Robotics and automation

A vast prize. The description gives only the human form, so it is assumed to be the artificial person of the stories, able to do most kinds of human work, which would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms buy them as labour, and since many could build such bodies once shown how, the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect what is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Machines that feed and mind infants would be worth an industry of its own in child care.

Who is paid. Nurseries, not families, are assumed to buy the machines here, and the established makers that families trust collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A walking engine in animal form pulls loads, but the gain from engine power would come as well on wheels, so the legs earn only a niche where wheels fail.

Who is paid. Carriers and farmers on rough ground are assumed to buy it, and many makers could build one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A walking engine in human form hauls a carriage, but the gain from engine power would come as well on wheels, so the legs earn only a niche where wheels fail.

Who is paid. Carriers on rough ground are assumed to buy it, and many makers could build one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A lifelike companion made to suit its owner would be worth an industry of its own, though it does not meet a basic need for most.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, and as many could make such machines the firms with factories and well-liked brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Digging and hauling with no crew would cut the cost of mining and earthworks.

Who is paid. Mining and building firms buy them, and the heavy-equipment makers who already supply those firms can copy the idea and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Fibres that pull like muscle would be a new kind of motor for machines of many sorts, changing how they are built.

Who is paid. Machine builders buy the fibres, and as others could learn to make them the established makers of motors and machine parts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Giving machines the supple movement of animals is a way of building, valued only as part of the machines made with it.

Who is paid. Machine buyers pay for it in the price, and any maker can design this way, so nothing more is kept for it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A many-limbed machine worked as if it were the driver's own body is a skilled tool for handling and lifting, but still a tool that needs its operator.

Who is paid. Firms buy it for their own work, and such limbs and controls are easy for many makers to copy.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Bendable limbs that bear weight and grip are a useful working part of a machine, a feature.

Who is paid. Firms pay for them within the price of the machine, and such limbs are easy for many makers to copy.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A towering walking war machine would be a main weapon of an army, worth an arms industry of its own.

Who is paid. Governments buy it for their armies, and the arms makers that already hold such contracts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A robot that dresses, attends and waits on its owner is a full personal servant, worth an industry of its own, though it serves the home alone and not work at large.

Who is paid. Families buy it like any large appliance, and it is easy enough to copy that the appliance makers with factories, shops and trusted brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. An appliance that cooks whole meals at home takes over a daily chore, a narrower job than a full servant does.

Who is paid. Families buy it, and since it can be copied the kitchen-appliance makers with factories, shops and brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that takes over housework would be worth an industry of its own, though it serves the home alone and not work at large.

Who is paid. Families buy it like any large appliance, and it is easy enough to copy that the appliance makers with factories, shops and trusted brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. The description says what this wound-up man does, which is move and speak, and gives it no work or thought, so it is judged as a figure for show and not as the artificial worker of the stories.

Who is paid. Showmen and exhibitors are assumed to buy it, and many makers could build clockwork figures, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A single system that gives everyone food, air, shelter and talk meets the basic needs of all of humanity.

Who is paid. Nobody could be charged for it piece by piece, so governments pay, and it is assumed many building and supply firms that hold public contracts would be needed and would collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Packing odd-shaped goods with no human hands would cut costs across warehousing and shipping.

Who is paid. Shippers and warehouses buy it, and as it can be copied the firms that already equip warehouses collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Serving guests with no staff would change the costs of the whole trade.

Who is paid. Restaurant operators buy the machinery, and since many could build it the catering-equipment makers with service networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A manufactured worker able to do what people can do would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms buy them as labour, and since many could build such bodies once shown how, the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect what is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. The description gives only a woman's shape, so it is judged as the artificial worker of the stories, which would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms buy them as labour, and since many could build such bodies once shown how, the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect what is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A remote or flexible gripper is a useful tool for awkward jobs, but a niche.

Who is paid. Firms buy it for their own work, and such grippers and controls are easy for many makers to copy.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. The description gives this giant rolling machine no job, so it is judged as a heavy carrier of unusual shape, a niche.

Who is paid. Firms moving heavy loads are assumed to buy it, and as many could copy the shape the makers of heavy equipment with factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. The description gives these huge machines with snaking arms no job, so they are judged as heavy handling machines of unusual shape, a niche.

Who is paid. Firms doing heavy work are assumed to buy them, and as many could copy the shape the makers of heavy equipment with factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Reliable care for infants and young children at home would be worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Families buy it, and since they are assumed to trust only known names with their children the established makers with strong brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Typing orders to a distant robot is a way of working a machine from afar, a useful tool but a niche.

Who is paid. Firms buy it for their own work, and such controls are easy for many makers to copy.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A giant claw that can seize and hold a person is a gripper with few uses, assumed here to be for handling and rescue work.

Who is paid. Firms buy it for their own work, and such grippers and controls are easy for many makers to copy.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Humanlike machines steered from afar keep people out of danger in a few hazardous trades.

Who is paid. Firms with dangerous work buy them, and such machines and their controls could be copied by many makers.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine that lets a distant operator see, hear and act in a place is a useful tool for some jobs, and the real thing exists as a niche.

Who is paid. Firms buy it for their own work, and such machines and their controls could be copied by many makers.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A console showing the view from each of many robots is a control tool, valued as part of running them.

Who is paid. Firms buy it for their own work, and such controls are easy for many makers to copy.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. Machines pushing people out of paid work is a result of other technologies, not a technology that could be sold.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold here; the working robots themselves are judged under their own names.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Legs that let a landed spacecraft walk are a feature of the craft, handy on rough ground.

Who is paid. Operators of spacecraft, assumed here to be firms, pay for it within the price of the craft, and any shipbuilder could fit it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Huge walking machines that dig and move soil would cut the cost of earthworks and mining.

Who is paid. Mining and building firms buy them, and since many could build them the heavy-equipment makers with dealers and repair networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Farm machines that work fields with nobody driving would cut the labour cost of growing food across farming.

Who is paid. Farmers buy them, and since many could build them the farm-equipment makers with dealers and repair networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Mechanical birds for a stage show are a prop for a single trade.

Who is paid. Theatres buy them, and any skilled prop workshop could make them.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A remote or flexible gripper is a useful tool for awkward jobs, but a niche.

Who is paid. Firms buy it for their own work, and such grippers and controls are easy for many makers to copy.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A humanlike machine steered by radio is a remote tool for a few jobs where a person should not go.

Who is paid. Firms buy it for their own work, and such machines and their controls could be copied by many makers.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that takes orders and carries dishes would remove much of the labour cost of running a restaurant.

Who is paid. Restaurant owners buy it, and since many could build one the catering-equipment makers with service networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Soft soles that quiet a robot's steps are a small feature of the machine.

Who is paid. Robot makers pay for it as a part of the machines they sell to firms, and any of them could fit it, so nothing extra is kept.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A pod with mechanical grabbers lets a person work outside a spacecraft, serving only the few who work there.

Who is paid. Firms working in space are assumed to buy them for their crews, and many makers could build such pods once the idea is shown.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Help with getting dressed alone is a convenience for most people, a narrower job than a full servant does.

Who is paid. Households buy it, and a machine that does this lone task is simple to copy, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A giant machine that walks on jointed legs is given no job, so it is assumed to be a way of crossing rough ground, a niche.

Who is paid. Firms working in rough country are assumed to buy it, and as many could copy walking once it works the makers of heavy equipment with factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. The name says these remote hands work at very small scale, which the description does not deny, so they are judged as tiny hands that open up very fine assembly and surgery.

Who is paid. Factories and hospitals buy them, and as scaled-down remote hands can be copied the established makers of precision and medical equipment collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A robot that hauls passengers' luggage is a convenience aboard a liner.

Who is paid. Ship lines buy them for their passengers, and many makers could build such a carrier, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. Robots rising against their owners is an event and a hazard, not something anyone would buy.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, because machines that have broken free serve nobody.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A kiosk that sells newspapers without a seller is a convenience, and the real thing exists.

Who is paid. News firms and shopkeepers buy it, and many makers could build such a kiosk, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A fine sense of touch is a feature that lets a mechanical hand handle delicate things.

Who is paid. Robot makers pay for it as a part of the machines they sell to firms, and any of them could fit it, so nothing extra is kept.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Machinery that handles a few ship tasks unaided saves a crew some effort, a modest gain.

Who is paid. Ship operators pay for it within the price of the craft, and any shipbuilder can fit it, so nothing more is kept for it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A stiff frame that braces the body serves the few who work where their own strength is not enough.

Who is paid. Firms are assumed to buy them for their crews, and a stiff metal frame could be built by many makers.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine in the form of a newborn is assumed to be a toy or a comfort, a niche.

Who is paid. Households would buy it, and many toy makers could build the like, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

No prize. Machines everywhere stopping work is an event that harms society, not a thing anyone would buy.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. Mechanical workers that learn from experience could take on most kinds of human work, which would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms buy them as labour, and since many could build such bodies once shown how, the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect what is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A city that runs and repairs itself would be a great public work, judged as built for the people of one place.

Who is paid. A government would pay for it, and the large builders that already win public works contracts would be paid to raise it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine that truly reasons and reflects could do most kinds of human work, which would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms buy them as labour, and since many could build such bodies once shown how, the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect what is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Lifelike skin over a frame is a finish that makes a robot look human, a feature of the machine.

Who is paid. Robot makers pay for it as a part of the machines they sell to firms, and any of them could fit it, so nothing extra is kept.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A reserved channel that can override every robot is a safety feature of the machines, not a product by itself.

Who is paid. Owners pay for it within the price of each robot, and every maker would be required to fit it, so nothing extra is kept.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. Machines that decline to serve are an event and a hazard, not something anyone would buy.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, because machines that answer to no one serve nobody.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine that is aware of itself and reasons to its own conclusions is the thinking worker, which would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms buy them as labour, and since many could build such minds once shown how, the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect what is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A plant that makes goods with no workers would change the cost of manufacturing.

Who is paid. Manufacturers buy the plant, and since others could build the same the established makers of factory equipment with works and service networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Farm machines that work fields with nobody driving would cut the labour cost of growing food across farming.

Who is paid. Farmers buy them, and since many could build them the farm-equipment makers with dealers and repair networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that walks orchards and picks ripe fruit unaided would cut the labour cost of harvesting across fruit growing.

Who is paid. Farmers buy them, and since many could build them the farm-equipment makers with dealers and repair networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. The description gives only the human form, so it is assumed to be the artificial person of the stories, able to do most kinds of human work, which would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms buy them as labour, and since many could build such bodies once shown how, the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect what is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A robot that thinks for itself could do most kinds of human work, which would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms buy them as labour, and since many could build such bodies once shown how, the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect what is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Very small cameras that let distant flying machines see are a part of those machines, and the real thing exists.

Who is paid. Makers of flying machines pay for them as a part, and many firms can make small cameras, so nothing extra is kept.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine shaped and acting like a dog is judged as a pet or toy, since the description gives it no work.

Who is paid. Households buy it much like a toy, and many workshops could make one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine with parts as small as atoms could do work too fine for any other tool, worth an industry; the description gives it no job and nothing says it copies itself.

Who is paid. Firms doing fine work are assumed to buy it, and since others could copy it once shown the makers of precision equipment collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A camera that moves or flies by itself is a handy tool for filming and looking, a niche where the real thing exists.

Who is paid. Film crews, news desks and surveyors buy them, and many firms can make them, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Frames that let people walk under a heavier pull serve only the few who work on such worlds.

Who is paid. Firms working there buy them for their crews, and powered frames could be built by many makers once the idea is shown.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Company for lonely people is worth an industry of its own, though it does not meet a basic need for most.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, and as many could make such machines the firms with factories and well-liked brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A hovering stand-in for someone who cannot breathe the local air serves a few travellers.

Who is paid. Hotels and firms that host such visitors are assumed to buy it, and such machines and their controls could be copied by many makers.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Machines that imitate living animals are pets, toys and curiosities.

Who is paid. Households buy them much like toys, and many workshops could make them, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A home robot that cooks the family's meals would take over the large daily chore.

Who is paid. Families buy it, and since it can be copied the kitchen-appliance makers with factories, shops and brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A robot body steered from afar through its own eyes lets a person act at a distance, judged here as a tool for awkward or risky work.

Who is paid. Firms buy it for their own work, and such bodies and controls are easy for many makers to copy.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Help with getting dressed alone is a convenience for most people, a narrower job than a full servant does.

Who is paid. Households buy it, and a machine that does this lone task is simple to copy, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Running on sunlight is a way of powering a robot, a feature of the machine.

Who is paid. Owners pay for it within the price of the machine, and any maker could fit it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Talking through gestures instead of speech is a feature of a robot, not a reason to buy it.

Who is paid. Families pay for it only within the price of a home robot, and any maker could add it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Reliable care and play for young children at home would be worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Families buy it, and since they are assumed to trust only known names with their children the established makers with strong brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A speaking figure built for show draws a crowd but does no useful work, a niche.

Who is paid. Showmen and exhibitors buy it, and many makers could build one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Topping up its own battery is a useful feature of a machine, not a product people seek for itself.

Who is paid. Firms that run robots or pilotless craft pay for it as part of the machine, and any maker can add it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Hovering instead of walking is a way of getting about, and the description gives the robot no job.

Who is paid. Firms are assumed to buy it for work over rough floors, and once hovering works others could copy it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

No prize. Tiny machines that hunt and eat clockwork are a pest in the story, doing only harm and serving no owner the description names.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A garage that parks and fetches cars by machine saves space and time in crowded cities, a convenience where the real thing exists.

Who is paid. Garage owners buy the machinery, and many firms can make it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that builds its own crew of helper machines could take over whole jobs, judged as large and not vast because it builds helpers and not copies of itself.

Who is paid. Firms buy it for their work, and since the design can be copied the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. An engineer who builds and looks after robots sells a skilled service that every owner of robots would need, judged here as the trade that serves the robot industry.

Who is paid. Firms that make or own robots pay for the work, and it is a skill many people can learn, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A discipline has no price of its own, so it is judged as the work its practitioners sell, the designing, building and servicing of robots, which serves the robot industry.

Who is paid. Firms that make or own robots pay for the work, and the knowledge is assumed to be taught openly so that many can learn it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Tiny hands that copy an operator would open up very fine assembly and surgery.

Who is paid. Factories and hospitals buy them, and as scaled-down remote hands can be copied the established makers of precision and medical equipment collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Automatic steering for a small work vessel is a fitting, valued as part of the craft.

Who is paid. Ship operators pay for it within the price of the craft, and any shipbuilder can fit it, so nothing more is kept for it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that guides itself under the sea with no crew would lower the cost of work under water; the description names no task, so that use is assumed.

Who is paid. Offshore firms are assumed to buy it, and since many could build one the marine-equipment makers with yards and fleets collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Mechanical hands that copy an operator's hands from afar are a useful tool for dangerous or awkward work, a niche where the real thing exists.

Who is paid. Firms buy it for their own work, and such hands and controls are easy for many makers to copy.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that invents and cooks meals by itself, assumed here to be for the home, would take over the large daily chore.

Who is paid. Families buy it, and since it can be copied the kitchen-appliance makers with factories, shops and brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A sensor that tastes as a tongue does is a feature that lets a machine cook or test food.

Who is paid. Robot makers pay for it as a part of the machines they sell to firms, and any of them could fit it, so nothing extra is kept.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A huge machine that works in the open ocean would lower the cost of building, mining and repair under the sea, assuming that is its use.

Who is paid. Offshore firms buy it, and since many could build one the marine-equipment makers with yards and fleets collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A robot shaped for the job it does is by its design a machine for a single trade and not the worker that can do most things, so each kind changes the costs of its own industry.

Who is paid. Firms buy them as equipment for their trade, and since many could build them the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect what is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine shaped only to serve drinks takes over a single job in the bar trade, a convenience and not a whole premises run with no staff.

Who is paid. Bar owners buy it, and a drink-serving machine is easy for many makers to copy, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A sense people have no words for is a feature of a machine, and the description does not say what it is good for.

Who is paid. Robot makers pay for it as a part of the machines they sell to firms, and any of them could fit it, so nothing extra is kept.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine massage is a comfort, not a need.

Who is paid. Spas and gyms are assumed to buy it, and mechanical arms of this kind are easy for many makers to copy.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A crew of robots led by one of their own could take over whole jobs in mines and plants.

Who is paid. Firms buy the crew, and since the robots and their way of working together can be copied the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A limb that reaches and grips is a useful tool for awkward jobs, taken here as a simple gripper and so a niche.

Who is paid. Firms buy it for their own work, and such arms are easy for many makers to copy.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Digging out ore with no crew would cut the cost of mining and earthworks.

Who is paid. Mining and building firms buy them, and the heavy-equipment makers who already supply those firms can copy the idea and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A house cat partly rebuilt with machine parts is judged as a pet kept alive or improved, a niche.

Who is paid. Pet owners pay, and once the work is shown many workshops and animal doctors could do it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A profession that designs, builds and studies robots sells a skilled service that every maker and owner of robots would need, judged here as the trade that serves the robot industry.

Who is paid. Firms that make or own robots pay for the work, and it is a skill many people can learn, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that takes over housework would be worth an industry of its own, though it serves the home alone and not work at large.

Who is paid. Families buy it like any large appliance, and it is easy enough to copy that the appliance makers with factories, shops and trusted brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A burial run by machines saves the staff of a narrow trade, where staff are assumed to be a lesser part of what families pay for.

Who is paid. Funeral firms buy the machinery, and nothing in it would be hard for many makers to copy.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Machines that fix faults as they arise would cut the cost of keeping a craft running.

Who is paid. Ship and plant operators buy them, and as the machines can be copied the established makers that already equip and service those operators collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Very small cleaners that tidy a house are a household convenience, close to cleaners that exist.

Who is paid. Households buy them, and many firms make such cleaners, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A cargo carrier on legs is useful only where the ground defeats wheels, a niche beside ordinary wagons and trucks.

Who is paid. Farmers and carriers on rough ground buy it, and many makers could build one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that takes over housework would be worth an industry of its own, though it serves the home alone and not work at large.

Who is paid. Families buy it like any large appliance, and it is easy enough to copy that the appliance makers with factories, shops and trusted brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A frame that helps a weakened person move under a heavier pull serves only the few who go to such worlds.

Who is paid. Firms working in such places buy them for their crews, and powered frames could be built by many makers once the idea is shown.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A mechanical pack animal that carries loads is a niche where roads do not reach.

Who is paid. Whoever needs goods moved across open country pays, and such a machine is simple enough for many to build.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. This is a household servant robot with jokes added, so it is judged as the servant, worth an industry of its own, and the jokes add little.

Who is paid. Families buy it like any large appliance, and it is easy enough to copy that the appliance makers with factories, shops and trusted brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. This is only a shortened word, so it is judged as the thing it names, assumed to be a humanlike robot that could do most human work.

Who is paid. Firms buy them as labour, and since many could build such bodies once shown how, the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect what is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

No prize. A robot with no owner is a condition, not a product, since nobody may buy or use it.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A humanlike machine with a shielded body is built only for work amid radioactive material, a narrow trade unlike the general worker.

Who is paid. Firms that run such plants buy it, and the makers of ordinary humanlike machines could add the shielding and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Unloading ships with no dock crew would change the cost of moving cargo through ports.

Who is paid. Port operators buy them, and as the machines can be copied the makers that already equip docks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A separate door for machine workers is a feature of a building, not a product by itself.

Who is paid. Firms that employ robots pay for it within the cost of the building, and any builder could add it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine that plays full matches is a tireless practice partner, a convenience for players.

Who is paid. Players and clubs are assumed to buy it much like sports gear, and many makers could build one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. An alarm that stops a robot before it breaks its rules is a safety feature, not a product by itself.

Who is paid. Owners pay for it within the price of the robot, and any maker could include it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Finding and fixing its own faults is a useful feature that saves repair work, not a product by itself.

Who is paid. Owners pay for it within the price of the robot, assumed here to be a working machine bought by firms, and any maker could include it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Pads that muffle a robot's footsteps are a small feature of the machine.

Who is paid. Robot makers pay for it as a part of the machines they sell to firms, and any of them could fit it, so nothing extra is kept.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A foreman machine that directs worker robots takes over the overseeing of labour, worth an industry, but it is the thinking worker set to that single task.

Who is paid. Firms that run robot crews buy it, and since many could build one the large robot makers with factories and service networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A band of sensors that lets a robot see all round is a feature of the machine.

Who is paid. Robot makers pay for it as a part of the machines they sell to firms, and any of them could fit it, so nothing extra is kept.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A robot hardened against radiation serves the narrow trade of work in radioactive places.

Who is paid. Firms that run such plants buy it, and the makers of ordinary robots could add the hardening and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A car that drives and decides for itself would be worth an industry of its own and would change the cost of getting about.

Who is paid. Drivers buy the cars, and since nothing in the description stops others building such a thinking unit once it is shown to work, the car makers with factories, dealers and brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. The description gives it police work, so it is judged as a machine detective that would change the cost of policing, though a robot no one can tell from a person could plainly do far more.

Who is paid. Governments pay, and the firms that already supply police and armies would build it and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A mechanical household attendant would be worth an industry of its own, though it serves the home alone and not work at large.

Who is paid. Families buy it like any large appliance, and it is easy enough to copy that the appliance makers with factories, shops and trusted brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A door that understands speech and decides whether to open is a convenience for the home.

Who is paid. Households buy it, and many lock and door makers could build one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine that plays the piano as well as a concert artist is a wonder for audiences, but it fills a niche in entertainment.

Who is paid. Concert halls and venues are assumed to buy it, and once shown many makers could build one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A robot that checks fares and looks after riders would remove a labour cost across buses and trains.

Who is paid. Transport operators, assumed here to buy as firms do, pay for it, and the vehicle and equipment makers that already supply them collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Company for lonely people is worth an industry of its own, though it does not meet a basic need for most.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, and as many could make such machines the firms with factories and well-liked brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Capturing objects as precise replicas is a useful tool for makers and designers, and the real thing has stayed a niche.

Who is paid. Workshops and factories buy it, and many firms can make such scanners.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. Machines that change themselves over generations with nobody in charge are a wild force in the story, not a product.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A servant that dresses, grooms and tidies for its owner is judged as the personal attendant of the home, worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Families buy it like any large appliance, and it is easy enough to copy that the appliance makers with factories, shops and trusted brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A robot that looks and acts like a real woman is judged as a companion, worth an industry of its own though not a basic need for most.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, and as many could make such machines the firms with factories and well-liked brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. These tiny self-acting flyers are the single machines of the same story's drifting swarm, so they are judged with it as a tool under an owner's direction, which the story doubts, that would open new kinds of work.

Who is paid. Firms buy them for their work, and as nothing says they cannot be copied the makers with precision factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Robots that work far below what the eye can see would open fine work in making and mending things that no hand can do.

Who is paid. Firms buy them for their work, and as nothing says they cannot be copied the makers with precision factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A mass of minute machines that work together with no controller is judged as a tool under its owner's direction, which the story doubts, and would open new kinds of work.

Who is paid. Firms buy them for their work, and as nothing says they cannot be copied the makers with precision factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that does field work in place of farmhands would cut the labour cost of growing food across farming.

Who is paid. Farmers buy them, and since many could build them the farm-equipment makers with dealers and repair networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that stands watch in place of a human guard would change the cost of the guarding trade.

Who is paid. Property owners pay, and as the machines can be copied the security firms that already hold the guarding contracts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Machines that pitch goods without tiring are a new way to reach shoppers, a niche within selling and advertising.

Who is paid. Shops and advertisers pay, and many makers could build such machines, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine that argues its own case to buyers is a selling trick built into the product, a feature.

Who is paid. The maker pays for it as part of the cost of selling, and any maker could add it, so nothing extra is kept.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A camera that moves or flies by itself is a handy tool for filming and looking, a niche where the real thing exists.

Who is paid. Film crews, news desks and surveyors buy them, and many firms can make them, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. Minute machines that copy themselves and build things would change how nearly everything is made, assuming people stay in charge of them, which the story doubts.

Who is paid. Firms would pay for them to make goods, but a machine that copies itself cannot be kept scarce, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Digging and hauling with no crew would cut the cost of mining and earthworks.

Who is paid. Mining and building firms buy them, and the heavy-equipment makers who already supply those firms can copy the idea and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Machines that patrol premises in place of human guards would cut the cost of the security trade.

Who is paid. Property owners pay, and as the machines can be copied the security firms that already hold the guarding contracts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Help with getting dressed is a convenience for a few.

Who is paid. Households buy it, and a machine that does this lone task is simple to copy, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Reliable care for children at home would be worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Families buy it, and since they are assumed to trust only known names with their children the established makers with strong brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. An urge that draws automated plant toward raw materials is a feature, valued only as part of the plant.

Who is paid. Firms that own the plant pay for it in the price, and any maker of such plant could add it, so nothing more is kept for it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine that speaks and bargains for an automated factory is a fitting of that factory, valued only as part of it.

Who is paid. The factory's owners pay for it in the price of the plant, and any builder of such plant could add it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine that tends plants in parks and fields is judged as grounds keeping, a narrow trade, and not as farm work.

Who is paid. Grounds-keeping firms are assumed to buy it, and many makers could build such a machine.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A small scout that looks for resources saves prospectors some work, a niche.

Who is paid. Mining and survey firms buy it, and many makers could build such a scout, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A labourer machine that keeps itself in repair and finds its own jobs could do most manual work, changing how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms buy them as labour, and since many could build such bodies once shown how, the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect what is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that takes over housework would be worth an industry of its own, though it serves the home alone and not work at large.

Who is paid. Families buy it like any large appliance, and it is easy enough to copy that the appliance makers with factories, shops and trusted brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that takes over housework would be worth an industry of its own, though it serves the home alone and not work at large.

Who is paid. Families buy it like any large appliance, and it is easy enough to copy that the appliance makers with factories, shops and trusted brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine that only cleans floors saves a little time, and the real thing turned out a modest convenience.

Who is paid. Households buy it, and many firms make such cleaners, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Collecting and sorting rubbish by machine would cut what every town spends on waste.

Who is paid. Towns pay through their waste budgets, and the firms that already hold collection contracts would buy the machines and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine that mixes and serves drinks takes over a single job in the bar trade, a convenience and not a whole premises run with no staff.

Who is paid. Bar owners buy it, and a drink-mixing machine is easy for many makers to copy, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Mechanical fish put in waterways for anglers to catch are a novelty for a pastime.

Who is paid. Fishing clubs and water owners are assumed to buy them, and many workshops could make them.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Robots that drive the trucks and empty the bins would cut the labour cost of a service every town needs.

Who is paid. Towns pay for refuse collection, and the firms that already hold those contracts and fleets collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A nimble hand is the part that lets a robot handle things well, a feature of the machine.

Who is paid. Robot makers pay for it as a part of the machines they sell to firms, and any of them could fit it, so nothing extra is kept.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A self-directed machine that works beneath the sea would lower the cost of building, mining and repair under water.

Who is paid. Offshore firms buy it, and since many could build one the marine-equipment makers with yards and fleets collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A robot that keeps the windows clean takes a single chore off the household, a convenience.

Who is paid. Households buy it, and many makers could build such a machine, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A tiny imitation insect is assumed here to be a curiosity or ornament, since the description gives it no job.

Who is paid. People would buy it as a novelty, and once shown possible many workshops could copy it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A little machine that cleans floors by itself is a household convenience, and the real thing exists.

Who is paid. Households buy it, and many firms make such cleaners, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine missionary serves only the few faiths that would send one.

Who is paid. Churches are assumed to buy it as any organisation would, and nothing about it would be hard to copy.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that does a police officer's work would change the cost of policing.

Who is paid. Governments pay, and the firms that already supply police and armies would build it and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A small vehicle driven from afar lets its operator look around a distant place, a niche tool.

Who is paid. Firms buy it for their own work, and many makers could build one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine worked from afar that runs experiments where people cannot go is a tool for a few laboratories.

Who is paid. Research bodies and firms buy it, and such remote machines are easy for many makers to copy.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that can turn itself into whatever tool is wanted could stand in for many kinds of equipment, but the description promises a change of form and not thought or labour.

Who is paid. Firms are assumed to buy it as equipment, and since others could copy it once built the large machine makers with factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that does a police officer's work would change the cost of policing.

Who is paid. Governments pay, and the firms that already supply police and armies would build it and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A humanlike machine that grows up beside a child as a sibling is judged as a companion, worth an industry of its own though not a basic need.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, and as many could make such machines the firms with factories and well-liked brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. The description gives a legless crawling machine no job, so it is judged as a niche tool for reaching tight places.

Who is paid. Firms doing inspection work are assumed to buy it, and many makers could build such a crawler, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Helmet controls worked by head movement are a handy feature of a suit.

Who is paid. It is assumed to be military kit, so armies pay and the suit makers that already hold their contracts supply it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A bin that cleans the street around it and deals with littering would cut the cost of keeping public places clean.

Who is paid. Towns pay for street cleaning, and the firms that already hold those contracts collect; the judging of litterers is assumed to stay with the town.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Finding a socket and plugging itself in is a handy feature of a robot, and the real thing exists.

Who is paid. Owners pay for it within the price of the machine, and any maker could include it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A powered boost when leaping is a niche aid, useful mainly where the pull of gravity is weak.

Who is paid. It is assumed that people buy it for themselves, and many makers could build such a pack.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Machines that bring goods to the door would cut the cost of the last step of delivery for every shop.

Who is paid. Shops and carriers buy them, and since the machines are easy to copy the vehicle and equipment makers that already supply those carriers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Tiny robots that burrow through soil are given no job, so they are assumed to be for loosening and testing ground, a niche.

Who is paid. Farmers and survey firms are assumed to buy them, and many makers could build such burrowers.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine that shelves library books saves a little labour in a narrow setting.

Who is paid. Libraries are assumed to buy it as any organisation would, and many makers could build such a machine.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that waits on people is judged as a robot waiter, which would remove much of the labour cost of serving meals; the description does not say where it serves.

Who is paid. Restaurants and dining halls are assumed to buy it, and since many could build one the catering-equipment makers with service networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Farm machines that work fields with nobody driving would cut the labour cost of growing food across farming.

Who is paid. Farmers buy them, and since many could build them the farm-equipment makers with dealers and repair networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A vending machine that seeks out buyers is a small improvement in selling papers.

Who is paid. News sellers buy it, and such a machine is easy to copy.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Digging and hauling with no crew would cut the cost of mining and earthworks.

Who is paid. Mining and building firms buy them, and the heavy-equipment makers who already supply those firms can copy the idea and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Kitchens that make meals with no human handling would change the costs of the whole food trade.

Who is paid. Kitchen operators buy the machinery, and since many could build it the catering-equipment makers with service networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Judged as the farm machine it is, since its use as a weapon is a turn of the story: ploughing with nobody driving would cut the labour cost of growing food.

Who is paid. Farmers buy them, and since many could build them the farm-equipment makers with dealers and repair networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A drone that trails people who owe money is a narrow tool for debt collectors.

Who is paid. Lenders and collectors pay, and such a floater is easy for many makers to build.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A boxed family of android neighbours for lonely homes is company sold as a product, worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, and as many could make such machines the firms with factories and well-liked brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A robot private investigator serves a narrow trade.

Who is paid. Detective firms buy it, and many makers could build such a machine, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A robot that gathers and files news serves a narrow trade.

Who is paid. News firms buy it, and many makers could build such a machine, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A robot that clears tables takes over a single job in the restaurant trade, a convenience and not a whole premises run with no staff.

Who is paid. Restaurant owners buy it, and such a machine is easy for many makers to copy, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A robot that asks the questions for a news story saves a reporter some time, a niche.

Who is paid. News firms buy it, and many makers could build such a machine, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A mobile plant that sifts a valuable substance from sand makes a whole mining trade possible.

Who is paid. Mining houses buy the plants, and heavy-equipment makers can copy them, though whoever holds the right to dig would keep far more than any plant maker.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A sparring machine for fencing practice is a niche training aid.

Who is paid. Fighters and their families buy it, and many makers could build a like machine.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A robot pack animal that carries loads is a niche where roads do not reach.

Who is paid. Whoever needs goods moved across open country pays, and such a machine is simple enough for many to build.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A bar counter that pours the drinks itself takes over the barman's job, a convenience for a narrow trade.

Who is paid. Bar owners buy it, and a drink-mixing machine is easy for many makers to copy, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A timed mechanism that does simple chores saves a little work in the home, a convenience.

Who is paid. Households buy it, and many makers could build such a device, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A bear given to every child to shape what they value is a tool of upbringing on the scale of schooling, assuming the state hands it out.

Who is paid. The state is assumed to pay since every child gets one, and the firms that already supply schools and toys collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A stake that draws giant desert creatures by hammering is useful only on the world where they live.

Who is paid. Travellers and harvesting crews there are assumed to buy it, and anyone could make so simple a device.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Collecting and sorting rubbish by machine would cut what every town spends on waste.

Who is paid. Towns pay through their waste budgets, and the firms that already hold collection contracts would buy the machines and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A robot that chases debtors serves a narrow trade.

Who is paid. Lenders and collectors pay, and such a machine is easy for many makers to build.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A robot to wrestle against is a tireless practice partner, a convenience for those who train.

Who is paid. Players and gyms are assumed to buy it much like sports gear, and many makers could build one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Building itself from parts and starting up is a useful feature of a robot, not a product by itself; nothing says it makes copies.

Who is paid. Owners pay for it within the price of the robot, assumed here to be a working machine bought by firms, and any maker could include it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Farm machines that steer themselves cut the labour cost of working fields across farming.

Who is paid. Farmers buy them, and since many could build them the farm-equipment makers with dealers and repair networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. The description gives a mechanical spider no job, so it is judged as a niche crawling machine.

Who is paid. Firms with odd jobs for it are assumed to buy it, and many makers could build one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Extremely small robots are assumed here to do fine work inside goods or bodies, enough for an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Firms buy them for their work, and as nothing says they cannot be copied the makers with precision factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine made for tunnelling would cut the cost of mining and earthworks.

Who is paid. Mining and building firms buy them, and the heavy-equipment makers who already supply those firms can copy the idea and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A cutoff that briefly stops an artificial human is a safety feature, valued only as part of the machine.

Who is paid. Firms that own such machines pay for it in the price, and any maker of the machines can fit it, so nothing more is kept for it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. This is only a slang word, so it is judged as the thing it names, assumed to be a humanlike machine that could do most human work.

Who is paid. Firms buy them as labour, and since many could build such bodies once shown how, the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect what is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Making a robot pet act sick when it needs repair is a small touch that keeps up the pretence of a living animal.

Who is paid. Owners pay for it within the price of the pet, and any maker of such pets could add it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. An imitation animal is a comfort or a show of standing, not a need.

Who is paid. Households buy it much like a toy, and many workshops could make one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. An imitation animal is a comfort or a show of standing, not a need.

Who is paid. Households buy it much like a toy, and many workshops could make one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Repairing mechanical pets is a small service trade that follows the pets.

Who is paid. Pet owners pay, and any trained repairer can set up shop, so nobody keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A newer model of manufactured humanlike being is assumed to be the artificial person of the stories, able to do most kinds of human work.

Who is paid. Firms buy them as labour, and since many could build such bodies once shown how, the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect what is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A routine that makes a robot pet come to food is a touch of realism, valued only as part of the pet.

Who is paid. Owners pay for it within the price of the pet, and any maker of such pets could add it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A manufactured being that works like a human could do most kinds of human work, which would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms buy them as labour, and since many could build such bodies once shown how, the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect what is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Putting itself back together after being broken is a useful feature of a robot, not a product by itself.

Who is paid. Owners pay for it within the price of the robot, assumed here to be a working machine bought by firms, and any maker could include it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Robot scouts sent ahead into unknown ground spare explorers some danger, a niche use.

Who is paid. Exploring agencies and armies pay, and the firms that already build their craft would supply the scouts.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A city that repairs and defends itself for ages would be a great public work, judged as built for one people only.

Who is paid. A government would pay for it, and the large builders that already win public works contracts would be paid to raise it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. The description gives this creature of tissue and machine no job, so it is judged as a general working machine that would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms buy them as labour, and since many could build such bodies once shown how, the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect what is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A robot that looks after children would be worth an industry of its own to families.

Who is paid. Families buy it, and since they are assumed to trust only known names with their children the established makers with strong brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Machines that tunnel to find passages underground are a survey tool for a few trades.

Who is paid. Survey and exploring firms are assumed to buy them, and many makers could build such a burrower.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A mechanical horse that is loyal to its rider is a companion and a mount for those who want one, not a need.

Who is paid. Households buy it much like an imitation animal, and many workshops could make one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Soft covers that quiet a mechanical horse's steps are a small feature of the animal.

Who is paid. Owners pay for them within the price of the horse, and anyone could make them.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Lifelike flesh in place of hard plastic is a finish that makes a robot pleasant to look at and touch, a feature.

Who is paid. Robot makers pay for it as a part of the machines they sell to firms, and any of them could fit it, so nothing extra is kept.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A clever toy bear that keeps a child company is a toy, however well loved, not a need.

Who is paid. Parents buy it much like any toy, and many makers could build one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A robot that carries guests' bags is a convenience for hotels.

Who is paid. Hotels buy them for their guests, and many makers could build such a carrier, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A hotel with no human staff would remove most of the labour cost of lodging.

Who is paid. Hotel operators buy the machines, and since many could build them the established makers that already equip and service such buildings collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A robot butler does the run of household work, worth an industry of its own, though it is the general machine set to one part of life.

Who is paid. Households buy it, and as many could make such machines the firms with factories and well-liked brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that takes over housework would be worth an industry of its own, though it serves the home alone and not work at large.

Who is paid. Families buy it like any large appliance, and it is easy enough to copy that the appliance makers with factories, shops and trusted brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A living thing built to serve as a robot is judged like any general working machine, which would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms buy them as labour, and since many could build such bodies once shown how, the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect what is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Pressing clothes by machine removes a lone minor chore, a narrower job than a full servant does.

Who is paid. Households buy it, and it is a simple appliance many could make.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. The description gives this alien walker no job, so it is judged as a niche walking machine.

Who is paid. Firms with odd jobs for it are assumed to buy it, and once one was studied many makers could copy it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Machines that clean and polish glass save some labour on large buildings, a niche.

Who is paid. Building owners and cleaning firms buy them, and many makers could build them, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A station that refuels cars with no staff saves attendants, who are a lesser cost of selling fuel, and drivers serving themselves already did most of it.

Who is paid. Fuel sellers buy the machinery, and many firms could make it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine that carries bags behind a traveller is a convenience.

Who is paid. Airports are assumed to buy them for their passengers, and many makers could build such a carrier, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. Working robots of many kinds doing most jobs would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms buy them as labour, and since many could build such bodies once shown how, the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect what is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine worked from afar that can also act alone is a tool for dangerous or distant jobs, a niche as described.

Who is paid. Firms buy it for their own work, and such machines and their controls could be copied by many makers.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A small, nimble utility robot is assumed to be the general working robot of its story, able to take on most kinds of work.

Who is paid. Firms buy them as labour, and since many could build such bodies once shown how, the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect what is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A floating drone that tests a fighter's reflexes is a training aid for a few.

Who is paid. Fighters and their families buy it, and many makers could build a like machine.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A device that forces a robot to obey is a control fitting, valued only as part of the robot.

Who is paid. Firms that own robots pay for it, and any maker of robots can fit it, so nothing more is kept for it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. An extending arm with a cluster of sensors is a handy fitting on a robot, a feature.

Who is paid. Robot makers pay for it as a part of the machines they sell to firms, and any of them could fit it, so nothing extra is kept.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A legged pack that follows its owner and carries the load is a convenience for walkers and travellers.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, and many makers could build one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A climber that runs along a tower's cable to check it is an inspection tool for that structure alone.

Who is paid. The tower's operator buys it, and many makers could build such a climber, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Boring through an asteroid and turning it into feedstock with no crew would cut the cost of mining in space.

Who is paid. Mining and building firms buy them, and the heavy-equipment makers who already supply those firms can copy the idea and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. The description gives a humanlike robot and a mood but no job, so it is assumed to be the general worker of the stories, able to do most kinds of human work.

Who is paid. Firms buy them as labour, and since many could build such bodies once shown how, the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect what is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Small flying robots that build and maintain would cut the labour cost of construction and upkeep.

Who is paid. Builders and property owners buy them, and since many could make them the construction-equipment makers with service networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A robot that spins cable and crawls along it to build in orbit would cut the cost of large structures in space, assuming such building is done.

Who is paid. Firms building in orbit buy it, and since others could copy it the makers that already supply construction and space equipment collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A powered suit in the shape of a whale that magnifies its wearer's movements serves a few divers and researchers.

Who is paid. Research groups and diving firms are assumed to buy it, and powered suits could be built by many makers once the idea is shown.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A tiny imitation insect is assumed here to be a curiosity or ornament, since the description gives it no job.

Who is paid. People would buy it as a novelty, and once shown possible many workshops could copy it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Topping up its own battery is a useful feature of a machine, not a product people seek for itself.

Who is paid. Firms that run robots or pilotless craft pay for it as part of the machine, and any maker can add it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. An aircraft with no pilot that stays up on sunlight alone is useful for long watches from the air, a niche.

Who is paid. Survey and communication firms buy it, and many makers could build one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Driven cameras that roam a building and report to a control room are a handy tool for watching a site, a niche where the real thing exists.

Who is paid. Building owners buy them, and many firms can make them, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. An earthmover on the moon steered from home serves only the few who would build there, and it still needs its operator.

Who is paid. Firms working there buy it, and remote controls for such machines are easy for many makers to copy.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A humanlike machine made to be an intimate partner is company sold as a product, worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, and as many could make such machines the firms with factories and well-liked brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. The description gives only the human form, so it is assumed to be the artificial person of the stories, able to do most kinds of human work, which would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms buy them as labour, and since many could build such bodies once shown how, the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect what is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Swarms of tiny machines that fight as armies would be worth a class of weapon of their own.

Who is paid. Armies pay, and the arms makers that already hold defence contracts would build them and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Robots that mend damage without a crew would cut the cost of keeping ships and plant running.

Who is paid. Ship and plant operators buy them, and as the machines can be copied the established makers that already equip and service those operators collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A robot that tends a garden by itself is a household convenience.

Who is paid. Garden owners buy it, and a machine for this lone task is simple to copy, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A robot that keeps pests off crops with nobody driving it would cut the labour cost of protecting crops across farming.

Who is paid. Farmers buy them, and since many could build them the farm-equipment makers with dealers and repair networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Flying a drone from a car seat is a convenience added to a thing that already exists.

Who is paid. Drivers are assumed to pay for it as an extra, and any car or drone maker can fit a screen and controls.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A repair robot with an extremely fine touch could do delicate assembly and mending across many trades.

Who is paid. Firms buy it for fine work, and as others could copy the branching design the established machine makers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Robots that do building-site work unaided would cut the cost of construction.

Who is paid. Builders buy them, and the heavy-equipment makers who already supply building sites can copy the idea and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Digging and hauling with no crew would cut the cost of mining and earthworks.

Who is paid. Mining and building firms buy them, and the heavy-equipment makers who already supply those firms can copy the idea and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A camera that moves or flies by itself is a handy tool for filming and looking, a niche where the real thing exists.

Who is paid. Film crews, news desks and surveyors buy them, and many firms can make them, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that takes over housework would be worth an industry of its own, though it serves the home alone and not work at large.

Who is paid. Families buy it like any large appliance, and it is easy enough to copy that the appliance makers with factories, shops and trusted brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A small branching-armed helper for each astronaut serves very few users.

Who is paid. Space agencies pay for their crews, and the firms that already build their equipment would supply it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. The source leaves it undescribed, so it is assumed to be a small remote craft of the kind that faction uses, a niche tool.

Who is paid. Firms are assumed to buy it for their own work, and nothing suggests it would be hard for many makers to copy.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A many-legged robot driven from afar is assumed to be an army's scout and carrier, since the description does not say it is armed.

Who is paid. Armies pay, and the firms that already hold their supply contracts would build it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A robot that stands guard in offices would remove a labour cost across the guarding trade.

Who is paid. Building owners and guarding firms buy it, and since many could build one the firms with guarding contracts and service networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A flying machine steered from the ground is a handy tool for looking and filming, a niche where the real thing exists.

Who is paid. Firms buy it for their own work, and many makers can build one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A small robot that gathers smells at a crime scene helps detectives a little, a niche.

Who is paid. Police forces pay, and the firms that already supply their laboratories collect what little is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Small scuttling robots built like bugs are given no job, so they are judged as niche crawlers for reaching tight places.

Who is paid. Firms with such jobs are assumed to buy them, and many makers could build them, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine that believes things so its owner need not is a joke convenience at best.

Who is paid. A few people might buy it as a novelty, and nothing about it would be hard to copy.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Tiny modules that link into a robot of any shape would let one stock of parts do many jobs, changing how machines are built.

Who is paid. Firms buy them for their work, and as nothing says they cannot be copied the makers with precision factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A tiny fluttering machine is a pretty toy or ornament, not a need.

Who is paid. Households buy it much like a toy, and many workshops could make one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. Robots that copy themselves and obey no human rules are a rival people, not a product anyone can buy or use.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A light frame that strengthens the body serves the few whose work or weakness calls for it.

Who is paid. Firms are assumed to buy them for their workers, and powered frames could be built by many makers once the idea is shown.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A control that sends a built animal to sleep is a feature of the animal, not a product by itself.

Who is paid. Owners pay for it within the price of the animal, and any maker of such animals could include it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A robot that washes bedridden patients takes over one task of care, a real help but a single chore.

Who is paid. Hospitals and care homes are assumed to buy it, and a machine for this lone task could be copied by many makers.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A bed that tends and moves an old person unaided would take on much of the daily work of care, worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Families are assumed to buy it for their elderly, and as many could make such beds the firms with factories and trusted names collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Machines built at the scale of molecules would open work in making and mending things that no tool can reach, judged without the power to copy themselves since the description does not give it.

Who is paid. Firms buy them for their work, and as nothing says they cannot be copied the makers with precision factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A fast, quiet legged scout spares soldiers some danger, a niche use.

Who is paid. Armies pay, and the firms that already hold their supply contracts would build it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A wheeled cart that carries those without legs is a mobility aid, valuable to its few users but a niche.

Who is paid. The users buy it for themselves, and many makers could build such a cart, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A swimming machine that finds chosen chemicals in water serves a narrow task such as tracing pollution.

Who is paid. Water firms and survey crews are assumed to buy it, and soft swimmers like this could be made by many laboratories.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A hopping robot that carries small loads over rough ground is a niche carrier, whatever its cargo in the story.

Who is paid. Whoever needs goods moved across open country pays, and such a machine is simple enough for many to build.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A headset that puts the operator inside the view of a distant aircraft is a better control for flying it, a niche.

Who is paid. Firms that fly such aircraft buy it, and many makers could build such a headset, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A larger flyer that recharges a fleet of small ones is support equipment, valued only as part of the fleet.

Who is paid. Firms that run pilotless craft pay for it as part of the fleet, and any maker can add it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A plant where robots do the butchering would cut the labour cost of meat processing.

Who is paid. Meat firms buy it, and since many could build such lines the plant-equipment makers with works and service networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Flying adverts are a new way to reach passers-by, a niche within advertising.

Who is paid. Advertisers pay, and once such fliers exist many firms could breed or build them, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A spare body that takes a copy of its owner would let most people be in several places at once for work and errands.

Who is paid. People buy the blanks for themselves, and assuming others could learn to make them the large makers with factories and shops collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A humanlike robot that is also its owner's computer is judged as a companion and helper, worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, and as many could make such machines the firms with factories and well-liked brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Expert care for children at home would be worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Families buy it, and since they are assumed to trust only known names with their children the established makers with strong brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine that mixes and serves drinks takes over a single job in the bar trade, a convenience and not a whole premises run with no staff.

Who is paid. Bar owners buy it, and a drink-mixing machine is easy for many makers to copy, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Serving guests with no staff would change the costs of the whole trade.

Who is paid. Hotel operators buy the machinery, and since many could build it the established makers that already equip and service such buildings collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. The description gives only the human form, so it is assumed to be the artificial person of the stories, able to do most kinds of human work, which would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms buy them as labour, and since many could build such bodies once shown how, the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect what is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A conveyor that carries samples between stations saves laboratory staff some time, and the real thing exists.

Who is paid. Laboratories buy it, and many makers can build such a track, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A made body that a stored person can be loaded into would let people outlive their first body, which changes how most people live; it is assumed the loading works.

Who is paid. People buy bodies for themselves, and since many could grow or build them the firms with factories and trusted names collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Powered boots that carry a soldier along are one piece of kit, a help on the march.

Who is paid. Armies pay, and the kit makers that already hold their contracts supply it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. An armed machine that crosses land and water with no crew aboard would be worth a class of weapon of its own.

Who is paid. Armies pay, and the arms makers that already hold defence contracts would build it and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine that clears stray cows from streets serves only the towns that have them.

Who is paid. Towns pay, and the firms that already supply their street vehicles would build it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Letting a single operator watch over several robot vehicles would cut the labour cost of haulage and transport.

Who is paid. Transport firms buy the vehicles and their software, and as both can be copied the vehicle makers that already supply those fleets collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A fleet of robot helpers directed by a single person would let small crews do the work of large ones.

Who is paid. Firms buy the fleet, and since the robots and the hand-motion controls can be copied the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A living insect steered from afar is assumed to be a tiny scout for spying and searching, a niche use.

Who is paid. Armies and rescue services are assumed to pay, and the firms that already supply their scouting gear would make it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A hand with a different tool on each finger is a handy fitting for a few kinds of work.

Who is paid. Firms are assumed to buy it for their workers, and such a hand is easy for many makers to copy.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A carrier that releases smaller flyers is support for a fleet, assumed here to be an armed force's fleet as in the story.

Who is paid. Armed forces pay, and the aircraft makers that already hold their contracts would build it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A swimming robot steered from afar is a handy tool for looking under water, a niche.

Who is paid. Survey and repair firms buy it, and many makers could build one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A humanlike robot that takes over a worker's role in full could do most kinds of human work, which would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms buy them as labour, and since many could build such bodies once shown how, the large manufacturers with factories and service networks collect what is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Robots that do all upkeep and repair aboard a ship would cut crew costs across shipping.

Who is paid. Ship and plant operators buy them, and as the machines can be copied the established makers that already equip and service those operators collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Gloves that strengthen a sailor's grip are a convenience for a pastime.

Who is paid. Sailors buy them for themselves, and many makers could build such gloves.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.