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"You have to budget the number of fuzzy rules you use to control a system. It turns out, you can state the optimality principle in three words: 'patch the bumps.'"
- Bart Kosko
 |
| Assassin Bird | ||
| A bird genetically engineered to accept instructions on how to kill. |
In the novel, genetically engineered animals are implanted with control devices.
| The back of the head bore a small, implanted plug of the sort that on the Tortoise received a cable from the controller computer...
He then began to explain how an Assassin worked: Its handler showed it two photos, one of the intended victim, one of some landmark near which that person could be found, and released it not far from that landmark. The bird would then locate that landmark and lie in wait until the target appeared. |
| Technovelgy from Sparrowhawk,
by Thomas A. Easton. Published by Ace Books in 1990 Additional resources -
|
This novel is the source for the current DARPA program HI MEMS (Hybrid Insect Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) program; read more about how researchers have successfully embedded control circuits into insects while still in the pupal stage.
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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.'
