The Velvet Glove by Harry Harrison:
Science Fiction Inventions, Technology and Ideas

"New York was a bad town for robots this year. In fact, all over the country it was bad for robots..."

"SF writer and editor Harry Harrison explores a not too distant future where robots - particularly specialist robots who don't know their place - have quite a rough time of it. True, the Robot Equality Act had been passed - but so what?"

Wonderful short story details the adventures of Jon Venex, a robot with a special past and unique capabilities. An out-of-work robot has to take whatever work he can get; in this case, Jon takes a job that he should have left alone.

Select an invention:

Blue Collar Robot (Self-Repairing)
An autonomous robot required to find its own work.

Regen-Buds
Small collection of cells that can regrow into human limbs.

Undercover Detective Robot - who am I?
Specialized robot masquerades as different robot types to spy on criminals.

Underwater Robot
An autonomous mechanical for use underwater.

Vehicle Sleep Sensor
Better stay awake, the machines know if you're sleeping.

 

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Science Fiction
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The Wind Phone Calls Those Who Have Passed On
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Don't Want To Wear A TIght Shiny Bodysuit?
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Light Society: Simulates Earth-Scale Society With A Billion AI Agents
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Satyress Centaur Robot Horror Reminds Everyone Of Something
re: Christopher Stasheff
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When Colds Threaten You Can't Do This - Or Can You?
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Beautiful Visualization of Dawn Spacecraft
re: Isaac Asimov
(7/3/2026)

Biological War: A Scenario
re: HG Wells
(7/1/2026)

Pole-Dancing Stripperbot Robot
re: Jerome K. Jerome
(6/29/2026)

Collective Superintelligence Is At Hand!
re: Edmond Hamilton
(6/27/2026)

Instant Journalists: Ordinary People With Cell Phones
re: David Brin
(6/25/2026)

Health Kiosk Has No Human Doctor
re: Michael Crichton
(6/23/2026)

More SF in the News

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