Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein:
Science Fiction Inventions, Technology and Ideas

Remarkable novel about the life of Valentine Michael Smith, born during the first mission to explore Mars. Educated by Martians, he is helpless when returned to Earth. Or is he? Tutored by Jubal Harshaw (a classic Heinlein character) he develops into an extraordinary person. Winner of the 1962 Hugo Award; this story is not for children. Select an invention:

Grok - a Martian sees and knows
To understand fully; become one with (from the Martial verb "to drink").

Jump Harness - rocket pack
A device small enough to be worn as a backpack, that gave booster power for jumping.

Living Grass Carpet - not AstroTurf
An indoor area covered with grass, in the manner of a carpet.

Lyle Drive
Propulsion system for use inside the solar system.

Reading Machine - read while reclining
A projector which showed text on a screen or the ceiling for easy reading.

Screensaver (Inventor of) - the original idea
Screen savers are used to prevent phosphor burnout in CRTs, and to provide restful entertainment on computer screens.

Stereo Tank - 3D TV receiver
A receiver for three-dimensional televised images.

Stereovision Tank - 3D TV tank (and first screen saver)
Three dimensional mass media (the grandson of television).

Waterbed (Hydraulic Bed) - a waterbed
A bed that uses water instead of springs and stuffing.

 

Technovelgy.com is devoted to the creative inventions of science fiction authors and movie makers. Look for the Science Fiction Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary of Science Fiction Inventions, the Timeline of Science Fiction Inventions, or see what's New.
Find
new authors and technologies - Shop for yourself, your library and your lab.

 

 

 

 

Science Fiction
in the News

Nuclear Plant Restarted To Power AI To Feed Us Dreams
re: Raymond Z. Gallun
(4/4/2025)

SpaceX's Starman Tesla Roadster In Space
re: Theodore Sturgeon
(4/2/2025)

Pivotal Blackfly Electric Aircraft Lifts And Hovers
re: R.H. Roman
(3/29/2025)

CORLEO Robotic Horse Concept Looks Ready To Ride
re: Emil Souvestre
(3/27/2025)

Who First Thought Of A Tin Foil Hat?
re: Julian Huxley
(3/25/2025)

Warp Drive Tech Back On The Menu
re: RM Williams
(3/23/2025)

Huawei Pura X Folding Phattie Phone
re: William Gibson
(3/21/2025)

Sleep Pods At Daxing International Airport
re: Chris Boyce
(3/19/2025)

Robot Baristas Learn Their Trade Without Paying Royalties
re: Anthony Boucher
(3/17/2025)

JAXA Int Ball 2 Coming Right Along As Star Wars Remote
re: George Lucas
(3/15/2025)

Robot Bricklayer Or Passer-By Bricklayer?
re: Bruce Sterling
(3/13/2025)

Robot Gas Station Attendant Pumps Gas For You
re: Philip K. Dick
(3/11/2025)

Engineer Creates Crazy Motorized Track Hospital Bed
re: Katsuhiro Otomo
(3/9/2025)

Tiny Flying Robot Weighs Just One Gram
re: Neal Stephenson
(3/7/2025)

More SF in the News

Home | Glossary | Invention Timeline | Category | New | Contact Us | FAQ | Advertise |
Technovelgy.com - where science meets fiction™

Copyright© Technovelgy LLC; all rights reserved.