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Science
Fiction in the News Articles
Related to material in Second Variety
by Philip K. Dick
"The claws were bad enough in the first place - nasty, crawling little death-robots. But when they began to imitate their creators, it was time for the human race to make peace - if it could!"
('Second Variety' by Philip K. Dick)
The story takes place after a war between Russia and the UN; Russian victories force the American government to flee to the Moon. UN technicians develop robots called 'claws' to protect remaining UN forces.
This short story was the inspiration for the 1995 film Screamers, starring Peter Weller, Roy Dupuis and Jennifer Rubin.
Science fiction in the News articles describe real-world events that relate to the ideas and inventions in sf novels and movies. Select a news article:
Screamers - PKD's Claws - The Robotic Research Begins
Research on how sandfish lizards manage to both run and burrow under the sand is being touted as an aid to robotic research. I thought that Philip K. Dick's robots evolved on their own.
Soldiers Learn To Trust Robots
Can robots be trusted to 'have your back' in urban combat situations? Soldiers are learning about different robotic platforms, and how they can be used in urban combat.
Robotic Underground Munitions
I think that if you want to destroy enemies in bunkers, you go with claws or robotic earthworms, courtesy of Philip K. Dick and Harry Harrison.
Armed Robots Bad Idea
Many, but not all, sf writers agree that armed robots are a bad idea. Can you think of exceptions?
'Sandfish' Robot Moves Through Sand
Take a look at this video of a biomimetic sand-burrowing robot.
Telenoid R1 Uncanny Telepresence Robotics
Is this the kind of presence that you want to project teletronically?
Evolutionary Robotics To Design Better Robots
Robots seem to walk better when they evolve the ability to do so.
Coman Bully-Resistant Robot
'It makes me wonder if we're not seeing the beginning of a new species... The race to come after man.'- Philip K. Dick, 1953.
Self-Burying Robots - What Could Go Wrong?
'Some of the little claws were learning to hide themselves, burrowing down into the ash...'- Philip K. Dick, 1953
Will Autonomous Systems' Self-Preservation Lead To Dangerous Behavior?
'This, the new types. The new varieties of claws. We're completely at their mercy, aren't we?'- Philip K. Dick, 1953
Robot Brains Improved By Darwinian Evolution
'The new species. Evolution. The race to come after man.'- Philip K. Dick, 1953.
Robot Evolution Needs Mass Extinction Events
'It was small, one of the baby ones.'- Philip K. Dick, 1953.
PUFFER Robots - From Philip K DIck's Second Variety?
'Across the ground something small and metallic came, flashing in the dull sunlight of midday.' - Philip K. Dick, 1953.
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Science
Fiction
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(4/6/2024)
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(4/4/2024)
re: Stanley G. and Helen Weinbaum
(4/2/2024)
