Heavy Weather by Bruce Sterling:
Science Fiction Inventions, Technology and Ideas

Very enjoyable story by Sterling; published in 1994. The Storm Troupe chases monster storms pounding the southwestern US, which has been laid waste by greenhouse effect changes. Select an invention:

Dope Mule Robot - fast delivery in a pinch
A metal sphere that propels itself with a single piston-like foot.

Electronic Cash
A digital currency, like Bitcoin.

Flexible Car Map
A nonrigid map that extrudes from the dashboard of a car when needed.

Smart Piston Spokes
A car that uses a set of pistons that feels and reacts to the surface to move around.

Smart Rope
Long 'rope' consisting of a variety of intertwined cables with different properties; controlled with special glove interface.

Virtuality Helmet ('Virching' Helmet)
A helmet with a communication system and a display; a pilot wearing this helmet could sit on the ground and control a distant aircraft.

 

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