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"Science fiction has gotten more accurate as we've gotten closer to the present, because science fiction stories have not only attracted, but also generated current scientists."
- Larry Niven
 |
| Delivery Robot | ||
| A small autonomous device that will bring goods directly to a person or place. |
As far as I know, the earliest mention of the phrase "delivery robot"
| At first I thought that my
brother Clark had managed
one of his more charlatanous
machinations of malevolent
legerdemain. But fortunately
(the only fortunate thing
about the whole miserable
mess) I soon perceived that it
was impossible for him to be
in fact guilty no matter what
devious subversions roil his
id. Unless he has managed to
invent and build in secret a
time machine, which I misdoubt he would do if he could
. . .nor am I prepared to offer
odds that he can’t. Not since
the time he rewired the delivery robot so that it would
serve him midnight snacks
and charge them to my code
number without (so far as
anyone could ever prove) disturbing the company’s seal on
the control box.
We’ll never know how he did that one, because despite the fact that the company offered to Forgive All and pay a cash bonus to boot if only he would please tell them how he managed to beat their unbeatable seal — despite this, Clark just looked blank and would not talk. |
| Technovelgy from Podkayne of Mars,
by Robert Heinlein. Published by Worlds of IF in 1962 Additional resources -
|
Here's another use of this idea, from Heavenly Gifts (1963) by Aaron Kolom.
Compare to the dope mule robot from Heavy Weather (1994) by Bruce Sterling.
Tai’s expression was one of exaggerated innocence. “Everything is automatic. Radio orders for goods are received, translated and filled. with robot delivery.” He winked at his partner.
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Additional
resources:
More Ideas
and Technology from Podkayne of Mars
More Ideas
and Technology by Robert Heinlein
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Tech news articles related to works by Robert Heinlein
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news articles:
- Snackbot, Robotic Bringer Of Snacks
- Transwheel Drone Robotic Delivery Vehicle
- Kiwi Dominos Drone Pizza Delivery
- Quadruped Jueying Delivery Robot Brings Fresh Coffee
- Robot Food Delivery Coming To Campus Near You
- No Tips! Robotic Food Delivery In Phoenix
- Waymo Autonomous Cab Hits Autonomous Delivery Robot
| Robot Gas Station Attendant Pumps Gas For You |
| SnapBot Robots - You Choose Their Legs And They Choose Their Gaits |
| Humanoid Robots Building Humanoid Robots |
| What's The Best Way To Ship And Unpack Humanoid Robots? |
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'...Anything was possible in my imaginary environment.'
'Somewhere in space, a chrome and blue automobile raced the green light of Earth.'
'That explains how it was so easy for me to remain motionless in midair...'
'We had discovered that metal was relatively impervious to the telepathic effect.'
'Detailed plans for the construction of the Gundstetter-Halone warp drive were flowing.'
'Do not waste your priceless company on the unappreciative folds of a sleep pod...'
'...so we've promised him a generous pension from the royalties.'
'Hocus-pocus religions and archaic weapons are no substitute for a good blaster at your side.'
