The Federal Virtual Worlds Challenge is an open. global challenge to the world to create the best implementations within virtual environments. This year the focus is on artificial intelligence.
(Virtual Worlds Challenge)
Historically the U.S. military and sister agencies have expended considerable resources in the development of high-fidelity immersive simulations. With budgets getting tighter it makes sense to leverage low-cost virtual environments to continue to support evolving simulation needs.
The Federal Virtual Worlds Challenge provides an outlet for the U.S. Federal Government to access a global community of content developers. Anticipated benefits to U.S. Government agencies include:
An opportunity to explore possibilities for using virtual worlds that have not, and may not have ever been considered by the Government.
Access to emerging technology that would assist in developing requirements.
The ability to explore the global collaboration concept as a research and procurement strategy for future training and analysis needs.
Building public awareness regarding Government organizations and the work being conducted in virtual environments.
Winners receive a cash prize, travel accommodations to the GameTech Conference in Orlando, FL, and the opportunity to have their entries showcased at the conference.
In the 1984 film The Last Starfighter. a software simulation is used to train actual fighters.
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!)
is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for
the Invention Category that interests
you, the Glossary, the Invention
Timeline, or see what's New.
Prairie Madness - And Space Sickness
'Space-sickness is one of the most unpleasant sensations that a human being can experience. Not all are subject to it...'
'Old People Began to Cross The Continent In Their Own Cars'
'It was a relief to enter one of the comfortable autos, whisper a direction down the tube, and just know that you would be taken to your destination in the quickest, safest, and cheapest manner.'
Starfall Manufacturing Drugs In Space
'The vast spinning sphere of Factory in the Sky loomed above and ahead of us, gleaming white against the unfathomable jet depths of surrounding space.'
The Solar Oberth Slingshot
'And if it doesn’t work,' inquired Lazarus, 'what does that make us? Sunspots?'
'If Anyone Is Watching Earth...'
'Our study of your race has convinced us that you are not fitted to leave your planet in the present state of your civilization.'