energy field prevents time from passing. Larry Niven (1976) eng
Zoo Fences - made of acid Caustic water moat Frank Herbert (1977) eng
Airpolo Polo played in mid-air with special aircraft and helium-filled balls. Leo Zagat (1943) entertainment
Analogue - devolution through chemistry A combination of a drug and a particular mental state allow a person to devolve to an animal level of their choice. Alfred Bester (1956) entertainment
Antigravity Globe Arena A spherical arena for wrestling. Samuel R. Delany (1966) entertainment
Dashboard TV A television placed in the dashboard of your car or similar vehicle. Philip K. Dick (1955) entertainment
Dimensino - alien entertainment center An alien entertainment center that provides the ultimate in immersive experience. Clifford Simak (1961) entertainment
Dream Park - theme park ancestor A vacation theme park in which the visitors participated fully in the different environments. Larry Niven (w/S. Barnes) (1981) entertainment
Droud - wire your pleasure center A transformer to step down house current for the wire providing current directly to the pleasure center of the brain. Larry Niven (1969) entertainment
Empathy Box - TV for your emotional brain A device which allows a group of people to empathize with a single person (like television lets many people view the same broadcast). Philip K. Dick (1964) entertainment
Feelies (Feely) Device adds the tactile element to entertainment. Aldous Huxley (1932) entertainment
Gravity Whip - zero g on a budget A roller coaster designe to provide riders with a 'zero G' experience. Larry Niven (w/S. Barnes) (1981) entertainment
Jumble-Box A device that jumbles sensory input. Roger Zelazny (1980) entertainment
Life Chamber A machine-mediated, fully immersive experiential environment. G. Peyton Wertenbaker (1929) entertainment
Light-Sculpture A creative work that was both sculpture and light. Isaac Asimov (1973) entertainment
Nipple-Assist A multi-purpose electronic device worn upon the nipple. Philip K. Dick (1964) entertainment
Nullboxing Bubble The 'ring' used for a sport played out in free fall; essentially kickboxing in space. Steven Barnes (1983) entertainment
Peeper - unlock your inner dreams A device that unlocked the dreams and fantasies inherent in the user's brain. Clifford Simak (1957) entertainment
Rifle Range (Virtual Shooting Range) - virtual skeet shooting designed by aliens Virtual skeet shooting gallery with clay pigeon traps created by aliens. Clifford Simak (1963) entertainment
Saga - very early virtual reality reference You become a part of the great adventures of history. Arthur C. Clarke (1956) entertainment
Sceneshifter An automated display device that produced random pictorial presentations. Philip K. Dick (1954) entertainment
Semuta - eerie music A combination of a specific drug and music, which penetrated to the deepest levels of consciousness. Frank Herbert (1965) entertainment
SimStim - playback your internal experience Stimulation of the brain and nervous system of one person using a recording (or live broadcast) of another person's experience. William Gibson (1984) entertainment
Sky-Bike A human-powered floating bicycle built for use in lunar sports. Arthur C. Clarke (w/Pohl) (2008) entertainment
Storer-Gulls Wings - recreation for lunar colonists Recreational aid for lunar colonists; lightweight wings for cave flying. Robert Heinlein (1957) entertainment
Tasp - right where you live A device that induces a current in the pleasure center of the brain, at a distance. Larry Niven (1970) entertainment
Twist-Box - hack your own reality A device that scrambles your sensory input, providing you with a different kind of experience. Rudy Rucker (1988) entertainment
Virtual Keyboard A keyboard that appears at the right moment in game play. Frederik Pohl (1966) entertainment
Virtual Reality Video Game - very early description A description of a computer game simulation played in real time as entertainment. Frederik Pohl (1966) entertainment
Visi-Sonor - emotional brain multi-media An entertainment device which appeared to create both sound and light by acting directly on brain cells. It also stimulated emotions directly. Isaac Asimov (1952) entertainment
XV Wedge - let me entertain you A piece of entertainment that consists of edited real experience. John Barnes (1994) entertainment
Dental Switchboard - tongue switching A control device tied in with teeth and nerve endings. Alfred Bester (1956) input
Direct Interface - cut NaturallySpeaking out of the loop A form of computer interface that inputs text into a computer by thinking. John Varley (1992) input
Emblok - MP3 player for memories A device that imparts memories into the regrown brain, just like uploading content into a computer's random access memory. John Barnes (1998) input
GPS Sunglasses - you are here Sunglasses that contain both global positioning system components and cell phone services. William Gibson (1999) input
Handwriter - tattoo as output device A text input device implanted in your skin. John Varley (1992) input
Motion Capture Suit - lifetime motion capture A tight fitting garment that uses sensors at various positions to record movement in space; can be used as the basis for computer graphic creations. William Gibson (1999) input
Psypyx - will your memories wind up on Kazaa? A way of gathering and recording mental impressions. John Barnes (1998) input
Subvocal Input Device - under your breath Attached sensors read nerve signals to determine what the user will say next. David Brin (1990) input
Aeromuse Pillow A pillow that doubles as a music player. Alan Dean Foster (2010) lifestyle
Air Blast - the first air dryer An air dryer for personal use. Robert Heinlein (1940) lifestyle
Airchair A floating armchair. Ann K. Schwader (1988) lifestyle
Antiholo Generator Dispels intrusive hologram advertisements. John Varley (1977) lifestyle
Automated Wake-Up Call - the hotel wakes you up A device that provides automated wake-up calls. Jack Vance (1952) lifestyle
Bedog - a comfy canine A sentient creature designed to be a bed. Frank Herbert (1977) lifestyle
Boosterspice - anti geriatric drug A substance that extends human life almost indefinitely. Larry Niven (1980) lifestyle
Bubblehead - big-head brainiacs A person who as undergone E therapy, and achieved the frontal lobe of their dreams. Philip K. Dick (1965) lifestyle
Capillotomer An automatic shaving machine Robert Heinlein (1942) lifestyle
Cellphone Credit Card - mobile phone wallet Cellphone that can act as a credit card. Frederik Pohl (1966) lifestyle
Chairdog - the ultimate ergonomic chair A chair that is alive and partly sentient; it shapes itself to the person sitting in it. Frank Herbert (1964) lifestyle
Coffiest - coffee plus It's coffee that you can't live without. Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth) (1952) lifestyle
Commuter Cooling Unit - portable air conditioning A portable air conditioner for commuters. Philip K. Dick (1965) lifestyle
Credit Card - why carry cash? A simple card that is used in place of money Edward Bellamy (1888) lifestyle
Credit Wake - credit card transaction blog The electronic trail of our transactions across the Net. Dan Simmons (1989) lifestyle
Dentata - anti-rape device worn internally An anti-rape device. Neal Stephenson (1992) lifestyle
Depilatory Soap A labor-saving combination of soap and a agent that removes hair. Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth) (1952) lifestyle
Dermal Spray A color coating for the skin, applied as a jet of vapor. Philip K. Dick (1960) lifestyle
Dermal-Mist Spray Very refreshing for suburbanites. Philip K. Dick (1954) lifestyle
Diptray A hovering tray of drinks, used for parties. Roger Zelazny (1966) lifestyle
Drinking Bulb - best drinking container A small container, used for drinks. Larry Niven (1966) lifestyle
Dustplug - cover your Microsoft slot A cover specially made to protect one's microsoft socket; a tongue retainer for your brain. William Gibson (1986) lifestyle
Eloi - long lifers People who have undergone treatments to extend their lives. Greg Bear (1990) lifestyle
External Eyelenses - make a spectacle of yourself Way retro means of correcting vision problems in human beings. Richard Morgan (2003) lifestyle
Finger Watch - the original A ring that contains a working timepiece and a display. H.B. Fyfe (1951) lifestyle
Floating Booths Comfortable bar booths that float around and come together for conversation. Larry Niven (1967) lifestyle
Free-fall Couch Furniture that achieves the comfort of free-fall, the weightless condition normally achieved only in space. Dan Simmons (1989) lifestyle
Fresher - refreshing chamber Short for "refreshing chamber,", it is the future of personal hygiene technology. Robert Heinlein (1941) lifestyle
'Fresher Short for 'refreshing chamber', a device that performs various personal services. Robert Heinlein (1949) lifestyle
Glowglobe - the original track lighting Floating spherical light bulb with organic energy source. Frank Herbert (1965) lifestyle
Glow-Worm Living Alternated work, play and slumber without long periods of sleep. George Parsons Lathrop (1897) lifestyle
Gnome - built into life support A person who requires so much life support, they are built into the chair. John Varley (1983) lifestyle
Golden Lights - track lighting without the track Another unusual use of the suspensor field; lights are suspended in it. Frank Herbert (1965) lifestyle
Grass Carpet An indoor home or office floor covering - living grass. Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. (1959) lifestyle
Hanky Bush - use the white leaves A plant with leaves grown to resemble common, multipurpose tissues. Thomas A. Easton (1990) lifestyle
Hydropathic bed - better than a waterbed A heated bed that used something more comfortable than water. Alfred Bester (1952) lifestyle
Implanted Credit Card - wherever you want it to be A credit card system that could be surgically implanted; uses radio frequency identification to communicate with checkout hardware. Neal Stephenson (1995) lifestyle
Joo Janta 200 Super-Chromatic Peril Sensitive Sunglasses Sunglasses that darken at the sight of danger. Douglas Adams (1979) lifestyle
Kitchen Korner - smarty fridge Just exactly what futurists say you're going to get, like or not, in a refrigerator. William Gibson (1996) lifestyle
Life Recorder - records your life automatically Record the details of your life. Roger Zelazny (1966) lifestyle
Live Carpet - sensor fibers are self-cleaning A carpet made of living fibers; the backing is a digestive system. Greg Bear (1990) lifestyle
Living Grass Carpet - not AstroTurf An indoor area covered with grass, in the manner of a carpet. Robert Heinlein (1961) lifestyle
Low-Gravity Velodrome A bicycle track in an orbital resort. William Gibson (1984) lifestyle
Lucid Dreamer - it's a dream machine A machine that guarantees productive REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, and therefore dreams. Peter Watts (1999) lifestyle
Magnetic Levitating Bed A bed that hovers above the floor, with no visible means of suport. William Gibson (2007) lifestyle
Mall (Great City Bazaar) - Wal-Mart foreseen An aggregation of shops under one roof. Edward Bellamy (1888) lifestyle
Manual Closet - old-style storage An old-fashioned storage room for clothing, which required the user to place and organize articles of apparel by hand. Philip K. Dick (1964) lifestyle
Mattress Sleep Sensor - foolproof anti-sleep Sleep problems? Make sure you get your body out of bed each day. Larry Niven (w/S. Barnes) (1981) lifestyle
Microwave Beamer A hand-held fast cooking device. Larry Niven (1985) lifestyle
Mirrorshades - Surgically Inset Glasses - why buy expensive frames? Glasses that were implanted in the face of the wearer. William Gibson (1984) lifestyle
Moddy - no personality? No problem! A plug-in personality module; a firmware device that gives the user the personality desired - ROM to your brain's RAM. George Alec Effinger (1987) lifestyle
Moon Moth - a plain and timid mask A rather plain and timid mask. Jack Vance (1976) lifestyle
Napcap Capsule - snooze at will A handy refuge for travelers in busy terminals; a sleep aid when you really need one. Larry Niven (w/S. Barnes) (2000) lifestyle
Napcap Induction Cap - get a good night's sleep A device that aids sleep and relaxation by working with the subject's brain waves. Larry Niven (w/S. Barnes) (2000) lifestyle
Neck Radio Commercial radio from an implanted device. Philip K. Dick (1970) lifestyle
Odalarm - aromatherapy wake-up call An alarm clock that awakens the sleeper with a selected odor. Frank Herbert (1977) lifestyle
Olfactory Wakeup Call - wakey wakey eggs and bakey An alarm clock that works by wafting scents your way. Richard Morgan (2003) lifestyle
Online Job Search - via cellphone Networked assets allow ordinary people to search through nationwide job listings upon providing a short set of qualifications. Frederik Pohl (1966) lifestyle
Perky Pat Layout - playset for grownups A very special playset into which adults could project their very being. Philip K. Dick (1963) lifestyle
Plastex - self-healing material A combination of plaster and latex, it allows houses to change shape for you. J.G. Ballard (1962) lifestyle
Plastirobe - variations in opacity A dress that varies in opacity by distance. Philip K. Dick (1954) lifestyle
Poppins - Julie Andrews android An android body imprinted with the personality of a Master Nanny. David Brin (2002) lifestyle
Radioactive Coding for Checks Special coding system to easily recognize checks. Robert Heinlein (1956) lifestyle
Reading Machine - read while reclining A projector which showed text on a screen or the ceiling for easy reading. Robert Heinlein (1961) lifestyle
Refreshing Chamber Replaces the bathroom in the future history of Robert Heinlein. Robert Heinlein (1940) lifestyle
Remote-Cast Snooper A small, easily concealed poison snooper. Frank Herbert (1965) lifestyle
Resting Pits Larry Niven (1985) lifestyle
Selected Melanin Boosting - designer tan The only way to get a designer tan. William Gibson (1984) lifestyle
Self-Adjusting Furniture Automatic adjustment for a perfect fit. Clifford Simak (1951) lifestyle
Self-Igniter A self-lighting cigarette. Jack Vance (1949) lifestyle
Self-Lighting Cigarette A cigarette with a matchhead built in. Robert Heinlein (1941) lifestyle
Self-Satisfied Door - aaaahh! A door that is much more satisfied with its functionality than it has any right to be. Douglas Adams (1979) lifestyle
Self-Service Cafeteria Food on demand. E.C. Tubb (1958) lifestyle
Simicolor Artificial coloring for the body. Roger Zelazny (1966) lifestyle
Sleeping Plates - null gravity as a sleep aid A pair of plates that nullify gravity for the being(s) sleeping between them. Is null gravity the answer to your sleep problems? Larry Niven (1966) lifestyle
Snake Contact Lens - get that reptilian look A pair of contact lenses designed to make you appear to have slit pupils, like a snake's. William Gibson (1999) lifestyle
Soot-Extractor Nostril Plugs (Antisoot Plugs) - breathe easier A small device worn to filter industrial pollutants out of breathing air. Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth) (1952) lifestyle
Steel Drugs - in a tank A name for recreational chemicals that were entirely synthetic. Bruce Sterling (1988) lifestyle
Stimic - instrument for cool disapproval A musical instrument consisting of three flutelike tubes equipped with plungers; thumb and forefinger squeeze a bag to force air across the mouthpieces. Jack Vance (1976) lifestyle
Suit Designer William Gibson (1988) lifestyle
Sunshades - a transition Sunglasses that darken and lighten based on ambient lighting. Roger Zelazny (1966) lifestyle
Suspensor Chair - ultimate office chair A chair that suspends itself above the floor. Frank Herbert (1965) lifestyle
Suspensor Lamp - descendant of the lava lamp A lamp that will float in mid-air, and will stay where you put it. Frank Herbert (1965) lifestyle
Syrup Sac - kind of like those gravity flow beer hats A device used to provide an efficient source of nutrition to Meks, servants of the aristocrats of Earth. Jack Vance (1967) lifestyle
Telechronometer A watch that synchronizes itself to a remote source. Robert Heinlein (1940) lifestyle
Towel - massively useful A simple scrap of cloth with surprisingly many uses. Douglas Adams (1979) lifestyle
Truffle Skins - genetically unique money Genetically unique skins are the common currency; their special genetic makeup makes forgery impossible. Philip K. Dick (1965) lifestyle
Universal Card - every planet you want to be A device that mimics every credit card and identification card you possess. Dan Simmons (1989) lifestyle
Visual Ad An advertisement that forces its way directly into the brain of the viewer. Philip K. Dick (1954) lifestyle
VR Dyslexia - take those glasses off! Severe disorientation brought about by excessive use of virtual reality equipment. Alexander Besher (1994) lifestyle
Watchphone A combination cell phone and wrist watch. Bruce Sterling (1988) lifestyle
Waterbed (Hydraulic Bed) - a waterbed A bed that uses water instead of springs and stuffing. Robert Heinlein (1961) lifestyle
Watercouch A couch filled with water, rather than springs and cushions. Frederik Pohl (1980) lifestyle
Window-Willie - robot help for dirty windows A robot that cleaned windows by electrostatic repulsion of dust and grime. Robert Heinlein (1956) lifestyle
Zag House A means of implanting dreams. Clifford Simak (1951) lifestyle
Zero-G Ashtray An ashtray designed for use on a space station. Robert Heinlein (1942) lifestyle
Adjustable House A house with elastic walls and structural members, the shape of which can be changed. Fritz Leiber (1943) living
Automated Hotel Reservation A hotel that did not use clerks; a self-service hotel. Robert Heinlein (1941) living
Bambakias Hotel - help it come into being A hotel that wants to exist! It just needs a little help. Bruce Sterling (1998) living
Bioform House - pumpkin house A house grown from a bioengineered plant. Thomas A. Easton (1990) living
Boomer Park - where we're going Where the baby boomers all went to retire and die. Bart Kosko (1987) living
Bubble City Underwater domes provide living space for large communities. Roger Zelazny (1976) living
Burbclave - autonomous suburban enclave Contraction of suburban enclave; an extension of today's gated communities. Neal Stephenson (1992) living
Caliban Beachball - home to the stars Dwelling place for unusual lifeform who make jumpdoors possible. Frank Herbert (1969) living
Circumlunar - home with lunar views A large space habitat orbiting the moon. Bruce Sterling (1985) living
Clave - a suburban enclave Short for enclave (see also burbclave - autonomous suburban enclave) Neal Stephenson (1995) living
Coffin Rack Capsule Hotel A hotel with very (very!) small rooms. William Gibson (1984) living
Computer-Controlled House A residence that is an autonomous robotic system. Ray Bradbury (1950) living
Concrete Boxes - U-Stor-U Self storage for your body - living space designed for people who spend most of their time ignoring their surroundings anyway. John Barnes (1998) living
Cubic City A city contained in a single, immense building. Louis Tucker, D.D. (1929) living
Dark Vapor Bubble A kind of field that keeps an alien base provided with an atmosphere. H.G. Wells (1936) living
Doorseal - retain moisture A portable plastic seal used in temporary camps to keep moisture from escaping from dwelling places. Frank Herbert (1965) living
Float-home - living houseboat Living entity genetically designed for use as a houseboat. Frank Herbert (1969) living
Floating Building An apartment building that floats a few feet off the ground. Philip K. Dick (1974) living
Floating Castle A vast building floating freely above the land surface of Ringworld. Larry Niven (1970) living
Floating Island - living space Large artificial islands floating on Earth's seas. Larry Niven (w/S. Barnes) (2000) living
Floating Villa An artificial island several acres in extent. Edmond Hamilton (1940) living
Freezone - artificial island community A vast floating island in international waters. John Shirley (1985) living
Gauzy - a tent whose fabric is one molecule thick. A feather-light tent, made of a fabric just one molecule thick. Roger Zelazny (1966) living
Graluz - breeding pond for frog people A contained, concealed breeding pond for the frog-like Gowachin. Frank Herbert (1977) living
Handicloset - self-organizing A self-organizing closet Philip K. Dick (1965) living
Happylife Home - visit to The Veldt An automated multi-media home, which provided the good life to its inhabitants. Ray Bradbury (1951) living
Hotello A portable room within a room. Kim Stanley Robinson (2017) living
House Trees - ultimate tree houses Living trees grown as houses; large hollow pods serve as living spaces. Jack Vance (1954) living
King's Free Park - a long narrow park A park in which anarchy reigned; a very long, narrow park. Larry Niven (1972) living
Knockdown Cabin - portable shelter A portable shelter; had solid walls and could be assembled quickly. Robert Heinlein (1940) living
Laputa - a floating island A floating island or rock in the air. Jonathan Swift (1726) living
Lifezone - biosphere An enclosed biosphere; a pod-like greenhouse attached to a space-going vessel. Gregory Benford (1989) living
Machine Apartment Each person lives isolated in their own room, supported by a vast planetary machine. E.M. Forster (1909) living
Machine City A city that is a self-maintaining whole entity. John W. Campbell (1934) living
Micro-Bachelor - downscale apartment A small apartment carved out of an abandoned structure. William Gibson (1996) living
Multi-function Living Room - extrude from the wall A small living space with a variety of functions built-in. Larry Niven (1969) living
Multispecies Hotel A hotel set up to serve beings from different planets. Raymond Z. Gallun (1938) living
Nanotech Buildings - built with fibers Enormous buildings built with nanotech fibers. William Gibson (1996) living
No-Globe A large spherical living space that is concealed by special Ixian technology, making it impossible to detect by any known probe. Frank Herbert (1984) living
Orbiting Penal Colony - Alcatraz in orbit A prison placed in orbit (better than Alcatraz). William Shatner (1989) living
Paid Avoidance Zone - primitive on purpose An area where the inhabitants agree, for a government-paid fee, to live without sophisticated services. John Brunner (1975) living
Pent House An island in the sky - a hermetically sealed skyscraper isolated entirely from its surroundings. David H. Keller (1932) living
Pocket Dome - handy space tent Handy easy-to-set-up shelter. Jack McDevitt (2002) living
Pod-Chair A living chair, grown by the Iszc to perform its function. Jack Vance (1954) living
Polarized Window Rather than curtains, use the window to control the light. Jack Vance (1954) living
Polawindow - change lighting instantly A window-sized polarizer filter that allows changes in light intensity and color. Frank Herbert (1972) living
Power Stilts - lift your house Platforms that push inundated cities ever higher. Alan Dean Foster (2010) living
Pressurized Penthouse A stratospheric perch - if buildings are tall enough, you'll need this. Fritz Leiber (1958) living
Psychotropic House Buildings designed to sense, and mirror, the psychological state of their owners. J.G. Ballard (1962) living
Ringworld - sun-girdling artifact A 50 foot thick ribbon of matter around a star, a million miles across and as long as Earth's orbital circumference. Larry Niven (1970) living
Robotnik Automated Hotel - no human interaction A fully-automated hotel; no human interaction required. Harry Harrison (1970) living
Rotating House - turn the salon A single family home built upon a central pivot; it can be turned at will. Frank Herbert (1972) living
Scout-Base Artificial sphere functions as a frontier outpost. Eric Frank Russell (1955) living
Selectacol - automating interior design A device that automates the interior design process, providing a choice of color schemes for a roomful of furniture. Frank Herbert (1972) living
Self-Healing Building - building materials A building that responds to stresses or cracks in walls by healing the damaged portion. J.G. Ballard (1962) living
Self-Powered Broom A broom for use in small apartments that cleans under its own power. Philip K. Dick (1969) living
Self-Sufficient House A single family residence that required no surrounding infrastructure. Arthur C. Clarke (1953) living
Sentient Room - not the Radisson A room constructed entirely of flesh, dominated by the personality of a geisha. Bruce Sterling (1985) living
Sietch A cave warren designed to protect a tribal community, with a population of thousands, with its own water supply in an endless desert. Frank Herbert (1965) living
Sleep Tube A short, cylindrical living space. James Patrick Kelly (1985) living
Smart Wallpaper - see who you are Wallpaper that can sense your mood and provide an appropriate color scheme. Margaret Atwood (2003) living
Solar-powered Prefab House A pre-built house that can live off the grid. Clifford Simak (1952) living
Static House - frozen personality A house that was once fully psychotropic and malleable, but which had been frozen in one configuration. J.G. Ballard (1962) living
Stealth House - toxic dwellings A home that is entirely sealed, leading to toxic buildup. William Gibson (1993) living
Steam-Propelled Moving Houses Otherwise ordinary residences that move from place to place, powered by steam. Jane Webb Loudon (1828) living
Stilltent - a tent that distills water A small, sealable enclosure which reclaimed moisture from the breath of occupants. Frank Herbert (1965) living
Superscraper Buildings that are hundreds of stories tall. Kim Stanley Robinson (2017) living
Swimming Tubes - water-filled for frog people Used to connect buildings for use by amphibious species. Frank Herbert (1977) living
Temporary Quarters - interior tents Device used to separate a large interior space in an off-planet satellite into various living spaces. William Gibson (1984) living
Terrafoam Dorm Building Maximum people in minimum space. Marshall Brain (2002) living
Terraforming - remake a planet The process of modifying a planetary surface to resemble those of an ideal earth; affects the entire biosphere. Jack Williamson (1942) living
Todos Santos Independency - maximize your green space A city enclosed in a single building. Jerry Pournelle (w/L. Niven) (1981) living
Toll Door - pay for entry An apartment door that operates on a cash-only basis. Philip K. Dick (1969) living
Tower of Glass - SETI architecture An enormous glass tower built to communicate outside the solar system. Robert Silverberg (1970) living
Town In One Building - like an arcology This is the basic idea behind an arcology, or other single structure that is intended to provide living space and mall. H.G. Wells (1899) living
Traction City - not cities in flight Cities re-engineered as enormous, lumbering machines. Philip Reeve (2003) living
Tube Rack A hotel consisting of a set of stacked tube-like living spaces. James Patrick Kelly (1985) living
U-Stor-It - go store yourself A storage unit converted for use as an apartment. Neal Stephenson (1992) living
Automated Factories Manufacturing facilities that do not require human workers. Poul Anderson (1957) manufacturing
Automatic Factory Manufacturing facility that functions entirely autonomously. Philip K. Dick (1955) manufacturing
Automatized Factory A factory consisting of machines with imposed human abilities. Frederik Pohl (1955) manufacturing
Biltong Life Form Remarkable organic manufacturing aliens, probably indigenous to the Centaurus system. Philip K. Dick (1956) manufacturing
Cutteray - mining laser A laser used in a range of tools - including mining equipment. Frank Herbert (1965) manufacturing
Deposition (3D Printing) A method for creating any object, molecule by molecule. James P. Hogan (1978) manufacturing
Device Replication Manufacturing devices from a template to save space on space craft. Robert Silverberg (1969) manufacturing
Distributed Assembly Plant Bringing parts together for assembly in a crowd anonymously. Daniel Suarez (2006) manufacturing
Inert Resin - resinous coatings A special coating that eliminates maintenance on marine structures. Bruce Sterling (1988) manufacturing
Instant Customized Clothing - mass customization A machine that produced a selected item of clothing, on the spot, based on customer demand. Robert Heinlein (1941) manufacturing
Martian Print Amoeba - unicellular organism An organism able to mimic consumer goods. Philip K. Dick (1966) manufacturing
Matter Compiler - stereolithography on steroids A device that builds the desired article (such as a dress) atom by atom according to a specified design. Neal Stephenson (1995) manufacturing
Nanofax - fax 3D objects, not flat ones Send a copy of a three-dimensional object to a distant place. William Gibson (1999) manufacturing
Orbital Factory Putting manufacturing in space, orbiting the planet. Jerry Pournelle (1976) manufacturing
Orbiting Factories Manufacturing centers in orbit around the Earth. Arthur C. Clarke (1978) manufacturing
Panatrope - mutation for survival A device that modifies human dna to ensure survival in harsh alien environments. James Blish (1952) manufacturing
Perpetual Train A vast machine that lays its own tracks as it moves forward. China Mieville (2004) manufacturing
Plastic Constructor (3D Printer) A 3D printer - for spaceships. Murray Leinster (1945) manufacturing
Product Prescription A file that can be used to reproduce an object. Stanislaw Lem (1955) manufacturing
Puddinged A poorly formed 3D printed copy, with an interior that was a mass of malformed material. Philip K. Dick (1956) manufacturing
Service Drones - flying fix-it bot Small flying construction and repair robots. James P. Hogan (1979) manufacturing
Unattended Factory A factory that works entirely automatically, without human guidance. Otfrid von Hanstein (1935) manufacturing
Vehicle Seeds A matrix of materials and instructions that allow vehicles to grow themselves when placed in an environment of plentiful materials. Greg Bear (2015) manufacturing
1D Diamond Crystal - might be a carbon fullerene molecule A continuous pseudo-one dimensional diamond crystal- maybe a nanotube? Arthur C. Clarke (1978) material
Absolute Black - so dark, you can't see it A material so absolutely black that it absorbed all incident light. Douglas Adams (1980) material
Aladur High tensile strength, lightweight material. Leo Zagat (1943) material
Alohydrolium The lightest metal. Hugo Gernsback (1911) material
Antithermal Shield A material that protected against climate warming. Philip K. Dick (1965) material
Antron A single particle of antimatter - an antiproton. John D. Clark, Ph.D (1937) material
Artificial Transparent Element - see through it A substance as strong as metal that you can see through. Olaf Stapledon (1930) material
Asteroid-Metal - raw materials from space Metal mined from asteroids. E.C. Tubb (1958) material
Biological Circuit Fabrication Creating an electronic circuit using biologically-based means. Author Unknown (1984) material
Black Coating - very early reference A material that absorbs practically all incident light. E.E. 'Doc' Smith (1942) material
Bolognium Very early fictional element, courtesy of metallurgists. Edgar Bain (1926) material
Bulerite A building material, too good to be true, with hidden properties. George Zebrowski (1979) material
Cataclysmite - high explosive A high explosive. H. Beam Piper (1962) material
Chlorophane Similar to chlorophyll but synthetic and far more efficient. Raymond Z. Gallun (1961) material
Contraterrene Matter (Antimatter) Contraterrene (CT) Matter (sometimes abbreviated "Seetee"). Jack Williamson (1942) material
Coronium Ore A radiolite substance to revolutionize industry. Clyde Wilson (1938) material
Corrosite Gas A highly corrosive gas. William Callahan (1939) material
Dumb Matter Ordinary matter, with no nano-value added. Charles Stross (2005) material
Durachrome Very hard alloy for tanks. Keith Laumer (2002) material
Durasteel More durable than steel? Leo Zagat (1943) material
Durite Super-strong material used to counter reaction-blasts. Robert Heinlein (1939) material
Eadhamite Synthetic material that creates extremely smooth roads. H.G. Wells (1899) material
Fanmetal - build temporary shelters High tensile strength material; used in collapsible structures opened by "fanning" them out. Frank Herbert (1965) material
Flickercladding - light emission and absorption A covering that allowed robots to absorb incident light or emit light, as needed. Rudy Rucker (1988) material
Fuligin A material the color of which is blacker than black. Gene Wolfe (1980) material
Glassite A transparent material of great strength. Ray Cummings (1930) material
Goat/Spider Silk High tensile strength fibers from - goats. Margaret Atwood (2003) material
Graffiti-Eating Finish - never wash those walls again A wall covering that maintained itself, eating any graffiti placed on it. William Gibson (1999) material
Gravity-Polarized Explosive (TDX) A chemical explosive that acts at an angle to the local gravitational field. James Blish (1957) material
Gundarium A very sturdy, high-tensile composite. Yoshiyuki Tomino (1979) material
Harbenite Ultralight metal. Edgar Rice Burroughs (1929) material
Helio-Beryllium Unusual alloy combines a metal and a gas. Robert H. Wilson (1931) material
Helium Metal An ore with the spectroscopic line of Helium. George Parsons Lathrop (1897) material
Herculoy A very strong alloy like steel. Jack Vance (1949) material
Husk of an Atom A negative universe substance. Frank Belknap Long, Jr. (1936) material
Hyperfilament A very high tensile strength material structured as a long thin line or ribbon. Arthur C. Clarke (1978) material
Illyrion Super-heavy and super-stable elements with atomic numbers greater than 296. Samuel R. Delany (1968) material
Impermite A substance that is impervious to penetration. Nat Schachner (1934) material
Impervium - the way is shut Unique material is impenetrable and indestructible. Lawrence O'Donnell (1943) material
Inertron - light but strong Material with all the properties of heavier metals, but lighter. Philip Frances Nowlan (1928) material
Invulnerable Wall A material created by insects that grew stronger as it was compressed. Clifford Simak (1956) material
Jovium Rocket fuel catalyst that makes space travel commercially practical. Nat Schachner (w. AL Zagat) (1931) material
Karatand A special glove made of impact-sensitive plastic. John Brunner (1968) material
Krimskell Fiber - better than zip strips A "claw" fiber which will rubs against itself in such a way that, the tighter the rope is pulled, the stronger the knot becomes. Frank Herbert (1965) material
Leybyrdite - Perfect for space axes Extremely tough crystalline metal. E.E. 'Doc' Smith (1965) material
Lithocule - building block Tiny intelligent building blocks. Neal Stephenson (1995) material
Lunar Concrete A building material using lunar dust or similar surface material as a main ingredient. William Gibson (1988) material
Lux A bar of solidified light. John W. Campbell (1930) material
Luxobe Crystals They give light. J. Harvey Haggard (1936) material
Magnalloy A durable form of magnesium. S.P. Meek (1930) material
Matter Organizer A device that could cause a computer-generated image to be constructed as a real object. Arthur C. Clarke (1956) material
Memory Plastic Takes various shapes impressed into it on command. Larry Niven (1969) material
Mercy Gas Breathe it and die. Eric Frank Russell (1937) material
Metal Paste A conductive metal that could be easily squirted from a tube. Larry Niven (w/J. Pournelle) (1974) material
Metalite Strong metal you can see through. A.E. van Vogt (1939) material
Metalloglass A transparent "glass" made of metal. Philip Nowlan (w/D. Calkins) (1929) material
Micro Label A serial number or logo so small it can only be seen under extreme magnification. Ridley Scott (1982) material
Minus-Matter Material that negates weight. Aleksandr Bogdanov (1908) material
Nearleather Fake leather. Ron Goulart (1970) material
Negative Molecular Motion A state of matter that has a temperature below absolute zero. Alan E. Nourse (1951) material
Neo-Crystal Unbreakable transparent window material. Clark Ashton Smith (1932) material
Neutronic Dust What's left over when you've annihilated matter. Jack Williamson (1931) material
Neutronic Shielding - monomolecular protection Very high density monomolecular shielding Alan Nourse (w/Meyer) (1958) material
Neutronium - how dense is it Extremely dense material. E.E. 'Doc' Smith (1930) material
Nickalum An alloy of aluminum crystalized within a magnetic field for exceptional strength. Arthur Bird (1899) material
Nothing - just holes A super-hard substance created by carefully removing material. Theodore Sturgeon (1969) material
Organic Superlubricant Advanced lube that can "learn" how to be more effective. Sid Meier (1999) material
Paper Steel Specially treated paper that forms material as hard as steel. Jules Verne (1866) material
Penetron A synthetic substance that is opaque unless penetrated by infra-red. Nat Schachner (1934) material
Permalloy Protects ships from the hazards of space. Nelson S. Bond (1939) material
Personal Smelter - make your own ingot A device used to reduce metallic objects (like coins, pots, cables) to an ingot with known value. John Brunner (1975) material
Plani-Glass Transparent and light and has the tensile strength of steel! Nat Schachner (1937) material
Plasteel - tough metal for tough times Extremely tough form of steel, stabilized with stravidium fibers grown into its crystal. Frank Herbert (1965) material
Plasto-Textile A fabric that cannot be stained. Isaac Asimov (1951) material
Protonite - for space exploration Radioactive fuel for spacecraft. Jack Williamson (1931) material
PyrE - thought explosive A thermonuclear explosive that is detonated by thought alone. Alfred Bester (1956) material
Quadraturin Substance that creates more space when applied to walls, floors and ceilings. Sigizmund Krzhizhanowsky (1925) material
Quartzite Leak Foil Special material for space dome leaks. Leo Zagat (1932) material
Resilian A natural fiber that is as strong as steel. Jack Vance (1949) material
Ridulian Crystal Sheets Exceptionally strong, surpassingly thin material. Frank Herbert (1981) material
Scrith - tensile strength The material used to build Ringworld; has remarkable tensile strength Larry Niven (1970) material
Sealingsilk Transparent and flexible material, even against hard vacuum in space. Fritz Leiber (1961) material
Self-Sealing Plastic Transparent sheeting with a layer of material that would flow to staunch tiny leaks. Raymond Z. Gallun (1951) material
Semisentient Plastic A durable coating that protects and preserves objects. Stephen Baxter (1994) material
Shadow Square Wire - hold shadow squares in position Very fine, very light, very strong wire. Larry Niven (1970) material
Silk-Metal A very tough fabric. Manly Wade Wellman (1940) material
Silksteel Material that has high tensile strength as well as high flexibility. Sid Meier (1999) material
Sinclair Molecule Chain - one molecule thick A monofilament fiber, used for strength. Larry Niven (1968) material
Slow Glass (Scenedow) - a scendow for your apartment A window made of Bose-Einstein Condensate that slows light to a snail's pace. Bob Shaw (1968) material
Slow Glass Rod - light stopped A transparent glass rod that makes light travel so slowly that it can trap light within its depths. L. Sprague de Camp (1940) material
Smart Tag - sneaky graffiti A piece of graffiti, or a small sticker tag, that could survive being placed on walls designed to be self-cleaning. William Gibson (1999) material
Smother-Charge Molecularly-gimmicked explosive. Roger Zelazny (1976) material
Sodaluminum Lightweight and tough! Nat Schachner (w. AL Zagat) (1931) material
Sprayrock - tough when it hardens Special compound that can be sprayed onto a surface, that hardens into rock. Alastair Reynolds (2005) material
Steelonium - very early reference A remarkable kind of steel that did not rust or corrode. Hugo Gernsback (1911) material
Superacid - smart acid Smart acids that could be created to ignore particular compounds and dissolve others. Bart Kosko (1987) material
Super-Photon Three photons in one. John W. Campbell (1932) material
Synthetic Spider Silk Artificial fabric thread as strong as steel. Robert Heinlein (1939) material
Tensile Memory Polarized Matter The same piece of material can take pre-determined shapes. Samuel R. Delany (1966) material
Thermalite A transparent material that allows almost no heat to escape. John W. Campbell (1939) material
Thermatite Pure energy fuel mined on asteroids. Nat Schachner (1941) material
Thermide A chemical which, added to water, boiled and sterilized it instantly. Stanley G. Weinbaum (1935) material
Transparent Aluminum Invisible light steel. E. Edsel Newton (1929) material
Transparent, Frictionless Coating - no stick before teflon An absolutely frictionless, impenetrable coating. Clifford Simak (1963) material
Tree-Grown Wood The natural product, obtained by cutting down a living tree. Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth) (1952) material
Twing - twine by NASA Used in the hold of spaceships to keep articles all together, and to prevent them from floating around in free fall, or falling during periods of acceleration. Larry Niven (1973) material
Ultron Very handy material is invisible and non-reflective. Philip Frances Nowlan (1928) material
Ultron Wire Invisible metal makes the thinnest, strongest wire. Philip Frances Nowlan (1928) material
Unobtainium A humorous reference to a substance both rare and unlikely. David Brin (1983) material
Vitalium A rare radioactive metal which enables solar power cells. Jack Williamson (1931) material
Vitrisheen A translucent glass-like fashion choice. J. Harvey Haggard (1936) material
Advertising Airship A dirigible capable of reproducing full-color video ads on its sides. Ridley Scott (1982) media
Airplane Window Ads - ads on clouds An airplane window that allows you to - see advertisements! Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth) (1952) media
Atmospheric Advertising - write it on the clouds A means of mass advertising to cities and countries. Jules Verne (1889) media
Creditor Jet-Balloon - bane of debtors A small, hovering device that hounds debtors. Philip K. Dick (1964) media
Full-Motion Building Advertising Facade - a new life awaits An advertising display that covers an entire skyscraper; it provides full-motion video to onlookers. Ridley Scott (1982) media
Homeostatic Newspaper - a homeopape An autonomous news-gathering and publishing entity; abbreviated as homeopape. Philip K. Dick (1953) media
Homotropic News Vending Machine An autonomous news-selling robot, that was able to specifically seek out human beings. Philip K. Dick (1963) media
Live News - prediction of newscasts The modern concept of a news broadcast. Jules Verne (1889) media
Living Advertising Character - meet Mr. Presto Modifying an ordinary person to create a living likeness of a company's brand symbol or character. Alfred Bester (1956) media
Mediaglyphic - animated symbols Animated symbols to help those who haven't bothered to learn to read in a multimedia age. Neal Stephenson (1995) media
Minimic Film one micron thick recording medium Very fine message medium. Frank Herbert (1965) media
Minority Report Ads (Biometric Personalized Ads) Advertisements that speak directly to the consumer in public settings. Steven Spielberg (2002) media
Mobile Advertisements - airborne adverts Advertisements presented in mid-air in public spaces. Alan Dean Foster (2006) media
News Roundup - better than Tivo A device that presents brief story outlines, any of which can be chosen to find details. Robert Heinlein (1942) media
Newspad Electronic Newspaper An electronic version of a newspaper. Arthur C. Clarke (1968) media
Padloid - National Enquirer on your tablet PC A tawdry news publication on a PDA, or notepad, device. John Varley (1992) media
Permanent Skywriting Non-wispy skywriting letters. Alan Nelson (1953) media
Personal Interest Profile (PIP) - invention of Google Alerts A set of topics about which you would like to hear the latest news; known today as Google News Alerts. Arthur C. Clarke (1978) media
Personalized News First reference to news that is customized to the needs of each individual subscriber. Hugo Gernsback (1911) media
Projection Commercials - 3D advertisements A three-dimensional advertisement that is placed in your path in a public place like a bar. Alfred Bester (1974) media
Projection Rig - envy of presenters A portable holographic projector. William Gibson (1988) media
Recorded News - Tivo for radio in 1889 This is the basic idea behind Tivo and VCRs. Jules Verne (1889) media
Reporting Machine A robotic roving reporter. Philip K. Dick (1964) media
Speaker Chips - talking books Integrated circuit chips placed in books; they could read the book and advertise it. Greg Bear (2003) media
Subliminal Billboards Enormous outdoor billboards that are totally blank - or are they? J.G. Ballard (1963) media
Teleprinter A device that printed out a copy of today's newspaper. H. Beam Piper (1961) media
Trode-Net - electrode webbing William Gibson (1988) media
Vat Meat (Albert) - live shawarma Meat grown in a vat. James Schmitz (1951) media
Video-Manicuring Program Manipulates live video images in real time. Bruce Sterling (1985) media
Airmaker - breathe it A device that creates a specific breathable mix directly from the atmosphere. Larry Niven (1970) medical
Alcodote A compound that maintains sobriety while drinking. H. Beam Piper (1962) medical
Alpha Plus Intervening in the physical development of humans can result in enhancements. Aldous Huxley (1932) medical
Anabolic Protoplaser Uses laser light to repair wounds. Theodore Cogswell (w/C. Spano) (1976) medical
Anadrenalin Has the opposite effect of adrenalin. Donald Wandrei (1933) medical
Analogue Treatment Hypnotic drug treatment that normalizes behavior in humans. Damon Knight (1952) medical
Anti-agathic drugs Drugs that indefinitely postpone death from old age. James Blish (1957) medical
Anti-Fatigue Pill A pill that counteracts the effects of fatigue and lack of sleep. Henri Dahl Juve (1929) medical
Anti-Gerasone - drink and look younger Cheap immortality comes to your neighborhood convenience store. Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. (1954) medical
Anti-Heptant A compound that erases specific areas of the brain. Jack Vance (1956) medical
Anti-Onc Cream - cancer remedy An ointment used to cure skin cancers. David Brin (1990) medical
Anti-Tri-D Shot Counteracts the deadly pesticide Tri-D. E.B. White (1950) medical
Anti-Virus Design Software Create a living space such that the spread of disease is less likely. J.G. Ballard (2000) medical
Art-Derm - spray-on skin Artificial skin sprayed directly on the body. Philip K. Dick (1960) medical
Artificial eye - first use of this idea? A surgically-implanted artificial eyeball. E.E. 'Doc' Smith (1937) medical
Artificial Eyes Eyes that are the duplicate of what humans are born with, produced entirely artificially from elements. Charles Cloukey (1930) medical
Artificial Gravity-Assisted Childbirth Using an artificial gravity field to assist (and accelerate) the process of childbirth. Robert Heinlein (1973) medical
Artificial Muscles - for cyborgs Replacement for organic muscle tissue. Martin Caidin (1972) medical
Artificial Telepathy Using technology to determine thoughts, and then translate it to speech that could be shared electronically. Richard Meredith (1969) medical
Artificial Womb A room in which a human embryo waits for the necessary months as a fetus, preparing for birth (decanting). Aldous Huxley (1932) medical
Artificially Grown Organs Human organs suitable for transplantation, grown outside the body. Larry Niven (1968) medical
Artiforg An artificial organ kept 'on line' in the body. Philip K. Dick (1969) medical
Artif-Org - mechanical replacement organ A mechanical version of a human organ. Philip K. Dick (1964) medical
Artigraft Artificial skin graft. Philip K. Dick (1955) medical
A-Som (Antisomnolence Drugs) One simple pill removes the need for sleep. Paul Di Filippo (2006) medical
Atlotl/Gibiril Regimen - regrow and rejuvenate A method of altering the flow of energy in the body to aid in regrowth of damaged or missing tissue. Frank Herbert (1972) medical
Autodoc - automated medical device An automated physician, a fully autonomous surgical robot. Larry Niven (1965) medical
Automated DNA Typing - from one drop A device that takes quick samples of DNA and compares each sample to a database. Andrew Niccol (1997) medical
Automatic Massager - robot masseuse An autonomous massage machine with robotic arms and hands. A.E. van Vogt (1944) medical
Automatic Reversed Memory - EEG in reverse A device that activates memories and plays them back in reverse order. Dave Cummins (1937) medical
Automatic Vein Finder A device to automatically locate veins for intravenous needle insertion. Michael Crichton (1969) medical
Autosurgeon - doctor's robot helper A mechanical aid to physicians, performing surgical procedures with surgeons present. Richard Morgan (2003) medical
Axolotl Tank - device for regeneration A device to regenerate or reshape organic material. Frank Herbert (1969) medical
Bacteria-Destroying Radiation A special beam that created a sterile field for operations. Philip K. Dick (1960) medical
Barker - hacking medical implants A device that scans for nearby medical implants, and allows the operator to take control. Alan Dean Foster (2010) medical
Betrization An in utero method of reducing human aggression. Stanislaw Lem (1961) medical
Bibs - cold storage for people People who are put in cold-sleep because there is no niche for them in society. Philip K. Dick (1964) medical
Bio-Implant (Compensator Chip) A neural implant that helps an autistic child to live a more complete and useful life. David Gerrold (2020) medical
Birthing egg - IVF without the bother A chamber for in vitro fertilization (IVF), combining the DNA of two people to produce a child, without all the usual bother. Bart Kosko (1987) medical
Black Bag A medical kit from the future. C.M. Kornbluth (1950) medical
Boink Biosensor - handheld A hand-held sensor that detects the presence of hazardous biological material. Richard Preston (1997) medical
Brain Rejuvenation Erase unnecessary parts of memory to make room for new impressions. David M. Speaker (1930) medical
Brain-Case A device designed to transport a living human (or alien, if similar) brain. Edmond Hamilton (1938) medical
CAN-D Illegal narcotic chewed to alter the state of colonists. Philip K. Dick (1965) medical
Cardioplate - outta time A device that could take seconds or minutes off your life, one beat at a time (or all at once). Harlan Ellison (1965) medical
CCD Eyes - metal eyes Electronic eyes using charged-coupled devices provide a wide variety of functions. Paul Di Filippo (1985) medical
Cellphone Tranquilizing Spray A mild sedative administered automatically by your cellphone. Frederik Pohl (1966) medical
Cephalochromoscope (Cephscope) - see what's going on in there A brain-scan device with a screen to display neural patterns. Philip K. Dick (1977) medical
Chemical Orders Use of chemical triggers for behavior and behavior modification. Frank Herbert (1972) medical
Chronovitameter - your birth and death revealed Device that can determine a person's date of birth - and the date on which he or she will die. Robert Heinlein (1939) medical
Cogitator (The Chair of Reflection) A device which improves the rationality of the thinking processes. Daniel Defoe (1705) medical
Cold-Pack - death temporarily denied Technology for indefinite cold storage of human beings. Philip K. Dick (1960) medical
Cold-Rest - reduced temperature somnolence Lowering body temperature and metabolic levels, as in hibernation; also called reduced temperature somnolence. Robert Heinlein (1941) medical
Cold-Sleep - hibernation for humans A state of hibernation, created by lowered temperature and metabolism. Robert Heinlein (1941) medical
Conscious Retarded Animation A kind of hibernation, but leaves the user fully conscious, but aging at an incredibly slow rate. Donald Wandrei (1933) medical
Control Disk A.R. Holmes (1931) medical
Control Natural A person who is allowed to have an unmodified genetic makeup. Robert Heinlein (1942) medical
CORA - Coronary Alarm An implanted (or worn) ECG monitor that warns the user of coronary events. Arthur C. Clarke (1978) medical
Corporol Preserves and maintains the body. Donald Wandrei (1933) medical
Corpsicle - thaw and fix Cryogenically frozen person who could (hopefully) be revived later. Frederik Pohl (1966) medical
Crechepod - full life support A small, enclosed medical device providing full life support as well as advanced regrowth technologies. Frank Herbert (1972) medical
Crosswell Tape Worm Device that allows you to eat without gaining weight. Brian Aldiss (1969) medical
Cryosleep Use of extreme cold to cause suspended animation. Ben Bova (1972) medical
Cyborg A cybernetic organism - man in union with machine Martin Caidin (1972) medical
Data-Retrieval Mode - data recovery for brains A system for getting the thoughts and images out of a person's mind; recovering the data from a brain storage device. John Brunner (1975) medical
DC Mini - psychotherapist dream tool A therapy tool that allows a psychotherapist to enter a patient's dreams. Satoshi Kon (2007) medical
Death-Rattle A device that sends a signal upon brain death of the user. Philip K. Dick (1957) medical
Death-rattle File A cache of information set to destroy itself upon the death of its owner. Philip K. Dick (1965) medical
Death-Reversal Equipment Brings you back from losing a duel. Frederik Pohl (1966) medical
Decorative Implant - gadget surgery Small devices that can be implanted subcutaneously in the body and then controlled consciously. Samuel R. Delany (1966) medical
Dekon Type DCQ - radiation decontamination Decontamination foam. E.E. 'Doc' Smith (1965) medical
Dermadisk A means of quickly administering drugs directly through the skin. William Gibson (1984) medical
Designer Eyes Genetic designers create better-than-perfect eyes for replicants. Ridley Scott (1982) medical
Dewlog A drug with the side-effect of virtually eliminating hunger. Kurt von Rachen (1941) medical
Diagnostat A device able to diagnose and treat most human ailments. Robert Silverberg (1969) medical
Diagnostic Sleeve - smarter than a BP cuff Worn on one arm, it diagnoses and adminsters medications. Larry Niven (w/J. Pournelle) (1993) medical
Diagnostic Type Sense Transmitter Allows the doctor to directly feel the same sensations that the patient feels. Henri Dahl Juve (1929) medical
Dispensing Tooth - remember the tooth! A device shaped like a tooth that dispenses gas. Frank Herbert (1965) medical
Ditto Blank - mindless android A mentally unformed android, upon which a personality could be impressed. David Brin (2002) medical
Dixon Pump An temporary mechanical heart to circulate blood. Philip K. Dick (1960) medical
Dominator Device implants a psychological block. James Schmitz (1951) medical
Dozer - cadge some O2 A person with extreme susceptibility to the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. David Brin (1990) medical
Dromozoa Life forms that cause the human body to bud new parts for harvesting. Cordwainer Smith (1961) medical
Ebony Teeth Completely black artificial teeth. Philip K. Dick (1966) medical
Ecstasy Plug An implanted module that allowed a wirehead to plug himself into ordinary house current. Larry Niven (1969) medical
Effective Human Implant Technology (EHIT) Computer interface implanted directly into the human brain. Tom Maddox (1986) medical
Electric Brain Stimulator A device that coordinated the waves of the brain with an external device to improve performance. Don Wilcox (1939) medical
Electronic Body Analyzer A replacement for the human doctor. Michael Crichton (1969) medical
Electronic-Eyed Snake A fully automated stomach pump. Ray Bradbury (1953) medical
Emergency Treatment Tank (Chamber) A fully enclosed regeneration device. James Schmitz (1949) medical
Erased Memory - forget about it A procedure that deletes selected memories from the human mind. Philip K. Dick (1966) medical
Espionage Machine - reading minds scientifically A machine that makes it possible to experience the sensations of another person at a distance. Cordwainer Smith (1958) medical
Eternity Drug A medication that puts a person into a deep hibernation-like sleep for decades at a time. A.E. van Vogt (1944) medical
Exfection Tailored microbes to repair human flesh. Bruce Sterling (2009) medical
Flesh Putty A flesh replacement, good for putting in bullet holes. Nick Harkaway (2023) medical
Focusing - using mindrot Psychoactive microbe improves the attention-focusing ability of those infected. Vernor Vinge (1999) medical
Fornixation Electrical stimulation of the pleasure centers of the brain. Philip Jose Farmer (1967) medical
Ghola - night of the living Duncan A living, functioning person who is regrown or recreated from the tissues of a dead person. Frank Herbert (1969) medical
Gobathian - full body healing An alien medical technology that enables full body healing in the event of traumatic injury. Clifford Simak (1961) medical
Gyro-Hat Hidden in a top hat, this device cures staggering and reeling, for whatever reason. Ellis Parker Butler (1926) medical
Halo - get that man a hat! Device that incapacitates a person by inducing unconsciousness. Steven Spielberg (2002) medical
Head-Molding Skincaps - Get a smooth pate without shaving. Isaac Asimov (1988) medical
Healing Crystal A small object that burns off diseased tissue, leaving healthy tissue unharmed. Stanley G. Weinbaum (1934) medical
Heartshirt - wear your pulse on your sleeve A shirt that was able to detect heart sounds and display associated colors. Rudy Rucker (1988) medical
Hibernaculum - nap time A small, self-contained chamber in which a person could endure months of enforced sleep. Arthur C. Clarke (1968) medical
Home Therapy Appliances, Inc. A store at which a variety of therapy devices are made available Robert Sheckley (1956) medical
Homorium A kind of nursery that could bring a human being to maturity in a single year. Frank Belknap Long, Jr. (1934) medical
Howard Families A project designed to produce a group of people with exceptionally long life. Robert Heinlein (1941) medical
Hubrizine A drug that brings about greater alertness and cheerfulness. Philip K. Dick (1972) medical
Human Blood Chlorophyll Replacement of elements of human blood with chlorophyll. S.P. Meek (1929) medical
Humeld - more than human A human being with augmented body parts. Alan Dean Foster (2010) medical
Hypno-Motor Control A means of controlling the body remotely, cutting off the need for local control (ie, by your mind). Philip K. Dick (1954) medical
Hypnoteleset A device that guarantees quick, surrogate sleep. Frederik Pohl (w/CM Kornbluth) (1952) medical
Hypnotic injunction A method of hypnosis that prevents people from revealing particular information. Robert Heinlein (1941) medical
Hypo Arm - tentacle with a needle A robotic arm used to autonomously deliver pharmaceuticals to patients. Harry Harrison (1958) medical
Hypomatrin A spinal anesthetic that allows the reformation of personality. Stanton A. Coblentz (1934) medical
Image-Amps Boost the signal from the eyes to see in the dark. William Gibson (1984) medical
Implanted Interface With Retinal Nerves Circuitry that provides a 'look' at what the eye sees. D.G. Compton (1973) medical
Implanted Steel Teeth Replacement teeth implanted in the jaw. Philip K. Dick (1965) medical
Implant-Watch - this is so cool Subcutaneous timepiece; uses patterns of colored lights to show the time. Larry Niven (1972) medical
Imprint (A Ditto Blank) - pseudo-you Impress one's personality upon a 'ditto blank' android. David Brin (2002) medical
Inertial Bracelet Device to still hand tremors. Donald Kingsbury (2001) medical
Internal Body Power Pack - AAAAAAAA size A tiny battery used to power implants. Alfred Bester (1956) medical
Ixian Probe A device that looks at brain tissue so carefully that memories can be seen. Frank Herbert (1984) medical
Ixian Sight Mask Device to allow the blind to see. Frank Herbert (1976) medical
Jodie Grid A 'tattoo' that provides points for mapping your face into a grid. Neal Stephenson (1995) medical
Joeboy (Muscle Grafts) - got muscles? Additional muscle tissue added through surgery. William Gibson (1984) medical
Killalc Pills Counteracts the effects of alcohol consumption. Harry Harrison (1970) medical
KloraDerm Human skin variant that contains chlorophyll to provide energy. John Scalzi (2005) medical
KR-3 A drug that breaks down the ability of the brain to perceive space and physical objects properly, or in sequence; a new universe opens. Philip K. Dick (1974) medical
Kundrenaline Revives even a dead man's heart. H.G. Winter (1931) medical
Life Detector - I see you! A device that was capable of detecting living tissue within a set radius. Frank Herbert (1958) medical
Life Detector Shield - an early mention of life sensors An electronic field that is intended to shield living tissue from a Life Detector. Frank Herbert (1958) medical
Luxvid Eyes (Jensen Wide-Angle) - unusual eye slits Artificial, unmoving implanted eyes. Philip K. Dick (1965) medical
Mal de Void Literally, space sick. George O. Smith (1944) medical
Medical Mantis - telefactoring device for physicians A medical telefactoring device; allows a physician to remotely examine patients and perform procedures. Peter Watts (1999) medical
Memory Biochip An implanted device that permits the user to 'play back' selected memories. Lois McMaster Bujold (1986) medical
Memory Recording A means of recording the entirety of a person's experience and personality. John Varley (1977) medical
Merry-Go-Round Life Suspension (Refrigerator Plant) A device that offered cold sleep. Don Wilcox (1940) medical
Methuen Treatment - smart injection Injections that increase intelligence. L. Sprague de Camp (1940) medical
Microsoft - the cool kind A small piece of firmware inserted into the brain that provides data on a particular subject, or special features, for the user. William Gibson (1984) medical
Microsurgery Tool - first description Miniaturized device for surgical precision. Raymond Z. Gallun (1939) medical
Mind Destroyer A method for wiping clean the mind of a human being, leaving only enough to run the body's functions. Cordwainer Smith (1961) medical
Mind-Lock A device that confines a mind within its own shielded area. James Schmitz (1949) medical
Mind-Reading with MRI Making use of direct brain imaging to discern a person's thoughts. Daniel Suarez (2006) medical
Mindwipe - you may not want your mind A process that selectively and effectively erases human memory. Spider Robinson (1982) medical
Mite - very small machine helpers A very small device (about the size of a dust mite) that has been manufactured for a particular purpose. Neal Stephenson (1995) medical
Mnemotropin - helps you build memory A drug to improve the creation of long-term memories. Paul Di Filippo (1985) medical
Monsters Manufactured - chimeras described Dr. Moreau demonstrates the plasticity of the organic form. H.G. Wells (1896) medical
Morgue (Recall Stage) Storage and retrieval of frozen bodies. Samuel R. Delany (1966) medical
Morphogen A drug that party relieves the need for sleep. Isaac Asimov (1966) medical
Mother-Scanner A device that can see your future through your next birth. Philip K. Dick (1954) medical
Mutation An organism that has come into being through genetic mutation. Edmond Hamilton (1931) medical
Neural Door Lock A device that provides access based on neurological data. Philip K. Dick (1957) medical
Neural Lace An interface between the brain and computer facilities. Iain M Banks (2010) medical
Neuroinduction Field Keeps the patient still without the use of cumbersome restraints or drugs. Peter Watts (1999) medical
Neuronic Control Apparatus - put your experience in reverse A device that communicated with a brain implant, granting both sight and control. Raymond Z. Gallun (1939) medical
Neuronic Receptor-Transmitter A device which, implanted in the brain, can both transmit sight and sound, and enable control of the body by a remote operator. Raymond Z. Gallun (1939) medical
Nucleocat Cureall Only human cells can survive contact. Katherine MacLean (1950) medical
Numbitol You guessed it, a topical anesthetic. Larry Niven (w/J. Pournelle) (1974) medical
Nutrient Extractor and Maximizer (NEM) - get more out of food Device that replaces and extends the capabilities of the human digestive system. Alan Dean Foster (2010) medical
Nutrient Gelatin Tank Essential hardware for creating a new, improved humanity - isotope men! Nat Schachner (1936) medical
Office Hand A robotic hand with each finger customized for a different function. Alan Dean Foster (2010) medical
Ontogenetic Adaptation Immediate genetic-level ability to eat alien plants. James Schmitz (1951) medical
Optic Prosthesis A replacement for a damaged eye. Roger Zelazny (1980) medical
Oxygen Hip Flask - just a quick nip A small, portable source of pure oxygen for breathing. David Brin (1990) medical
Oxygen Pill Meets your need for oxygen without additional breathing. E.K. Jarvis (1957) medical
Physiognomic Template A method for changing the appearance of your face at will. Philip K. Dick (1969) medical
Plasta-Skin Artificial Skin Andre Norton (1953) medical
Plastiskin Artificial human skin to cover prosthetics. Roger P. Graham (1949) medical
Plastissue Artificial flesh. W.F. Wallace (1952) medical
Pleasure Cap A device that delivers amps of pleasure directly to the brain. Cordwainer Smith (1961) medical
Powered Suit with Trauma Maintenance A powered suit (or powered armor) that is set up to save as much of your body as possible in worse case scenarios. Joe Haldeman (1974) medical
Provigil - sleep surrogate A medication that makes the user 'untired' - not just more awake. John Ringo (2002) medical
Provigil-C A special drug that promotes wakefulness in troops. John Ringo (2000) medical
Psychoscanner A device capable of taking impressions, feelings and memories from living brains; it can be used on animals as well. Murray Leinster (1947) medical
P-Terminal Implant - turn yourself on A device consisting of implanted power pack, control and electrodes placed near pleasure centers of the brain. Michael Crichton (1972) medical
Punishment Sphere Used to bring disruptive elements of society into line. Sid Meier (1999) medical
Purza the Pukha A toy with sensors used to monitor children in hospitals. Anne McCaffrey (1990) medical
Quizzer An autonomous mind-probe. James Schmitz (1949) medical
Rabbit-Paper - pregnancy test strip A paper pregnancy test that showed immediate results. Philip K. Dick (1963) medical
Rachag A caffeine-style stimulant. Frank Herbert (1965) medical
Radiation Garment Clothing worn by ordinary citizens to reduce the risk of radiation exposure. Robert Heinlein (1942) medical
Regen-Buds Small collection of cells that can regrow into human limbs. Harry Harrison (1956) medical
Regeneration Tank A nutrient bath large enough to enclose a person that preserved life and treated disease. Katherine MacLean (1950) medical
Residual Poison A poison that, once administered, resides in the body; only regular intake of the antidote keeps the person alive. Frank Herbert (1965) medical
Retinal Implant An implanted device that can record and transmit what the person sees. Peter F. Hamilton (1997) medical
Retinal Light An internal flashlight. Alfred Bester (1956) medical
Revitalizer Console. - perk up your bloodstream A kind of automated medical marvel; it optimizes your body chemistry for better health, tops off your fluids, etc. John Varley (1983) medical
Rex Regenerator (Mechanotherapist) - heavy duty therapy Mechanotherapy device cures homicidal urges. Robert Sheckley (1956) medical
RNA Shots - don't read Cliff notes; eat Cliff An injection prepared from the tissues of a person with knowledge or experience that you need. Larry Niven (1976) medical
Robot Psyche Tester - gestalting device An automated psychiatric evaluation device. Philip K. Dick (1953) medical
San-Ray Projector Device produces a habit-forming, nerve-tingling ray that clouds the mind. Frederic Arnold Kummer, Jr. (1940) medical
Sapho Juice - juice of Mentats Unique substance enhanced the cognitive performance of Mentats. Frank Herbert (1965) medical
Scientific Reincarnation Technology to allow a person to transfer themselves to a new, healthy body. Roger Zelazny (1967) medical
Selektrogel An over-the-counter gel to choose the sex of a child at conception. James Blish (1971) medical
Shipboard Medical Treatment An elaborate system to guard against infection in returning space explorers. Katherine MacLean (1950) medical
Short-Wave Surgical Knife A means of performing an internal cut without breaking the skin. Eric Frank Russell (1953) medical
Skinsuit Wearable artificial, full-body skin. John Varley (1983) medical
Skull Alarm Implanted wakeup call. John Varley (1983) medical
Sleep Set (Sleep Headset) An electronic device for inducing deep sleep. Larry Niven (1970) medical
Sleep Surrogate - substitute for sleep Pharmaceutical designed to make up for lost sleep. Robert Heinlein (1941) medical
Sleep-Inducer A device that electronically imposes sleep on a human being. Arthur C. Clarke (1963) medical
Sloth Pill A medication to induce a kind of somnolence like short-term hibernation; used in air travel. M.T. Hill (2020) medical
Softlight Personality erasure via laser imprinted subliminal commands. Peter F. Hamilton (1997) medical
Space Scurvy (Kenoalgia) A wasting disease of space travel. Margaret St. Clair (1949) medical
Space Weakness Early description of what happens to the human body in zero gravity. Murray Leinster (1953) medical
Space-Sick Uneasiness associated with space travel. Hugo Gernsback (1911) medical
Specialized Prosthetic Arm A set of prosthetics that provide different functionality in place of missing arm. Robert Heinlein (1966) medical
Specific Gene Weapon An organic or inorganic weapon aimed at a specific genetic population. Irwin Shaw (1967) medical
Spectrumoscope Provides sight directly to the brain-cells of the sightless. Clarence Edward Heller (1930) medical
Spice (Melange) The spice must flow. Frank Herbert (1965) medical
Spinning Mill for Veins (Artificial Organs) The manufacture of artificial organs, digestive tract, veins - body parts. Karel Capek (1920) medical
Spray-on Surgical Gloves Effective glove for surgeons that is skin tight. Richard Morgan (2003) medical
Sprung-Samser Treatment A medical treatment to extend human life. Roger Zelazny (1966) medical
Stasis (Cold Sleep, Hibernation) Hibernation for human beings, lasting for many years. Robert Heinlein (1956) medical
Steel Teeth - all stainless Artificial teeth welded to the bone. Philip K. Dick (1965) medical
Stimtab - stay alert A drug designed to keep the user awake and alert for long periods. Joe Haldeman (1974) medical
Subcutaneous Overlay An implanted chip that provides a continuous drug experience for months. Ray Naylor (2022) medical
Substance D An addictive, psychoactive drug. Philip K. Dick (1977) medical
Surgical Hand A specialized robotic hand used for surgery. Philip K. Dick (1964) medical
Surgical Homeostatic Unit An autonomous surgical robot, able to drill into the body and perform surgery. Philip K. Dick (1966) medical
Surrogate Skin False skin that is sprayed onto damaged areas. Robert Heinlein (1951) medical
Suspended Animation (Frigorific Process) Very early reference to cryogenic storage. Edward Page Mitchell (1879) medical
Sympathetic Block - psychological privacy A way to keep certain mental contents from being spoken or revealed. Alfred Bester (1956) medical
Synthetic Flesh Material resembles human flesh, handy for disguises. Thornton Ayre (1940) medical
Synthetic Sleeve - artificial body An artificial body, into which a person can be downloaded. Richard Morgan (2003) medical
Tannin-Secretion Pills Artificially darkens skin, for skin protection. Larry Niven (1994) medical
Tapeworm Tranquilizer Robotic suppository dispenses tranquilizer. Alexis Arnaldus Gilliland (1981) medical
Telemedicine Apparatus - first known reference First reference to a device that allows physicians to examine or aid patients at a distance. E.M. Forster (1909) medical
Telepathic Transmitter (Telep-transmitter) A device using living alien tissue to transmit your thoughts. Philip K. Dick (1966) medical
Thionite A deadly drug. E.E. 'Doc' Smith (1937) medical
Tleilaxu Eyes (Metal Eyes) - insectile mechanical eyes Tleilaxu eye surgery replaces natural eyeballs damaged or destroyed. Frank Herbert (1969) medical
Toothbud Transplant - implanted teeth Implanted teeth that mimic the dentition of other species. William Gibson (1984) medical
Tranquilizing Gum Chewing gum with a tranquilizing agent. Philip K. Dick (1969) medical
Transdermal Drug Capsule - slap it on A drug capsule that delivers medication by being placed on the skin. Philip K. Dick (1960) medical
Tru-Mem Systems Organic process of recalling personal events. Philip K. Dick (1966) medical
Tuned-Laser Decontamination - zap just the bad Process to destroy foreign biomolecules within the body. Robert J. Sawyer (2003) medical
TW-55 Spy Conscious control of facial characteristics. Samuel R. Delany (1966) medical
Ubik Spray Can One of many definitions of Ubik. Take only as directed. Philip K. Dick (1969) medical
Ultraflash A device that sterilizes the skin by a pulse of light. Michael Crichton (1969) medical
Ultramicrominiature Waldo A device for transforming ordinary human hand movements into extremely small-scale surgical motions. Robert Heinlein (1973) medical
Uniflesh - skin for every occasion A type of artificial skin and underlying flesh. Frank Herbert (1977) medical
Uterine Replicator A device that simulates the functions of the human uterus. Lois McMaster Bujold (1986) medical
Vagus Nerve Bio-Chip Relief from nausea without drugs. Lois McMaster Bujold (2002) medical
Vestan Parasite Semi-intelligent creatures that take control of the nervous system of other animals. Edmond Hamilton (1942) medical
Vision Implant Photoelectric cell implanted in the forehead grants some vision to the blind. Roger Zelazny (1966) medical
Vita-Light A special form of bulb or light source that could keep people who were never exposed to the sun perfectly healthy. R.F. Starzl (1931) medical
Vitalizer Tired? Try Henderson's Vitalizer! Margaret St. Clair (1947) medical
Vivatape Perfectly seals cuts also helps through-skin implants heal. Samuel R. Delany (1966) medical
Vivification A process by which the body can be preserved for centuries at body temperature and then revived. George Parsons Lathrop (1897) medical
Vivo-Gel Semi-living material. James Schmitz (1949) medical
WAGD Germ Detector - handy hand-held A hand-held biohazard analyzer. Greg Bear (2007) medical
Wakeshot An injection designed to bring a person out of sleep to full wakefulness. Frank Herbert (1965) medical
Wimp Vault Lots of spare bodies. John Varley (1983) medical
Xixtline Venusian drug provides a rejuvenate effect. Stanley G. Weinbaum (1935) medical
Young Blood - New Blood For Old Replacing the blood plasma of older people with material from younger people. Robert Heinlein (1941) medical
Young-Forever A very particular formula for human immortality, which solves the most serious attendant problem (population explosion). Larry Niven (1976) medical
Barrier (Force Field) - force field fence Force-field fence. Robert Heinlein (1940) misc
Big Flue Enormous incinerators serviced directly by helicopter. Ray Bradbury (1953) misc
Courtarena - trial by fire 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. Frank Herbert (1964) misc
Diveskin - wetsuit for the deep rift Special wetsuit that allows a diver to function at extreme depths. Peter Watts (1999) misc
Diving Apparatus - scuba diving in the 19th century Equipment used to go for walks on the sea bed; the direct ancestor of modern scuba diving equipment. Jules Verne (1875) misc
Eyecaps Corneal cap that acts as a pair of goggles for extreme depth diving. Peter Watts (1999) misc
Face Seal A dive mask for deep sea diving. Peter Watts (1999) misc
Hall of the Council An enormous council chamber, fit for a galaxy. Edmond Hamilton (1928) misc
High Tech Trash Can - every beach should have one The future of waste management. Bruce Sterling (1988) misc
Illuminum - glows with its own light A metal that glows with its own light. Richard Morgan (2003) misc
Kipple The collection of useless bits of trash we wallow in; all the paper and junk that is not recycled. Philip K. Dick (1968) misc
Life-shield Blanket - save from sensors A device that is capable of shielding the person using it against ordinary forms of detecting living beings. Frank Herbert (1984) misc
Luminescent Vial A glass tube full of luminescent algae; used to provide some measure of light underground. Jack Vance (1962) misc
Nanomachine Lidar - radar with visible light Radar-like system that uses electromagnetic radiation at optical frequencies (visible light) for range-finding and analysis. Neal Stephenson (1995) misc
Nullentropy Bin - world's best salad crisper A compartment in which entropy was halted. Frank Herbert (1984) misc
Pain Box - testing for humans A small box which induced pain into the nerves of the hand. Frank Herbert (1965) misc
Pain Canopy Pain by nerve induction improves interrogation. Fritz Leiber (1943) misc
Pocket Nucleo-Bulb - better than those LED flashlights A nuclear-powered pocket-sized flashlight. Isaac Asimov (1951) misc
Precrime Analytical Wing - precogs babble, machines tabulate Contains the precognitives and the machinery need to hear and analyze their predictions of future crimes. Philip K. Dick (1956) misc
Pulse-Timer A watch that uses your visual cortex for a read-out device. Frank Herbert (1984) misc
Recycler A surgically implanted device that enables a diver to obtain oxygen directly from seawater. Peter Watts (1999) misc
Restraining Bolt - keeps robots in check A device that makes sure a robot does what you want (rather than what it wants). George Lucas (1976) misc
Sleeve Watch - multipurpose clothing Temporary watch imprinted on the sleeve of a chosen garment. Larry Niven (w/S. Barnes) (1981) misc
Smart Pizza Box - your pizza knows if it's late A container with microprocessor-based data processing capabilities built-in to the box. Neal Stephenson (1992) misc
Toner - dead nanobot bits Dead bits of nanomachines. Neal Stephenson (1995) misc
Twonky - trashes the time stream A futuristic artifact left by time travelers in the past which, if discovered, could cause a paradox. John Varley (1983) misc
Vibratory Mass Penetrator - not what you're thinking A device that allows a person to walk through earth and even solid rock. Harry Harrison (1951) misc
Androide - the original A device having the form or likeness of a man. Ephraim Chambers (1727) robotics
Anti-Robot Propaganda Human activity against robots. Isaac Asimov (1941) robotics
Artificial Butterfly A mechanical, robotic butterfly. Roger Zelazny (1980) robotics
Asteroid Mining Robot An autonomous robot able to effectively mine asteroids. Isaac Asimov (1944) robotics
Autofac (Nanorobots) - a factory that can replicate itself Very small robots working on self-replication Philip K. Dick (1955) robotics
Automat Unusual name for an intelligent robot; short for "automaton"? Raymond Z. Gallun (1936) robotics
Automated Apartment Maintenance Automated devices that would oversee the maintenance of a rented apartment. Philip K. Dick (1969) robotics
Automated Drone Probes Human-sized robot probes for exploration. Robert Silverberg (1969) robotics
Automated Laboratory A fully automated machinery of invention. Michael Moorcock (1964) robotics
Automatic Companion Robot - better than a puppy A robotic replacement for a pet or friend. Frederik Pohl (1954) robotics
Automatic Cultivators Agricultural robots. John W. Campbell (1930) robotics
Automatic Valet A robotic manservant. Arthur Bird (1899) robotics
Automaton Steam Surgeon Mechanized surgery. Jane Webb Loudon (1828) robotics
Autonomic Interviewer - pape's proxy A robotic reporter. Philip K. Dick (1965) robotics
Autonomous Digging Machine A mechanical device able to excavate on its own. H.G. Wells (1898) robotics
Baby Robot - how cute! An infant robot. David H. Keller (1934) robotics
Basic Robot Personality Providing simple personalities to robots. Nat Schachner (1938) robotics
Bionic Arm - $6M man arm An artificial arm that responds in a manner similar to the 'original equipment' item. Martin Caidin (1972) robotics
Bionic Legs Human legs rebuilt and improved. Martin Caidin (1972) robotics
Biot A biological robot. Arthur C. Clarke (1972) robotics
Bird-Like Robots Robotic birds used in a stage play. Clarence Edward Heller (1930) robotics
Blue Collar Robot (Self-Repairing) An autonomous robot required to find its own work. Harry Harrison (1956) robotics
Blurbflies (Sing. Blurbfly) - corporate gadflies create a buzz Small robotic/organic advertisers. Jeff Noon (2000) robotics
Bot The first use of this contraction for "robot". Richard Meredith (1969) robotics
Brain Placed In Metal Body A robotic body with a support system for a connected organic brain. Edmond Hamilton (1929) robotics
Brain-Plate Ensures the obedience of robots. David C. Cooke (1939) robotics
Butler-Valet Robot A gentleman's servant, roboticized. William Tenn (1951) robotics
Buttered Toast Robot What it says on the tin. Ray Bradbury (1953) robotics
Charging Arm A specialized device allowing a robot to charge itself. William Morrison (1941) robotics
Childcare Robot A robot constructed to take care of a small child. Isaac Asimov (1940) robotics
Christmas Bush Motile Robot - very fine fingers Repair robot with extra-sensitive hands. Robert Forward (1985) robotics
Circuit Inhibiting Destructiveness Ensuring that robots take on the responsibility of pleasing their masters, and obeying their orders. Margaret St. Clair (1958) robotics
Claws (Attack Robot) - screamers! Autonomous guard robots that attack living tissue. Philip K. Dick (1953) robotics
Cleaning Machine Warren A room or space set aside for machinery when not in use. William Gibson (1988) robotics
Clockwork Man A man from the future with an embedded mechanism to manipulate time. E.V. Odle (1923) robotics
Compassion Circuit A special robotic component that allows the robot to weigh harm and benefit in carrying out commands. John Wyndham (1954) robotics
Computronium - nanocomputers by the handful Intelligent matter; nanocomputing processors masquerading as ordinary material. Charles Stross (2005) robotics
Construct An artificial being, a pastiche of living and robotic pieces. Keith Laumer (1969) robotics
Construction Robot Autonomous robots work on construction sites. Michael Crichton (1985) robotics
Consumption Robots Humanoid robots placed in the position of consuming material goods to relieve human beings of the burden. Frederik Pohl (1954) robotics
Control Helmet Direct control of a robot from the brain. Raymond Z. Gallun (1954) robotics
Delivery Robot A small autonomous device that will bring goods directly to a person or place. Robert Heinlein (1962) robotics
Disease Circuit A feature of robotic animals which indicated a need to repair by emulating animal sickness. Philip K. Dick (1968) robotics
Dope Mule Robot - fast delivery in a pinch A metal sphere that propels itself with a single piston-like foot. Bruce Sterling (1994) robotics
Dressing Machine A robotic device to serve as a mechanical dresser. Christopher Anvil (1953) robotics
Dressing Machines Semi-autonomous guided devices that could dress a person in ordinary clothing. Nat Schachner (w. AL Zagat) (1931) robotics
Droid (First Use) Contraction of "android". Mari Wolf (1952) robotics
Droid (Star Wars) - lucas trademark A contraction of "android", it actually describes one of a variety of robots. George Lucas (1976) robotics
Dustmice - tiny robot detectives Tiny robotic sensors that police could set loose in a crime scene, looking for tiny clues. Greg Bear (1990) robotics
Eager Beaver - your friendly robot helper Your friendly robot helper. Robert Heinlein (1956) robotics
Eel Operator A surgically modified human being able to operate a robotic eel Susan Beetlestone (2012) robotics
Electric Cat (Robot Cat) A robot presenting the appearance of a common domestic cat. Philip K. Dick (1968) robotics
Electric Monk - belief on demand Robotic device provides belief services. Douglas Adams (1987) robotics
Electric Sheep - livestock as consumer electronics An electronic farm animal; a non-organic robot covered with sheepskin that acts like a sheep. Philip K. Dick (1968) robotics
Electrical Farming Implements Labor-saving automatic farm equipment. Arthur Bird (1899) robotics
Electrical Grandmother (Robot Grandma) - more than a machine A robotic companion. Ray Bradbury (1969) robotics
Electrical Valet A robotic manservant, skilled in dressing its owner. Stanton A. Coblentz (1939) robotics
Electric-Automatic Household Robot Cook A robot chef - an Electric-Automatic Household Benefi­cent Genius! Elizabeth Bellamy (1899) robotics
Electric-Automatic Housemaid Robot (Automaton) - a robotic helper A very early description of a robot to help around the house. Elizabeth Bellamy (1899) robotics
Embryonic Robots - early sci-fi nanobots? Very small robots, possibly a very early reference to nanotechnology in science fiction. Philip K. Dick (1967) robotics
False Animal Repairman A specialized roboticist who repaired robotic animals. Philip K. Dick (1968) robotics
Famnexdo A set of four simulacra, one adult male, one adult female and two children; the family next door. Philip K. Dick (1964) robotics
Field-Minder An agricultural robot. Brian Aldiss (1963) robotics
Flexible Frank - the all-purpose household robot An all-purpose household robot. Robert Heinlein (1956) robotics
Flexible Metal Arms (Tentacles) An interesting description of how mechanical tentacles might function. Edmond Hamilton (1926) robotics
Floating Robot A robot that floats in mid-air. David Wright O'Brien (1941) robotics
Free Robot - Robert F-R A robot without a master. Daniel Keyes (1952) robotics
Garbage Device Autonomous garbage collection device. Frederik Pohl (1966) robotics
General Strike of the Robots All over the world, robots cease their labors. Harl Vincent (1934) robotics
Gesturing Robot A robot that uses gestures to communicate. Isaac Asimov (1940) robotics
Glass Bees - tiny automatons Walnut-sized flying automata. Ernst Junger (1957) robotics
Golden Shuttles (Mechanical Mice) - tiny robots Very small robots with an appetite for watch parts. Maurice G. Hugi (1941) robotics
Guard Robot Early reference to a robot performing the functions of a security guard. Philip K. Dick (1955) robotics
Gynoid A female android. Gwyneth Jones (1984) robotics
Helen O'Loy - or Helen of Alloys A robot is enhanced to offer feelings and affection. Lester del Rey (1938) robotics
Hired Girl Robot - robotic floor maintenance The amazing floor-cleaning robot! Robert Heinlein (1956) robotics
Home Robot A robotic device designed to serve families in their homes. Michael Crichton (1985) robotics
House Cleaning Device A robotic means of thorough home cleaning. Miles J. Breuer (1930) robotics
Inorganic Evolution 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. Stanislaw Lem (1954) robotics
Intelligent Trash Sorting Robots sort the garbage - almost completely. Harry Harrison (1956) robotics
Interchangeable Hands - mechanical variety Specialized manual extremities. Philip K. Dick (1965) robotics
Iridium-Sponge Brain A human-like metal brain for robots. Eando Binder (1940) robotics
Iron Man Robot With Human Brain A huge robot with a tub containing a human brain. Paul Ernst (1933) robotics
Ironing Robot A robot that smooths the wrinkles out of clothing. Mikhail Mikheev (1972) robotics
Jurymech A robotic entity serving the function of a trial jury. Harlan Ellison (1957) robotics
Juvenile - sneaks around A robot designed to sneak around and spy on people. Philip K. Dick (1956) robotics
Killer Robot - very early reference An autonomous robot made for the express purpose of killing living creatures. Joseph E. Kelleam (1939) robotics
Law Clerk Robot A robotic lawyer. Frederik Pohl (1954) robotics
Lead-Bodied Android A robot designed for use in the nuclear industry. Mari Wolf (1952) robotics
Leading Machine An exploratory device; it takes the form of an autonomous motorcycle. Miles J. Breuer (1930) robotics
Leady A radiation-resistant robot. Philip K. Dick (1953) robotics
Learning Robot - learn from experience A robot that learns from its own experiences. Stephen Barr (1960) robotics
Lens-Tube A kind of seeing device like a short-range telescope. Jack Williamson (1931) robotics
Living Machines Robots that are able to learn. Francis Flagg (1934) robotics
Living Metal Cubes Tiny metal cubes and pyramids that work together to create larger shapes. Abraham Merritt (1920) robotics
Loiter-Drone - indefinite watch A autonomous flying device that hovers protectively over a defined area. Iain M Banks (2004) robotics
Luggage Robot Perfect helper at robotic hotels. Harry Harrison (1970) robotics
Machine Evolution An early look at the idea that machines can evolve all by themselves, physically and intellectually. Philip K. Dick (1953) robotics
Machine Masters Humans did less and less, and machines did more and more, until machines became the masters. Edmond Hamilton (1931) robotics
Machine Servant A wheeled plastic box with universal-joint arms. Edmond Hamilton (1947) robotics
Machines Colonize Universe A brief description of a how automated machines might spread. Philip K. Dick (1955) robotics
Maid-Robot A mechanical automaton does the work of a lady's maid. Frederik Pohl (1954) robotics
Mandroid - a mechanical human A humanoid robot; a robot in the shape of a person. Richard Morgan (2003) robotics
Manshonyagger - fighting robot An autonomous fighting robot. Cordwainer Smith (1957) robotics
Manufactured Wife - an early reference A wife made to order, programmed to meet her husband's requirements. Alice W. Fuller (1895) robotics
Maritime Robots Robots designed to perform every aspect of maintenance for a ship. Bruce Sterling (2022) robotics
Mark IV Door Keeping Robot - automated rejection A robotic device for responding (and scanning) people who come to your door. A. Bertram Chandler (1959) robotics
Marvin the Robot - brain the size of a planet Another fine robot from the marketing division of the Sirius Cybernetics Corporation Douglas Adams (1979) robotics
Master Machine One single machine to run a civilization! Nat Schachner (w. AL Zagat) (1931) robotics
Mech An alternative name for simplified robot. Lester del Rey (1938) robotics
Mechanical Bride - woman or robot A perfect robotic replica of a woman. Fritz Leiber (1954) robotics
Mechanical Cleaning Device A small, ground-based autonomous robot doing basic janitorial work. Philip K. Dick (1957) robotics
Mechanical Dentist No human graduated from dental school here. C.M. Kornbluth (1952) robotics
Mechanical Hound - a fireman's best friend An eight-legged robotic "hound" with hypodermic poison fangs. Ray Bradbury (1953) robotics
Mechanical Men Remote controlled robots used to perform dangerous work. A.G. Stangland (1929) robotics
Mechavalet An entirely automated dressing assistant. Richard R. Smith (1955) robotics
Medical Mech A medical robot designed to prevent death during emergencies. Gordon R. Dickson (1965) robotics
Mentanical Communication Thinking, learning robots have a special means of communication. Francis Flagg (1934) robotics
Mentanicals Robots capable of mentation - i.e., thought. Francis Flagg (1934) robotics
Metal Insects Small autonomous flying winged robots. Stanislaw Lem (1954) robotics
Metal Monster with Jointed Limbs A large robotic device with legs. Jack Williamson (1931) robotics
Metallic Fingers Robot fingers. Harl Vincent (1934) robotics
Metallic Marx A robot who strikes for better working conditions. Harry Harrison (1959) robotics
Metamen - live in a robot body A human brain placed in a purely mechanical, robotic body. E.C. Tubb (1958) robotics
Micro-Android (Micro-Robot) An extremely tiny robot or nanobot. Raymond Z. Gallun (1954) robotics
Microrob Small stature robots. Philip K. Dick (1964) robotics
Military Spider An eight legged telepresence robot. David Gerrold (1985) robotics
Mining Worm (Robot) - dig, robot, dig! An autonomous mining robot shaped like a worm. Emmett McDowell (1946) robotics
Mixed Men A mostly human being, but with an additional robot brain. A.E. van Vogt (1943) robotics
Mobile Persocom - your animated laptop A personal computer in human form. Manga Clamp (2002) robotics
Moldies Autonomous, intelligent, artificial life forms. Rudy Rucker (1997) robotics
Multiple Robot Team - a squad plus leader A set of robots, with the leader able to coordinate the activities of less intelligent subsidiary robots. Isaac Asimov (1944) robotics
Nanny Robot - child-care robot with punch A child-care robot with a surprisingly competitive side. Philip K. Dick (1955) robotics
Nanobot A robot constructed with nanotechnology. John Varley (1992) robotics
Nano-Paste Nanobots that use the resources around it to create a desired product. Sid Meier (1999) robotics
Network Repair Team Dispatched to collect remains of destroyed machines. Philip K. Dick (1955) robotics
Nose Gun Weapon system located up high. Harry Harrison (1958) robotics
Nubot An android that directly replaces a human at their job. John Twelve Hawks (2014) robotics
Nurse Drone A larger flying platform to provide power to smaller drones. Neal Stephenson (1995) robotics
Oat-Tropic Circuit A robotic feature that caused electronic animals to move toward offered food. Philip K. Dick (1968) robotics
Ownership of Machines Who will own the machines that produce material abundance? Nat Schachner (w. AL Zagat) (1931) robotics
P-120 Reconnaissance Robot A multi-legged robot built for speed and silence. David Gerrold (1992) robotics
Patient Bath Robot Robot gives patient a bath. Katsuhiro Otomo (1991) robotics
Personal Capsule - for your eyes only An impenetrable device containing information for your eyes only. Isaac Asimov (1951) robotics
Phymech A robotic physician. Harlan Ellison (1957) robotics
Police Detection Robot An automated evidence-gathering robot. Philip K. Dick (1957) robotics
Police Robot - a rookie cop bot A fully autonomous, man-shaped robotic police officer. Harry Harrison (1958) robotics
Polycarbon Exo - a military exoskeleton Exoskeleton made of a strong, lightweight material. William Gibson (1988) robotics
Porter Televox-Robot A robot that carries your bags through the passageways of space liners. Miles J. Breuer (1931) robotics
Proselytizing Robot A robotic preacher; designed for use where believers are unwelcome. James Blish (1957) robotics
Prosthetic Robotic Arm (Thought-Attuned) A detachable robotic arm, controlled directly through neural linkage. Ivar Jorgensen (1957) robotics
Proxy Robot A remote-controlled floating telepresence robot, for use by aliens who cannot share an atmosphere. Raymond Z. Gallun (1938) robotics
Pry-Vie (Robotic Detective) A robotic private eye; autonomic detection services. Philip K. Dick (1964) robotics
Pseudo-Insects (Synsects) A swarm of self-guided, programmed microarmies. Stanislaw Lem (1984) robotics
Psychophonic Nurse - a nanny robot A child-care robot - a nanny bot. David H. Keller (1928) robotics
Quasi-Muscles (Sham Musculature) A means of giving motive power to robots or machines that is similar to animal musculature. H.G. Wells (1898) robotics
R. Daneel Olivaw - I, robot A human-like robot, skilled in police work. Isaac Asimov (1953) robotics
R2-D2 (Artoo-Detoo) - the original Now the generic term for a small, maneuverable robot. George Lucas (1976) robotics
Radar Mesentery - sensitive robot skin A thick covering that supports a network of sensors. Roger Zelazny (1966) robotics
Radio-Controlled Mechanical Man A remote-controlled robot. Melbourne Huff (1930) robotics
Rat Thing A guard cyborg created from a living animal. Neal Stephenson (1992) robotics
Rat-Robot A small remotely-operated surveillance robot. Gordon Randall Garrett (1962) robotics
Reggie the Bartending Machine - beverage, sir? A mechanism able to mix drinks; a robot bartender. Mike Resnick (2002) robotics
Remote Telepresence Robot A very early depiction of this basic idea. Philip Nowlan (w/D. Calkins) (1929) robotics
Repair Robots - helpful droids Autonomous robots that carry out maintenance functions on a space ship. H.B. Fyfe (1950) robotics
Riding Robot A single person means of bipedal transportation. Harry Harrison (1970) robotics
Robant A robotic servant. Philip K. Dick (1953) robotics
Robant Bill Collector Automated bill collection A robot designed to collect overdue bills, no matter what. Philip K. Dick (1966) robotics
Robass - a robotic mule A robotic beast of burden. Anthony Boucher (1951) robotics
Robocop A robotic police officer. Harlan Ellison (1957) robotics
Robodore A robot specialized for use as a stevedore, emptying the contents of ships in port. Daniel Keyes (1952) robotics
Robofish (Mitsubishi Robot Turbot) - robot fish A powerful, meter-long robotic fish used to take samples from liquid lakes on other worlds (like Titan). Michael Swanwick (2002) robotics
Roboscribe A robotic writer of hard-bitten detective yarns. Richard Marsten (1954) robotics
Robot - the origin of the term A (usually human-shaped) artifact with the same kinds of abilities as a human - this is the first use of the word 'robot'. Karel Capek (1920) robotics
Robot Animals Artificial animals created using robotic elements. Clifford Simak (1938) robotics
Robot Bar - ancestor of R2D2 A combination bartender and bar; a robot capable of dispensing beverages. Harry Harrison (1965) robotics
Robot Bartender - early mention An automated, mechanical bar tending robot. Alfred Bester (1956) robotics
Robot Biomimicry Endowing robots with an organic-appearing fluidity, rather than mechanical motion. H.G. Wells (1898) robotics
Robot Bird - voice recognition and surveillance A small winged UAV that can mimic a bird in flight. Philip E. High (1968) robotics
Robot Brother A roboticist brings home a robot brother for his natural son. Henry Slesar (1958) robotics
Robot Busboy A robotic device able to autonomously clear tables in a restaurant. Philip K. Dick (1964) robotics
Robot Cab Driver - everybody's got problems You think you have problems? Robots have the worst problems of anyone. Philip K. Dick (1954) robotics
Robot Cat A biological feline with mechanical parts. Raymond F. Jones (1946) robotics
Robot Cells (Crystal-Shaped Modules) - robot building blocks Minute dodecahedral units that could combine into different shapes to become full robots. Michael P. Kube-McDowell (1987) robotics
Robot Chef - a creative cook Creative, autonomous robotic cook. Anthony Boucher (1943) robotics
Robot Comedian - laughs at its own jokes Joke-telling feature added to a standard butler robot. William Tenn (1951) robotics
Robot Control Board Control panel with small screens showing the point of view of different robots. O.L. Beckwith (1929) robotics
Robot Cook - tasty meals nightly A household robot that can cook meals. Lester del Rey (1938) robotics
Robot Cop A robotic police officer. R.M. Williams (1943) robotics
Robot Crab - robot gardener An automated gardener. William Gibson (1984) robotics
Robot Doctor A mechanical physician. Clarence Edward Heller (1930) robotics
Robot Dog A mechanical, robotic dog. Otis Adelbert Kline (1937) robotics
Robot Door - stolid decision-maker Automated door has some decision-making capabilities, in addition to speech recognition capabilities. Philip K. Dick (1953) robotics
Robot Earthworm - spaghettibot Autonomous swarming robots the size of earthworms, with similar earth-digging capabilities. Harry Harrison (1962) robotics
Robot Emotions - mech feelings Devices or techniques that give rise to emotions in robots. Lester del Rey (1938) robotics
Robot Factory Representative An ambulatory agent of an automatic factory. Philip K. Dick (1955) robotics
Robot Fish (Metal Fish) Fake flounders for sport fishermen on Martian canals. Charles Fontenay (1956) robotics
Robot Gas Station An entirely automated station for dispensing fuel to consumer vehicles. Philip K. Dick (1974) robotics
Robot Guard Very early reference to a guard robot. Philip K. Dick (1954) robotics
Robot Handlers Small robots used in spacecraft for a variety of useful tasks. John Varley (1998) robotics
Robot Introspection A robotic brain grows and learns about itself. Roger P. Graham (1949) robotics
Robot Judge - before Dred Artificially intelligent legal machine - robes and all. Harry Harrison (1959) robotics
Robot Lawn Mower - already here An automated lawn mower. Clifford Simak (1944) robotics
Robot Librarian Filer A device that works as a librarian, automatically filing books in the stacks. Harry Harrison (1962) robotics
Robot Manumission The freeing of a robotic being from a state of being owned property. Daniel Keyes (1952) robotics
Robot Mice - tiny cleaning machines Tiny cleaning robots. Ray Bradbury (1950) robotics
Robot Music Music created and performed entirely by robots. Ray Cummings (1941) robotics
Robot Pianist - robotic virtuoso A robot learns the fine art of playing classical music on the piano. Herbert Goldstone (1953) robotics
Robot Pope - Urbi et Orbi et Digiti An artificially intelligent robotic cardinal ascends to the Throne of St. Peter. Robert Silverberg (1971) robotics
Robot Probes (Arr-twos) - remote-controlled eyes and ears Remote controlled robots that wander through a facility, bringing pictures and information to a central location. Larry Niven (w/J. Pournelle) (1981) robotics
Robot Prohibition Robots may not wander alone. Isaac Asimov (1940) robotics
Robot Ramp - just for bots A special means of ingress and egress solely for use by mechanical help. Daniel Keyes (1952) robotics
Robot Revolt Robots to throw off the yoke of Man? Ray Cummings (1931) robotics
Robot Self-Assembly A robot separated into many pieces reassembles itself. Hugo Correa (1968) robotics
Robot Situation Neurosis Robots go mad when given competing instructions. Philip K. Dick (1957) robotics
Robot Skin Covering Realistic covering for the bodies of robots. Harl Vincent (1934) robotics
Robot Snake A mechanical reptile, with no legs. Lee Chaytor (1958) robotics
Robot Spider (Handling Machine) Multipurpose device used almost as an extension of the Martian's own bodies. H.G. Wells (1898) robotics
Robot Strike When robots refuse to work. Mari Wolf (1952) robotics
Robot Suicide - enough is enough A robot decides to commit suicide, and sets up a mechanism to put his decision into effect. Eando Binder (1940) robotics
Robot Surgeon An autonomous robotic surgeon. Isaac Asimov (1976) robotics
Robot Surgeon-Hand - attached at the wrist A skilled surgical robot that attaches at the end of the surgeon's arm. Philip K. Dick (1955) robotics
Robot Surgery Robots operate an advance operating theater. John Russell Fearn (1939) robotics
Robot Taste Buds A sensor for robots that would allow it to taste foods like a human being. Anthony Boucher (1943) robotics
Robot Tennis Player A purely mechanical, autonomous foe on the court. H.B. Fyfe (1952) robotics
Robot Trash Collectors Robots that drive and operate garbage trucks. Harry Harrison (1956) robotics
Robot Vending Machine Machinery displaces news boys selling papers on street corners. Jack Williamson (1931) robotics
Robot Waiter Robotic restaurant servitor. Clarence Edward Heller (1930) robotics
Robot Wheel An enormous vehicular robot in the shape of a gigantic wheel. Edmond Hamilton (1926) robotics
Robot With Human's Brain A very early example of encasing a human brain in a robotic body. Otis Adelbert Kline (1936) robotics
Robotaxi A fully automated, driverless taxi. Joe Gibson (1953) robotics
Robot-Boss A mechanical device that tells people what to do. David C. Cooke (1939) robotics
Robot-Control Wave Band Special command circuit for robots. Harl Vincent (1934) robotics
Robot-Deranger A ray that discombobulates robots of all kinds. Ray Cummings (1931) robotics
Robotess A female robot. Karel Capek (1920) robotics
Robotic Abattoir - robots with knives Robots with knives in a meat-packing plant. Anne McCaffrey (1996) robotics
Robotic Arm - handy for robots A specialized robotic reaching and grasping device. Clifford Simak (1944) robotics
Robotic Butterfly A tiny, electromechanical flying robot. Harlan Ellison (1987) robotics
Robotic Chess Expert - unbeatable A robot that plays chess at a level that no human can match. Clifford Simak (1951) robotics
Robotic Conductor A robot charged with conductor's duties aboard a bus or other public transportation. Philip K. Dick (1953) robotics
Robotic Dishwasher A fully automated solution to the dishwashing problem. Ray Bradbury (1950) robotics
Robotic Eel A five-foot long artificial eel, controlled by an operator. Susan Beetlestone (2012) robotics
Robotic Hand A dexterous manipulator for robots. Robert Heinlein (1956) robotics
Robotic Law Tape Safety Valve A specific impulse that warns robots contemplating breaking the laws set forth for their behavior. Daniel Keyes (1952) robotics
Roboticist A person who works on robots. Isaac Asimov (1946) robotics
Roboticist A person who creates or works with robots. Isaac Asimov (1941) robotics
Robotics The engineering field encompassing the creation and maintenance of robots. Isaac Asimov (1941) robotics
Robots Build Robots Using robot labor exclusively to build more robots. Isaac Asimov (1940) robotics
Robots Refuse To Serve Man When robots evolve their own perspectives, and ultimately refuse to act as servants to human beings. Francis Flagg (1934) robotics
Robot-Surgeon A perfect robot for perfected human beings. Harl Vincent (1934) robotics
Robutler A robotic butler. Harry Harrison (1970) robotics
Rolem (Wrestling Robot) - robot wrestler A robotic wrestling companion. Roger Zelazny (1966) robotics
Rolov A specialized robot for the bedroom. Christopher Anvil (1953) robotics
Rom (Robot Operated Missiles) Intercontinental robotic weapons. Philip K. Dick (1954) robotics
Roujin Z-0001 Robotic Bed - military bed robot A fully automated hospital bed and transport robot. Katsuhiro Otomo (1991) robotics
Rubber Hoof Silent running for robot horses. Christopher Stasheff (1969) robotics
Rubber Soled Feet Silent padding for clanky robots. Melbourne Huff (1930) robotics
Sales Robot (Robot Salesman) - a robot makes the sales pitch Fully automated robots giving untiring, incessant sales pitches to customers. Philip K. Dick (1954) robotics
Scuttle-bot An all-purpose surveillance robot that climbed rather than flew. David Gerrold (2020) robotics
Sea Robot An enormous robot able to function in the ocean. E.K. Jarvis (1943) robotics
Search-Bug An exploratory robot. Philip K. Dick (1955) robotics
Security Guard Robot (Sentry Robot) A robot that takes the place of a security guard in an office environment. Michael Crichton (1985) robotics
Self-Assembling Robots - robot, configure thyself Robots with the capacity to assemble themselves from components, and then switch themselves on. James Schmitz (1966) robotics
Self-Aware Robot A robot that thinks and reasons for itself. Harl Vincent (1934) robotics
Self-Charging Robot A robot that is able to autonomously find an electrical outlet and plug itself in to recharge. Stephen Barr (1960) robotics
Self-Guided Tractors A farm vehicle that drives itself. Larry Niven (1966) robotics
Self-Repairing Robot A mechanism that can detect faults in itself and repair them. W.F. Wallace (1952) robotics
Self-Selling Robot A robot that sells itself. Philip K. Dick (1954) robotics
Sensitive Robot Fingers Special sensory capabilities of robotic appendages. Ray Cummings (1931) robotics
Sensor Arm An extendable multipurpose sensor cluster. George Lucas (1976) robotics
Serving Robot - a smooth ovoid A non-humanoid robot designed to serve. H. Beam Piper (1962) robotics
Sheem Spider Robot A robotic spider. James Schmitz (1966) robotics
Sherman A sex robot. John Varley (1983) robotics
Silencer-Padding - soles for robots Robots need to have special padding on the bottoms of their lower limbs, so they don't clank as they walk. Daniel Keyes (1952) robotics
Simulacrum (Sim) An autonomous construct that is a perfect likeness to a human person. Philip K. Dick (1964) robotics
Sniffer Robot A small robot that gathers odors from a crime scene for analysis. Michael Crichton (1985) robotics
Solar-Powered Robot A robot powered by sunlight. Joseph E. Kelleam (1939) robotics
Spider Robot Scuttling insect robots. Michael Crichton (1985) robotics
Spider Robot - swarming spider bots Tiny spider-sized robots that are able to search buildings and identify occupants. Steven Spielberg (2002) robotics
Spider Space Elevator Test Vehicle - test the cables A robotic testing device for the cables of a space elevator. Arthur C. Clarke (1978) robotics
Spider Tripod Robot - three-legged cleaning bot Three-legged alien robot. Arthur C. Clarke (1972) robotics
Steam Man A mechanical robot powered by steam. Edward S. Ellis (1868) robotics
Sub-microscopic Medical Robots Tiny robots travel the bloodstream, killing bacteria. Philip E. High (1967) robotics
Supervision Robot (Squid) A wheeled device with tentacular grasping limbs. Miles J. Breuer (1930) robotics
Supervisor Robot A robot that watches over and gives orders to other robots. H.B. Fyfe (1952) robotics
Synthetic Flesh Provides robots with realistic coverings, not just plastic. Brian Aldiss (1969) robotics
Tagalong A backpack with legs; a robot that will carry things for you and match your movements. John Varley (1976) robotics
Talking Robot An impractical robot, for display only. Isaac Asimov (1940) robotics
Teddy A very intelligent and highly mobile robotic teddy bear. Brian Aldiss (1969) robotics
Teddy Bear Robot A special toy bear given to every child in the world. Harry Harrison (1965) robotics
Teleoperated Lab Robot A robot is used to conduct experiments in an environment too extreme for humans. James Blish (1957) robotics
Teleoperated Robot Surrogate - love via robot A robot that is entirely controlled remotely by a person who sees with the point of view of the robot. Manly Wade Wellman (1938) robotics
Tentacle Machines Enormous robots, cylindrical of body, tentacular of arms, autonomous of brain, sinister of intent. Edmond Hamilton (1926) robotics
The Machine (M) An autonomous robot able to alter its appearance and functionality at will. Philip K. Dick (1957) robotics
The Twonky - original robot A robotic device from the future, constructed to look like a 1940's radio cabinet. Lewis Padgett (1942) robotics
Three Laws of Robotics (Rules of Robotics) - the original robot laws The original formulation of Asimov's laws of robotics. Isaac Asimov (1942) robotics
Tik-Tok A mechanical man. L. Frank Baum (1907) robotics
Underwater Robot An autonomous mechanical for use underwater. Harry Harrison (1956) robotics
Unit Analyst Robot A robotic psychoanalyst. Philip K. Dick (1955) robotics
Usuform Robot - not a mechanical man A robot designed strictly along functional lines. Anthony Boucher (1943) robotics
Usuform Robot Bartender - with tentacles A robotic bartender that is designed along purely functional lines. Anthony Boucher (1943) robotics
Vastening It's hard to describe, but it's a robotic sense perception. Lewis Padgett (1943) robotics
Verhaeren Factor - creative machines Provides autonomous robots with the capacity for independent creative action. Anthony Boucher (1943) robotics
Vision Strip - for robots A circular vision strip for robots. Orville Shaara (1952) robotics
Vision Tubes Microminaturized vision for UAV's. Raymond Z. Gallun (1936) robotics
Visual Pattern Recognition A robot's ability to respond to programmed visual stimulus Joseph E. Kelleam (1939) robotics
Wabbler - underwater robot An autonomous underwater robot. Murray Leinster (1942) robotics
Walking Mill The ultimate combine - giant metal centipede walks through fields, harvesting wheat, threshing, grinding and finally baking bread right in the field. Fritz Leiber (1958) robotics
Window-Cleaner Robots Robots that perform the task of cleaning and polishing transparent surfaces. Arthur C. Clarke (1972) robotics
Zeta-Ray Makes and maintains vast holes - even in ocean water! Nat Schachner (w. AL Zagat) (1931) robotics
Automated Sentry - automatic face recognition A biometric device that scans facial features for identification. Greg Bear (2003) security
Defuser Electroshock cellphones to keep unruly individuals under control. Lauren Beukes (2008) security
Doublethink A mental discipline that is an exact contradiction to the basic principles of scientific inquiry. George Orwell (1948) security
Electrified Fence A wire fence carrying an electrical charge sufficient to deter crossing the boundary. Mark Twain (1889) security
Palm Lock - uses more than a fingerprint A lock or seal which can be opened only by contact with the palm of the human hand to which it has been keyed. Frank Herbert (1965) security
Palm Scan - the big print A means of positive identification, in this case, for an ATM machine. William Gibson (1999) security
Penfield Wave Transmitter - an emotional brain remote control A device that directs some sort of energy wave into a person's brain, allowing them to experience a chosen (dialed) mood. Philip K. Dick (1968) security
Spine-Clamp - restraint bolt for humans A device that constrains the movements of convicted criminals. Neal Stephenson (2008) security
Tongueprint Verification - touching, not licking A device that verifies the unique print of the tongue against a a database for identification purposes. Larry Niven (w/E.M. Lerner) (2007) security
Truth Meter - a 50's lie detector A lie detector. Robert Heinlein (1954) security
Virtual Punishment It seems like decades in prison. Joe Haldeman (2011) security
Assault Ship A one-way, one-use spacecraft for depositing troops at the scene of a space battle. Joe Haldeman (1974) spacecraft
Broomstick - move in space Device to ease movement in a zero-gravity environment. Arthur C. Clarke (1952) spacecraft
Broomstick Speedster A two-seater craft capable of spaceflight; it used radiant power to achieve orbit. Robert Heinlein (1942) spacecraft
Can City - spinning space habitat A cylindrical space habitat. Dan Simmons (1989) spacecraft
City Ship A generation ship, a spacecraft that carries a people to another star. Julian May (1953) spacecraft
Commute Ship Spacecraft used for traversing daily grind between Earth and the planet you work on. Philip K. Dick (1954) spacecraft
Cosmo-Craft A spacecraft for traveling through time and space. Donald Wandrei (1933) spacecraft
Death Star - that's no moon The logical endpoint of a galactic empire. George Lucas (1976) spacecraft
Diskoid A huge flying saucer. Nat Schachner (1932) spacecraft
Eros Ship-Planetoid A vast cylindrical ship, long thought to be a planetoid. Will Garth (1938) spacecraft
Escape Pod (Life Pod, Boat Pod) - check the pod, Darth A small ship used solely as a "life boat." George Lucas (1976) spacecraft
Ether Ship A space-going ship. W.S. Lach-Szyrma (1886) spacecraft
Flying Saucer - alien spacecraft Spacecraft flown by the androgynes of Titan - under control of the Puppetmasters. Robert Heinlein (1951) spacecraft
Flying Wing - Northrup's all-metal dream A V-shaped plane capable of flight to the edge of the atmosphere. E.E. 'Doc' Smith (1934) spacecraft
General Products Hull - impervious key to space travel Nearly indestructible outer skin for spaceships; pick your hull size and put what you want inside. Larry Niven (1966) spacecraft
Heighliner Enormous starship used by the Spacing Guild for interstellar travel. Frank Herbert (1965) spacecraft
Jet-Down - explore planets A spacecraft able to explore planetary surfaces. Isaac Asimov (1988) spacecraft
Joy-boat Junior - a private space yacht A private space yacht, capable of suborbital journeys. Robert Heinlein (1941) spacecraft
Lifeboat A small space-worthy craft that can be jettisoned from a larger ship, to save its crew. E.E. 'Doc' Smith (1931) spacecraft
Life-Ship An emergency escape or survival craft. Ed Earl Repp (1940) spacecraft
Living Space Ship A space ship made of a living substance, in this case cellulose. Murray Leinster (1935) spacecraft
Magship A ship that uses magnetic fields to catch the solar wind for propulsion. Michael Flynn (1998) spacecraft
Mass-Conversion Ship A spacecraft that uses the ultimate in fuel sources. Robert Heinlein (1950) spacecraft
Mechanist Drogue Bruce Sterling (1985) spacecraft
Michael (Orion Ship) - atomic pulse rocket A spacecraft using nuclear bombs for propulsion. Larry Niven (w/J. Pournelle) (1985) spacecraft
Mobile Armor Heavilly armed spacecraft with limbs. Yoshiyuki Tomino (1979) spacecraft
Mother Ship - first use of expression A large spacecraft that serves as home base for other (usually smaller) ships. John W. Campbell (1930) spacecraft
No-Ship A ship that uses an Ixian field to be effectively invisible. Frank Herbert (1984) spacecraft
Private Space Cruiser A fully space-worthy ship under private ownership. Edmond Hamilton (1928) spacecraft
Projectile-Vehicle - Verne's spacecraft A projectile, or shot, capable of enclosing passengers and being safely hurled to the moon by an enormous cannon. Jules Verne (1867) spacecraft
Ram Field - tweaked Bussard Ramjet A specialized version of the hydrogen-gathering field for a Bussard Ramjet. Larry Niven (1973) spacecraft
Ramrobot - automated space exploration An autonomous interstellar exploration craft using gathered hydrogen for fuel. Larry Niven (1967) spacecraft
Retro-Rockets - Verne invented them! Small boosters to provide a thrust counter to the current velocity of the spacecraft, slowing it down or stopping its progress altogether. Jules Verne (1867) spacecraft
Rocket-Powered Space Flight - very early description A device that could power a man from the surface of the Earth to that of the Moon. Cyrano de Bergerac (1657) spacecraft
Sargasso Asteroid - scavenger planetoid A planetoid built from natural rock and the salvaged wreckage of space craft. Alfred Bester (1956) spacecraft
Seven Vane Starship A faster-than-light ship with seven vanes of energy controlled by human nervous systems. Samuel R. Delany (1968) spacecraft
Ships With Legs Space ships with mechanical limbs for walking the Earth. Philip Nowlan (w/D. Calkins) (1929) spacecraft
Shuttle A space craft that travels point to point in space. Theodore Sturgeon (1950) spacecraft
Shuttle Ship - early Space Shuttle A spacecraft that could take off from a planet, rendezvous with an object in orbit, and fly back to the surface like a glider. Robert Heinlein (1951) spacecraft
Shuttlecraft A small spaceship designed for short journeys. Author Unknown (1967) spacecraft
Singleship A spacecraft designed for use by one person. Larry Niven (1969) spacecraft
Slowboat Slower than lightspeed spacecraft used for interstellar colonization. Larry Niven (1973)