Science Fiction
Dictionary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
 |
Russian Power Boots Can Use Biofuels
Power Boots? The Russians are at it again with this dangerously cool invention by Viktor Gordeyev.
(Power Boot wearer Racing a truck in the snow)
These are not those spring-powered things you saw when you were a kid. These boots use biofuels like biodiesel, vegetable oil, SVO, waste vegetable oil (WVO) to really put some pep in your step.
(Add fuel for rocket power)
How much pep? Twenty-five miles per hour and strides of up to twelve feet. Click on the movie below to check them out (the demo starts about 25 seconds into the video). (Here is a Russian power boot time trial video) Also, take a look at this powered boot diagram.
This is one of those cases when I really regret that I didn't master Russian, despite two years of it in college. I know I have Russian readers - how about some additional details, droogs?
(Power Boot diagram)
I'm also wondering if this Gordeyev guy had been reading science fiction writer Charles Stross, or vice-versa. (Actually, Gordeyev's idea dates from the 1970's; see the comments on Gordeyev's powered boots.) You see, in his 2005 novel Accelerando, one of the characters actually wears - you guessed it - motorized combat boots.
Spring-Heeled Jack runs blind, blue fumes crackling from his heels. His right hand, outstretched for balance, clutches a mark's stolen memories.
(Read more about motorized combat boots)
These Russian products don't seem to be available yet, but don't fret: you might want to try Powerisers: Extreme Sports Gear from The Diamond Age. Or, for something with wheels, try Motosk8s - Next Best Thing To Tele-Motor-Coasters.
Update 15-Sep-2006: Now, that's a quick response; thanks to Elim Garak for a precis of the information from the above video.
Unfortunately this segment doesn't have much information. They make comparison first with the fast-walking boots from an old children's story. Then they mention that potentially police or military may be using them. The guy testing them says that the only work he needs to do is moving his legs - he is running on straight legs, without bending them. Finally they discuss economic plans. Their first plan is to provide several pairs to various attractions and circuses where people could try them. They are working with some people from Brittain, that have plans to sell the boots at about 1500 pounds per pair. They also have had some inquiries from various other countries (Japan).
Read a bit more about the power boots at ohgizmo; spasebo to Armchair Anarchist for the story tip and the book reference.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 9/15/2006)
Follow this kind of news @Technovelgy.| Email | RSS | Blog It | Stumble | del.icio.us | Digg | Reddit |
Would
you like to contribute a story tip?
It's easy:
Get the URL of the story, and the related sf author, and add
it here.
Comment/Join discussion ( 11 )
Related News Stories - (" Transportation ")
SpaceX Rocket Shuttle Point-To-Point On Earth
'He came to as the ship went into free flight, arching in a high parabola over the plains...' - Robert Heinlein, 1951.
CORLEO Robotic Horse Concept Looks Ready To Ride
Imagine digging your heels in to a steam horse!
Futuristic Transit Elevated Bus Never Really Worked
It was worth a try!
Japan Automated Cargo Transport
'It was not a roadway at all, as Graham understood such things...' - HG Wells, 1899.
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.
Science Fiction
Timeline
1600-1899
1900-1939
1940's 1950's
1960's 1970's
1980's 1990's
2000's 2010's
Current News
China Steals Strato Airship Design From Google App Engine
'...war-balloons, or, as it would be more correct to call them, navigable aerostats.'
The First Space Warship For Space Force
'Each of the electrical ships carried about twenty men...'
Biohybrid Jellyfish Explore The Ocean
As predicted, and detailed, by science fiction writers!
Should AIs and AI Robots Demand Rights?
'This robot is a creature... It is a manlike being. Therefore, like any other talking, thinking man, he is entitled to a court trial!'
Robot Learns Human Tool Usage By Imitation Learning
'I got one of those new electronic cameras...'
Companion Caregiver ChatGPT Dolls
'Every Artificial Friend is unique, right?'
'Pregnancy Humanoids' From China Replace Moms
'A great many of these synthetic babies were made...'
Man Builds 200 Foot Basement Firing Range
'The basement was huge... carved deep into the rock.'
Russians Create Robot Tank Platoons
'The remotely-operated robot tank is an old idea...'
3D-Printed Exoskeleton Learns From Your Hand
'...small electric motors at the principal joints worked the prosthetic framework by means of steel cables...'
Smartwatch Powered By Slime Mold
'Living protoplasm incorporated into the Ampek F-a2 recording system...'
Unmanned Boats Attack At Sea
'The autofreighter smashed into the boat...'
Carpentopod Walking Table
'Twoflower's Luggage, which was currently ambling along on its little legs...'
Iron Drone Raider Counter-UAV Operations
'You've got an aggressive machine up in the air now.'
SpaceX Rocket Shuttle Point-To-Point On Earth
'He came to as the ship went into free flight, arching in a high parabola over the plains...'
Quaise Uses Beams Of Energy To Dig Geothermal Wells
'The peculiar quality of this light, which gave it its great preeminence over all other penetrating rays...'
