Fantasist’s Scroll

War machines march on.

In this case, they’re mostly non-lethal, but they’re certainly high-tech. According to this article on WiredNews.com, the US military are working on a number of interesting new weapons. They’ve got everything from a potential paralysis beam to a microwave pain-inducer. Everything you can think of in terms of science-fiction weapons are being developed. They may never get past the experimental stage, but they’re still quite revolutionary and, well, scientifically advanced. In any case, it’s an interesting article and might spur some ideas about future war. Check it out!

Er, a mechanical dog for the military?

Okay, I’m not sure why they don’t use the real thing, but according to this story on WiredNews, the US military is working on building, essentially a robotic dog. The idea is to have a robot that can carry more of the soldier’s gear and still be able to keep up with them over rough terrain. Interesting, but the robot looks like a clunky, mechanical dog. The article even makes the comparison. Seems to me, with all the problems that they seem to be having creating this robotic helper, it would be better to stick with the K-9 units. But, then, I’m an old-fashioned guy.
In any case, it’s an interesting story.

Can this possibly be a real story?

I feel like I should put this up on April Fool’s Day, but it seems to be a real story. Apparently, the Pentagon is considering using the Segway in battle. Yeah, that’s about what I thought, but it’s a real news story. According to this story on CTV News, the US military is looking at making autonomous robots based on the Segway for use in battlefield conditions. It’s only in the planning stages now, but it actually sounds like a good idea. At least on paper.
It might even be what saves Dean Kamen from disaster. After all, the Segway didn’t really “revolutionize” city transportation the way all his backers said it would. Ah, well, at least there might be a government contract in it for him yet!

Good luck, Mr. Kamen!

Food science takes on a whole new meaning for the military.

According to this article on Wired News, the US military is trying to make better meals our service people. They’re working especially hard on the field rations known as “MREs”, or Meals Ready to Eat. Terrible things, for the most part. Nasty freeze-dried food that a soldier reconstituites in the field. Just the scent of some of these makes guys gag. So, that’s what they’re working on improving. Here’s hoping! (And, they still beat the nasty porridge that the Legions got. Blech!)