The Machine Stops by E.M. Forster:
Science Fiction Inventions, Technology and Ideas

Select an invention:

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.

Cinematophote (Blue Optic Plate) - first reference to television
The first reference to a tablet-sized, handheld screen.

Machine Apartment
Each person lives isolated in their own room, supported by a vast planetary machine.

Public Call
A form of communication in which a group of people would remain isolated, but through technology could see and hear each other.

Telemedicine Apparatus - first known reference
First reference to a device that allows physicians to examine or aid patients at a distance.

The Book of the Machine
The only book needed for life in the vast Machine.

The Machine - supplies every need
A single vast contrivance that supplied all the needs of the world's millions of solitary inhabitants.

Video Communicator
A device that carried both voice and image, letting the two parties see each other.

 

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

China Steals Strato Airship Design From Google App Engine
re: George Griffith
(8/1/2025)

The First Space Warship For Space Force
re: Garrett P. Serviss
(7/29/2025)

Biohybrid Jellyfish Explore The Ocean
re: Thomas A. Easton
(7/27/2025)

Should AIs and AI Robots Demand Rights?
re: Eando Binder
(7/25/2025)

Robot Learns Human Tool Usage By Imitation Learning
re: Anthony Boucher
(7/23/2025)

Companion Caregiver ChatGPT Dolls
re: Kazuo Ishiguro
(7/21/2025)

'Pregnancy Humanoids' From China Replace Moms
re: David H. Keller
(7/19/2025)

Man Builds 200 Foot Basement Firing Range
re: Clifford Simak
(7/17/2025)

Russians Create Robot Tank Platoons
re: Philip Nowlan w/D. Calkins
(7/15/2025)

3D-Printed Exoskeleton Learns From Your Hand
re: Fritz Leiber
(7/13/2025)

Smartwatch Powered By Slime Mold
re: Philip K. Dick
(7/11/2025)

Unmanned Boats Attack At Sea
re: Ray Naylor
(7/9/2025)

Carpentopod Walking Table
re: Terry Pratchett
(7/7/2025)

Iron Drone Raider Counter-UAV Operations
re: Robert Sheckley
(7/5/2025)

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.