Another sci-fi conception edges a tiny bit closer to reality

[BassyBill]

This time it's tractor beams.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-28739368

It's interesting how stuff that's starts out as entirely imaginary can end up being reflected in real world science. I wonder how much the science is in some small way sparked off by the original concepts in their fictional form.

 

[hrodbert696]

Prof Shats explained that his team started their tank experiments after they realised just how complicated the maths involved must be.

I just love the attitude implied in that quote...

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

If you read sci-fi at all, you will know that everything technological was first predicted in a sci-fi book. Jules Verne envisioned atomic powererd submarines in 1870 in 20000 Leagues Under the Sea. I am older, so I feel like I am living in a sci-fi novel.

As to this thing, it looks interesting and may be really useful, but it is in its infancy and will need a lot of development. So far, it has all been done in a controlled environment. Once you get into open water with waves, currents, tides, wind, and temperature and humidity changes, it will be a bit more difficult.

The first thought I had was the ability to power a boat. But, what I did not see in the article is how it is powered and how much power does it take to move how much weight?

And, of course, the age old question, what is the best tractor beam for Metal?

 

[PWRL]

That is interesting. It reminded me that I came across this a while back, as well.

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[mellowinman]

I still want my jet pack, and my flying car. I was told I would have all that by 1980.

 

[BayStateBass]

I still want my jet pack, and my flying car. I was told I would have all that by 1980.

Here you go, Mellowinman;

http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/07/tech/are-flying-cars-finally-becoming-a-reality/

 

[mellowinman]

Here you go, Mellowinman;

http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/07/tech/are-flying-cars-finally-becoming-a-reality/

Thank God.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

I still want my jet pack, and my flying car. I was told I would have all that by 1980.

Both are available. Were you told they would be delivered free? It's only a matter of money.

 

[mellowinman]

Both are available. Were you told they would be delivered free? It's only a matter of money.

Those jet packs are no good. They only last a few minutes.

I was told we would all be using jet packs and flying cars to get to work every day. What can I say, I'm a child of the 60's.

 

[Ironbar]

This time it's tractor beams.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-28739368

It's interesting how stuff that's starts out as entirely imaginary can end up being reflected in real world science. I wonder how much the science is in some small way sparked off by the original concepts in their fictional form.

That's impossible. In the future we get tractor beam technology from the Vulcans.

 

[MartinG1957]

I was doing some guest lectures on patent law a couple of years back... Did some searches for daft stuff to show extremes....
Patents are on file for a Stargate and a Warp Engine.

 

[BassyBill]

I was doing some guest lectures on patent law a couple of years back... Did some searches for daft stuff to show extremes....
Patents are on file for a Stargate and a Warp Engine.

For some bizarre reason, I'm not that surprised. Now if they worked - yeah, that would surprise me, a lot.

 

[MartinG1957]

I love Stephen Hawking's one of throwing a party for time travellers... He announced it the day after it took place.... No one came.....

 

[Richland123]

I still want my jet pack, and my flying car. I was told I would have all that by 1980.

How about the Dick Tracy Magnetic Air Car?

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[metron]

Hoverboards are going to happen eventually. Tractor beams are super cool though. Lol Prof. Shats. Anyone else think that's funny?

 

[-Asdfgh-]

"Prof Shats"

Short for Prof. Shatner, I presume?

 

[-Asdfgh-]

If you read sci-fi at all, you will know that everything technological was first predicted in a sci-fi book.

There are lots of sci-fi novels that predict a lot of things, so some are going to be close.

I am still waiting for my autogyro to take me to work for the two hours of the ten hour work week before I come home and have my protein-enhanced lunch capsule.

 

[-Asdfgh-]

And, of course, the age old question, what is the best tractor beam for Metal?

Magnet?

 

[-Asdfgh-]

How about the Dick Tracy Magnetic Air Car?

Not much good if it rains!

 

[-Asdfgh-]

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