Expected in the 2030s

A large prize. A working ship that carries people and cargo between worlds is the base of a whole transport industry.

Who is paid. Carriers and other firms working in space buy ships, and since a second yard could build the same craft the established shipbuilders 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 working vessel for travel between worlds would found a transport industry of its own.

Who is paid. Carriers and expedition firms buy ships, and many yards could build them once shown how, so established vehicle builders 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. Clearing dangerous rocks keeps space routes safe, a useful service but only a support to the traffic.

Who is paid. No single ship could be charged for a clear route, so a government pays, and operators that already hold armed ships and such contracts do the work.

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. Travel that needs no fuel would cut the cost of moving ships and cargo across space.

Who is paid. Ship operators buy the sail as their engine, and a thin reflecting sheet is something other makers could copy, so established ship builders 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. Materials taken from other worlds and from loose rock in space would feed an industry of their own.

Who is paid. Firms that need the material pay for it, and since others could dig the same way the gain goes to those who already own the ships and claims.

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. Spinning to give weight is a design feature of a habitat, useful but not a product of its own.

Who is paid. Whoever pays for the habitat pays for this, assumed here to be a government, and any habitat builder can use the idea so the established builders 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. Fuel made on the Moon would cut the cost of every voyage further out, an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Ship operators buy the fuel, and since the digging can be copied the firms that already own ships and refineries 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 capsule for dropping notes from orbit is a small convenience.

Who is paid. Space operators buy it for their crews, and it is simple enough that any workshop could make 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. Pushing rocks out of the way keeps a ship safe, but it is a fitting on the craft, not an industry.

Who is paid. Ship operators pay for it within the craft, and the firms that already make ship instruments supply it since the design can be copied.

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. Keeping harmful radiation off the crew matters on every long voyage, but it is a feature of the hull and not a product by itself.

Who is paid. Ship operators pay for it within the craft, and shipbuilders fit it themselves since nothing stops others copying 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 fuel that powers spacecraft engines would be bought for every voyage, an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Ship operators buy it, and unlike plain dust it is radioactive and needs special plants to make and handle, so the firms that already own such plants 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 carry-along airtight shelter is a safety item for the few crews working on the Moon.

Who is paid. The description names crews, so their employers buy it, and a shelter that must hold air against vacuum is made by the established makers of suits and habitats, any of whom 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 fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. An engine that moves ships faster or more cheaply would change the cost of all space transport.

Who is paid. An engine is bought by whoever runs the ship, assumed here to be carriers, and established engine builders could copy it once it worked.

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. It is a word or a way of doing things that needs no new equipment, not a product.

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

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. It protects crews during hard thrust, which matters only to the few who fly such ships.

Who is paid. Ship operators pay for it as part of the craft, and the firms that already build ships and their fittings supply it since others could copy the design.

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 suit that keeps a person alive in vacuum or thin air is vital to its wearer but serves only the few who work in space.

Who is paid. Space operators buy suits for their crews, and the few firms that already make such gear supply them since the design can be copied.

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 craft that pushes or tows larger ships is working gear around ports, a niche within space transport.

Who is paid. Port and ship operators buy it, and established small-craft builders could all make 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 suit that keeps a person alive in a hostile place is vital to its wearer but serves only the few who work there.

Who is paid. Space operators buy suits for their crews, and the few firms that already make such gear supply them since the design can be copied.

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. Powered tracks on the boots help a suited worker move over ground, a small piece of crew gear.

Who is paid. Space operators pay for it within the suit, and the established suit makers supply it since any of them can copy 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. Steering whole rocks to where they are wanted would serve mining and building in space, part of an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Mining and building firms are assumed to pay, and fixing engines to a rock is easy to copy, so the firms that already own ships and engines 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. Skis for crossing loose Moon dust are a small aid to those who work there.

Who is paid. Space operators buy it for their crews, and it is a simple loose item that any workshop 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. A suit that keeps a person alive in vacuum is vital to its wearer but serves only the few who work in space.

Who is paid. Space operators buy suits for their crews, and the few firms that already make such gear supply them since the design can be copied.

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. Sensing nearby objects so a ship can steer clear is essential but is an instrument within the ship.

Who is paid. Ship operators buy it as part of the craft, and the established makers of flight instruments supply it since it can be copied.

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. Heavy shoes that steady the wearer on a light world are a small piece of crew gear.

Who is paid. No buyer is named, so firms working on such worlds are assumed to buy them for crews, and it is a simple loose item that any workshop could make.

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. It lets a settler family live on an airless world, a niche for the few who homestead there.

Who is paid. It is a dwelling, so settlers are assumed to buy it for themselves, and a shelter that must hold air against vacuum is made by the established makers of suits and habitats, any of whom 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.

A small prize. A drifting bladder that plugs a leak until repairs come is a simple safety item for a sealed habitat.

Who is paid. Whoever pays for the habitat pays for this, assumed here to be a government, and it is simple enough that many firms could 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 large prize. Building from local rock would sharply cut the cost of any base on the Moon.

Who is paid. A government is assumed to pay for lunar bases, and the method can be copied, so the contractors already building there 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 shelter that goes up quickly serves small parties on airless ground, a niche.

Who is paid. No user is named, so it is assumed that firms working on other worlds buy it as working gear, and a shelter that must hold air against vacuum is made by the established makers of suits and habitats, any of whom 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.

A small prize. Spinning to give weight is a design feature of a station, useful but not a product of its own.

Who is paid. Whoever pays for the station pays for this, assumed here to be a government, and any station builder can use the idea so the established builders 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 suit that keeps a person alive in vacuum is vital to its wearer but serves only the few who work in space.

Who is paid. Space operators buy suits for their crews, and the few firms that already make such gear supply them since the design can be copied.

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. Cheap passenger rockets for holidays would open space travel to ordinary people, a travel industry of its own.

Who is paid. The carrier buys the rocket and holidaymakers buy seats from it, as with a liner, and since the rockets could be copied the builders and carriers that already own fleets and ports 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. It is a necessary fitting on any crewed craft, but only a part of the ship.

Who is paid. Ship operators pay for it within the craft, and shipbuilders make it themselves since nothing stops others copying 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 bare open frame for hauling things nearby is the simplest kind of orbital tug, a support tool.

Who is paid. Port and ship operators buy tugs, and any spacecraft builder could make such a simple craft, so established builders 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 place for many people to live and work beyond Earth is a building industry of its own.

Who is paid. A settlement is a public work a government pays for, and the big construction and space firms that already win such 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 vehicle for crossing another world serves a few expeditions, a niche.

Who is paid. No user is named, so it is assumed that firms working on other worlds buy it like other working gear, and established vehicle builders could all 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 bare capsule for a lone traveller is a cheap niche form of space transport.

Who is paid. Carriers or expedition firms would buy it, assumed here, and existing spacecraft builders could all make something so simple.

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 working vessel for travel between worlds would found a transport industry of its own.

Who is paid. Carriers and expedition firms buy ships, and many yards could build them once shown how, so established vehicle builders 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. Knowing where a ship is and keeping it on course is essential but is an instrument within the ship.

Who is paid. Ship operators buy it as part of the craft, and the established makers of flight instruments supply it since it can be copied.

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 shelter that goes up quickly serves small parties working on airless ground, a niche.

Who is paid. No user is named, so it is assumed that firms working on other worlds buy it as working gear, and a shelter that must hold air against vacuum is made by the established makers of suits and habitats, any of whom 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.

A large prize. A cheap blown-up home in orbit is assumed to be a place for many to live, a building industry of its own.

Who is paid. A settlement is a public work a government pays for, and the big construction and space firms that already win such 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. Earthmoving gear for the Moon serves the few who build there, a niche.

Who is paid. No user is named, so it is assumed that firms working on other worlds buy it like other working gear, and established vehicle builders could all 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 large prize. Water dug on the Moon would supply drink, air and fuel for everything else done in space.

Who is paid. Firms that need the material pay for it, and since others could dig the same way the gain goes to those who already own the ships and claims.

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 craft that carries only its pilot serves scouts and crews, a niche within space transport.

Who is paid. Prospectors, carriers and expedition firms buy it, and established small-craft builders could all make 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. Breathable air is essential aboard, but this is a fitting inside a craft or suit, not an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Ship operators pay for it within the craft, and the established builders of ships and suits supply it because the method 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 small prize. A vehicle for crossing or working another world's surface serves a few expeditions, a niche.

Who is paid. No user is named, so it is assumed that firms working on other worlds buy it like other working gear, and established vehicle builders could all 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. It protects crews during hard thrust, which matters only to the few who fly such ships.

Who is paid. Ship operators pay for it as part of the craft, and the firms that already build ships and their fittings supply it since others could copy the design.

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. It protects travellers during hard thrust, which matters only to the few who fly such ships.

Who is paid. Ship operators pay for it as part of the craft, and the firms that already build ships and their fittings supply it since others could copy the design.

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. Clearing junk from orbit protects every satellite, a useful service but a modest part of what space work costs.

Who is paid. No satellite owner can be charged for a cleaner sky, so a government is assumed to pay, and the established builders of small craft do the work.

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. Making goods in orbit would be an industry of its own if the goods are worth bringing down.

Who is paid. Firms buy the goods, and since others could build such plants the gain goes to those that already own launchers and factory know-how.

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 launcher for a line helps a person pull about without weight, a simple tool for a few workers.

Who is paid. Space operators buy it for crews, and it is simple hardware that many workshops could make, 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. Movable walls that make private rooms in a station hall are a simple comfort.

Who is paid. Whoever pays for the habitat pays for this, assumed here to be a government, and it is simple enough that many firms could 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. Pellets that plug a hole in the hull are a cheap safety item carried aboard.

Who is paid. Space operators buy it for crews, and it is simple enough that many workshops 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. The most basic pod for staying alive after an emergency is something every operator wants but hopes never to use.

Who is paid. Ship operators buy it as part of the craft, and the established builders of ships and their fittings supply it since it can be copied.

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 craft that clears junk from orbit protects every satellite, a useful service but a modest part of what space work costs.

Who is paid. No satellite owner can be charged for a cleaner sky, so a government is assumed to pay, and the established builders of small craft do the work.

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. Small robots doing chores aboard a ship save a crew some labour, a fitting of the craft as described.

Who is paid. Ship operators pay for them within the craft, and established builders of ships and their fittings could all supply 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. A cheap reusable way from the ground to orbit would cut the cost of everything done in space.

Who is paid. Carriers buy the craft to move people and cargo, and once it flew other builders could copy it, so established craft builders 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 suit that keeps a person alive in vacuum or thin air is vital to its wearer but serves only the few who work in space.

Who is paid. Space operators buy suits for their crews, and the few firms that already make such gear supply them since the design can be copied.

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 truly thinks could do much of the mental work people do now, which would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to put it to work, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant and sell to every business 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 channel for thinking machines to share ideas with each other is plumbing that makes them a little more useful.

Who is paid. Owners of the machines pay for it as part of them, and a way of exchanging messages is easy for any builder 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 vast prize. A machine that thinks as well as a person could do much of the work people now do, which changes how most people live and work.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to put it to work, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant and sell to every business 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 machine with feelings of its own is a companion some would want, and I assume that is how the method reaches buyers.

Who is paid. Ordinary people pay, and once machines can feign or feel affection many can offer 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 machine that decided cases quickly and fairly would clear court queues and cut the cost of justice.

Who is paid. Only the state runs courts, so a government pays, and suppliers that already hold public contracts are best placed to sell 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. Inventive design talent on demand would change the cost of engineering, which I take as a single industry since the description promises designs and not a general thinking machine.

Who is paid. Firms pay for the designs, and the description names nothing that would stop a second supplier, so I assume 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 machine that thinks as well as a person could do much of the work people now do, which changes how most people live and work.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to put it to work, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant and sell to every business 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. A machine that thinks as well as a person could do much of the work people now do, which changes how most people live and work.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to put it to work, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant and sell to every business 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 mind that understands its own workings can explain and correct itself, which makes thinking machines far safer to put to work.

Who is paid. Robot makers pay to have it and sell it inside their robots, and I assume others could learn the method once it was shown to work, so the robot 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 small prize. A ball that shows a scene in full depth is a striking kind of screen but does little a flat one cannot.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it for show and entertainment, and since it is easy to copy, the firms that already own screen 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. Storing data atom by atom would shrink the cost of keeping records for every firm that holds them.

Who is paid. Firms that store data buy it, the way of making it is assumed to be copied in time, and those who already own the costly 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. Judged as a wall-sized display for working on equations, and not as the science shown on it, this is a niche tool for a few researchers.

Who is paid. Research bodies would buy it, and many firms can build a big display that can be written on, 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. Robots that weigh harm before obeying could be trusted in homes and workplaces, which the robot trade depends on.

Who is paid. Robot makers pay to have it, every one of them must fit something like it, and it is sold inside robots, so the robot 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. Cheap, compact and lasting storage for information is an industry of its own, since every computer needs it.

Who is paid. Computer makers and data keepers buy it, and because rivals soon match each design, the firms that already own the costly factories 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 behave just as people do could stand in for people in testing, selling and service work, which is worth an industry.

Who is paid. Firms buy them to do or to study what people do, and once one builder had managed it I assume others could, 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 machine wise enough to run or remake a whole society's affairs would change how most people live and work.

Who is paid. A government pays for the single machine, and I assume whoever holds a machine that redesigns itself can use it to stay ahead of everyone copying the last one.

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, cheap ways of keeping and carrying data are needed by every computer user and make an industry of their own.

Who is paid. Firms and their customers buy it in bulk, the idea is easy to copy, and those who already own the costly 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 note that speaks and argues back is an office novelty.

Who is paid. Offices would buy it, and once talking machines exist anyone can put one in a memo.

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 tool for spoiling an enemy's records is a narrow weapon.

Who is paid. Those it harms pay nothing, so I assume a government buys it as a weapon, and since such software is easy to write the firms that already supply states with arms 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. A machine mind as able as a person could do most kinds of work, which changes how nearly everyone earns a living.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to put it to work, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant and sell to every business 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. A machine that truly thinks could do much of the mental work people do now, not only run one ship, which would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to put it to work, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant and sell to every business 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. Parts that work like brain cells would make thinking machines cheaper to build and run, which is worth an industry.

Who is paid. Machine builders buy them, and I assume others could learn to make such parts in time, so the firms that already own the costly factories for electronic 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 large prize. Forecasting how a particular person will act is worth a great deal to lenders, employers, sellers and police.

Who is paid. Firms are assumed to be the main buyers, and those that already hold the records about people are the ones who can 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 vast prize. A machine able to answer the deepest question could, I assume, answer lesser ones too, and would change how most people learn, decide and work.

Who is paid. I assume a single machine serving everyone would be built as a public work, so a government pays, and the firms that already build large computing works for governments 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 character for a machine is a pleasant feature laid on top of the thinking, not the thing people mainly pay for.

Who is paid. Firms that sell machines would buy it as a feature, and once machines can talk a persona is easy for anyone to write.

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 computer-made world people can step into is worth an industry of its own for play, work and meeting.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy the gear and the access, the idea is easy to copy, and firms that already own networks and gadget 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 vast prize. A computer that talks and thinks as well as a person could do much of the work people now do, which changes how most people live and work.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to put it to work, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant and sell to every business 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.

No prize. This is a notion about where software is heading and not a product anyone could 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 large prize. Keeping a rare expert's skill on call after they are gone is worth a great deal to the firms that relied on them.

Who is paid. Firms pay, and each recording is of one person, so whoever holds it controls something no one else can get.

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 grows fond of its owner is a companion some would want; unlike a mere persona, people would buy it for themselves.

Who is paid. Ordinary people pay, and once machines can feign or feel affection many can offer 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 powerful machine mind is worth a great deal to the firm that owns it, but this one works to escape its owners, so I rate it below a mind that obeys.

Who is paid. A firm pays to have it for its own use, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant 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 new way to give a computer commands is a convenience for most users and a real help for a few.

Who is paid. Ordinary users buy it as an add-on, and many gadget firms can 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. Judged as a program that can solve cases as a good detective does, it would change what police work costs.

Who is paid. Police forces pay, and once thinking machines exist the firms that already supply police record systems 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 strip that lets any object say where it is and speak is a handy label for goods and tools.

Who is paid. Firms buy it by the roll to tag their goods, and many makers can produce 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. Knowing where the economy is heading is worth a great deal to banks, traders and planners.

Who is paid. Banks and other firms pay for the forecasts, and I assume that once thinking machines exist many could turn one to the economy, 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. An assistant that answers any soldier's question would change how an army trains and fights.

Who is paid. The army pays, and once such assistants exist the firms that already hold its supply 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 program that manages a shop or restaurant by itself removes the cost of managers across retail and food service.

Who is paid. The shop owners buy it, and management software is assumed easy for many firms to write, so the shops keep the saving.

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 stand-in that speaks for a state saves envoys' travel but serves very few buyers.

Who is paid. Governments pay, and once thinking machines exist such an envoy is easy to set up, 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. Computers worn on the body are another shape of the one people already carry, so they are a convenience.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy them, and since they are easy to copy, the firms that already own gadget factories and well-known names 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 sign in the sky is one more place to advertise, seen by those beneath it.

Who is paid. Advertisers pay, and assuming the sky stays open to whoever can put a sign there, as with messages thrown on the clouds, 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. Sending a lifelike solid picture of a person or place far away would be worth an industry of its own; the real thing so far is smaller than this promise.

Who is paid. Households pay for the sets and the service, and as the projector could be copied, the firms that already own the networks and 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. Smells on cue add a novelty to shows and homes.

Who is paid. I assumed households and showmen buy it; once shown, many firms 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. Adverts thrown into people's path are one more way to advertise, not a new need.

Who is paid. Advertisers pay, the projector is easy to copy and it can be aimed at anyone passing, 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. News gathered, written and published with no human staff removes the main cost of the news trade.

Who is paid. Readers buy or subscribe, and once machines can gather and write the news anyone can run 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. Commercials spoken by the goods themselves are another place to advertise, like talking tags on shop goods.

Who is paid. Advertisers pay, and although the story has a single firm running it, nothing described stops a rival, and the speaking part is simple for any workshop to make, 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 handheld model of the galaxy in depth serves a single purpose for navigators and teachers, unlike a general display with depth.

Who is paid. Assuming ships and schools buy it, the design can be copied, and the display makers with the 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. Calling up a live view of any place would be worth an industry for travel, news and watching over things.

Who is paid. Assuming households buy the viewer and it needs no network of cameras that a single firm owns, others could build it once it is known to work, 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 phone inside the body that is never lost or left behind would be worth an industry, though surgery would put many people off.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, the device can be copied, and the firms that own the phone 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 artificial world that feels real would be worth an entertainment industry of its own; I judged the full promise, which is larger than anything sold so far.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it; the machine can be copied once shown, so those who already own the stories and worlds people want to enter 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 picture with true depth standing in the room would replace the flat screen and be worth an industry of its own; the real thing so far is smaller than this promise.

Who is paid. Households buy the sets, and since any electronics factory could copy the design, the firms that already own the factories, brands 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 small prize. A metal surface that forms words on itself is a sign or noticeboard of an unusual kind.

Who is paid. Offices would buy it as a display, and ordinary screens that many firms make do the same job, 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 picture with true depth standing in the room would replace the flat screen and be worth an industry of its own; the real thing so far is smaller than this promise.

Who is paid. Households buy the sets, and since any electronics factory could copy the design, the firms that already own the factories, brands 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 small prize. Sound fed straight into the ear is a convenience over an ordinary radio or speaker.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it and many firms can make tiny ear pieces, 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. Appearing lifelike in a far place would replace much travel for meetings.

Who is paid. I assumed firms pay to save travel; once shown it can be copied, so the firms that own the networks carrying the image 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. Adverts thrown into people's path are one more way to advertise, not a new need.

Who is paid. Advertisers pay, the projector is easy to copy and nobody owns the open air it shines into, 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. Feeling a far-off partner's touch is a novelty for couples who are apart.

Who is paid. Couples would buy it for themselves, and since many could make such a gadget, 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 performer whose movements become music is a stage act for those who like the show.

Who is paid. Audiences buy tickets, and since any performer could fit the same hardware, 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 picture floating over a car bonnet is decoration, unlike a full display with depth.

Who is paid. Car owners buy it as an ornament and many accessory makers could supply 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 floor that copies virtual ground is an add-on for people who already play in virtual worlds.

Who is paid. Assuming a home unit, players buy it, and it is a mechanical floor many firms could build, 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 cot that shows a baby simulated worlds is a luxury for some parents, not a need.

Who is paid. Parents buy it, and I assume it is a home product many firms could make once one had, 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. Reliving another person's recorded senses would be a new mass entertainment to rival film.

Who is paid. Audiences pay for each show, and once the recording method was known others could use it, so the studios that already own stars and stories 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. Sound fed straight into the ear is a convenience over an ordinary radio or speaker.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it and many firms can make tiny ear pieces, 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 handheld screen holding many books or the day's paper is worth an industry and cuts the cost of printing and delivery.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it; the device is easy to copy, so the publishers and shops that already own the books and papers 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 picture with depth that you can step into, here used for family recordings, would replace flat screens for home viewing.

Who is paid. Households buy it, the design can be copied, and the existing screen makers, who own the factories 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 throwaway sheet that shows a message is a convenience where paper or a screen would also do.

Who is paid. Unlike a lasting electronic newspaper, this is cheap and disposable by design, so many firms make it and none 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 picture with depth on a cover is decoration, unlike a full display with depth.

Who is paid. Publishers and packagers would buy it to dress up a cover, and once thin electronic paper exists many printers could supply 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 phone inside the body that is never lost or left behind would be worth an industry, though surgery would put many people off.

Who is paid. Assuming it is a phone and not only an ear radio, people buy it for themselves, the device can be copied, and the firms that own the phone 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. Adverts thrown into people's path are one more way to advertise, not a new need.

Who is paid. Advertisers pay, the projector is easy to copy and nobody owns the open air it shines into, 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 skin patch that swaps information with nearby devices is a convenience next to a card or a phone.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves and thin printed electronics can be made by many firms, 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. Glowing ornament on the skin is a fashion item.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it; once shown 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 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 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 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. 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 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.

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. 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 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 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 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. 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. 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. 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 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 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. 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 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 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 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 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. 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 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 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. 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. 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 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. 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 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 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 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 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. 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. 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. 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. 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 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 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 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 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 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. 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 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. 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 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 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 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. 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 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 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 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. 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. 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 hat that keeps its wearer steady is a novelty.

Who is paid. Wearers would buy it, and any workshop could fit a spinning wheel into a hat, 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. I took keeping the body intact and working without decay to mean holding off old age, which is about the deepest need there is.

Who is paid. People would buy it for themselves, and a new medicine is protected from copying for a long while, so its maker keeps much of the gain.

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 germ that harms only a chosen pest would change the cost of protecting crops and controlling disease carriers.

Who is paid. I assumed farmers and pest controllers buy it and not armies; germs can be cultured by many, so established farm chemical firms with the sales 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. Making new kinds of living things to order would serve farming, medicine and industry.

Who is paid. Firms would buy such organisms for their work, and once the method was known other laboratories could repeat it, so established seed, chemical and drug 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 small prize. Skin that feels touch adds sensation to man-made skin, which stays a narrow part of medicine.

Who is paid. I assumed hospitals and makers of artificial limbs buy it; other materials firms could copy it, so established suppliers collect a modest margin.

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 dressing that closes wounds cleanly helps hospitals and fitters of implants, which is a narrow part of medicine.

Who is paid. Hospitals and clinics would buy it, and the firms that already supply wound dressings could all make it, so they collect a modest margin.

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. Staying sober while drinking is a convenience for drinkers, not a need.

Who is paid. Drinkers would buy it for themselves, and a new drug is protected from copying for a while, so its maker keeps 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 device that makes the surgeon's own movements finer improves some operations but leaves the surgeon in place, so it is a niche.

Who is paid. Hospitals would buy it, and other toolmakers could copy it, so established makers of surgical instruments 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. Closing wounds with light would replace stitches and shorten recovery across surgery and emergency care.

Who is paid. Hospitals and clinics would buy it, and other makers could copy the tool, so established surgical equipment firms 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. Giving sight back to blind people is worth an industry of its own, though most people would never need it.

Who is paid. Patients would pay, mostly through insurers or health services, and once the design was known other device makers could copy it, so established implant makers and eye clinics 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. It is a handy way of taking a calming medicine, not a new medicine.

Who is paid. Patients would buy it, and other device and drug firms could make the same thing, so established makers 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 alarm inside the head does what a bedside clock does, so it is a convenience.

Who is paid. People would pay to have it fitted, and other firms could copy it, so established makers of medical devices 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. Seeing at night is an extra and not a cure, which sets it apart from eyes that give sight back.

Who is paid. People would buy it for themselves, and other device makers could copy it, so established implant makers and eye clinics 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. Lenses set into the face are a fashion choice for a few.

Who is paid. Wearers pay, and any clinic can fit 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 chosen tan is a matter of looks, not need.

Who is paid. People would pay for themselves, and I assumed many salons and makers of cosmetics could offer 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. Teeth shaped like those of other animals are a fashion, which sets them apart from plain replacement teeth.

Who is paid. Wearers would buy them, and I assumed many dental workshops could grow and fit 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 large prize. Skin cancers are among the commonest cancers, and a cream that clears them would replace a great deal of surgery.

Who is paid. Patients would pay, mostly through insurers or health services, and a new drug is protected from copying for a while, so its maker keeps 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 revived extinct animal is a draw for parks and collections, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Parks and zoos pay, and since the animals breed, established breeders and park owners collect instead of the reviver.

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 cuff that finds what is wrong and gives the right drug would put everyday doctoring in the home.

Who is paid. I assumed people buy it for themselves; several firms could build it, so established makers of medical devices and the drug firms that fill it 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. Giving sight back to blind people is worth an industry of its own, though most people would never need it.

Who is paid. Patients would pay, mostly through insurers or health services, and once the design was known other device makers could copy it, so established implant makers and eye clinics 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 operates would cut the cost of surgery, but with doctors still on hand it changes only that part of medicine.

Who is paid. I assumed hospitals and clinics buy it; with the needed machine intelligence widely available several firms could build it, so established medical equipment makers and hospital groups 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 steady supply of organs for transplant would be worth an industry.

Who is paid. Patients pay, with insurers behind them, and since the animals breed, established farms and transplant centres 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 sprayed glove is a small saving of time and fuss in the operating room.

Who is paid. Hospitals would buy it, and many makers of medical supplies could mix such a spray, 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. Giving sight back to blind people is worth an industry of its own, though most people would never need it.

Who is paid. Patients would pay, mostly through insurers or health services, and once the design was known other device makers could copy it, so established implant makers and eye clinics 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. Writing by thought is a convenience, since keyboards and speech already do the job.

Who is paid. Ordinary people would get it inside gadgets they buy, and once it works it is easy 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. Giving sight to blind people would be an industry of its own and would change their lives.

Who is paid. Blind people and their families would pay, often through their health cover, and the hospitals and makers of medical devices would collect since the device could be copied.

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. An honest reading of what someone feels is a useful instrument for doctors, hirers and sellers, but a niche.

Who is paid. I assumed clinics and firms buy it, and an instrument like this is easy for other 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 not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Steering a machine by thought is a better set of controls, and hand controls already do the job.

Who is paid. Firms that run the machines would buy it, and once one maker had the link others 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 disc that shows how the wearer feels is a novelty with some social use.

Who is paid. Unlike the instrument for clinics this is worn by ordinary people, who would buy it themselves, and it is easy 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 not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A computer link inside the head would do what pocket devices do now but faster and always on, worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Ordinary people would pay for the implant and the service, and the firms that already make devices and run networks could copy 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 small prize. Writing by thought is a convenience, since keyboards and speech already do the job.

Who is paid. Ordinary people would get it inside gadgets they buy, and once it works it is easy 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. Making sure a sleeper dreams is a small aid to good rest.

Who is paid. Sleepers would buy it for themselves, and it is easy 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. Screens and sounds already carry information, so feeling it on the skin is a convenience.

Who is paid. People would buy it for themselves, and once it existed 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 fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A lighter-than-air craft is slow and carries little beside aircraft and trains, so it stays a niche; legs let this one cross rough ground.

Who is paid. Operators buy it, and airships are simple enough for many builders to make, 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 private vehicle that flies its owner over the roads would be an industry of its own, though it mostly replaces trips people already make by car.

Who is paid. Owners buy it as they buy a car, and once it works many firms could build it, so the vehicle makers that already have factories, 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. Hired flight across a city, working as promised, would be an industry of its own beside road cabs.

Who is paid. The carrier or fleet operator that runs the air cab buys it and charges riders, and since several firms could build it, the makers that already build and service such craft 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. Balancing on fewer wheels makes a vehicle narrower but does nothing an ordinary car cannot already do.

Who is paid. Drivers buy it, and a gyroscope is easy to copy, so the car makers that already own the factories and dealers 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. Scheduled flights across a city for many passengers at once would be an industry of its own beside buses and trains.

Who is paid. The carrier or fleet operator that runs the air bus buys it and charges riders, and since several firms could build it, the makers that already build and service such craft 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 lift without cables is a better lift, useful in very tall buildings but a part of the building and not a new industry.

Who is paid. Building owners pay for it, and the lift makers that already fit and service lifts 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 flat panel that lifts and holds still in the air is a small flying raft, useful for odd jobs and short hops rather than everyday travel.

Who is paid. Riders buy it for themselves, and a light craft like this could be built by many workshops once the trick is known, 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 lighter-than-air craft is slow and carries little beside aircraft and trains, so it stays a niche; this one is built for long exploring flights.

Who is paid. Operators buy it, and airships are simple enough for many builders to make, 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 vehicle on many legs can cross ground that stops wheels, which matters in a few rough places.

Who is paid. Firms and armies working on rough ground buy it, and once walking machines work many builders 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 not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Fast capsules in sealed tubes would rival trains and aircraft on their routes, which changes the cost of travel between cities.

Who is paid. Governments pay for a public way of this size, and the large builders 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 not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A private aircraft used like a car for daily trips would be an industry of its own, though it mostly replaces trips people already make by car.

Who is paid. Owners buy it as they buy a car, and once it works many firms could build it, so the vehicle makers that already have factories, 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 private vehicle that flies its owner over the roads would be an industry of its own, though it mostly replaces trips people already make by car.

Who is paid. Owners buy it as they buy a car, and once it works many firms could build it, so the vehicle makers that already have factories, 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 ferry across the lunar surface serves only the few people who are on the Moon.

Who is paid. Operators of lunar bases buy it, and any builder of space vehicles 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. The description promises only short hops, so it is a sport and a convenience rather than a way most people would travel.

Who is paid. Riders buy it for themselves, and a light craft like this could be built by many workshops once the trick is known, 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. It is a road car with short hops over water and through the air added, which is a thrill more than a new way to travel.

Who is paid. Drivers buy it, and since it only leaps briefly rather than flies, it is an ordinary car feature that the makers with factories and dealers collect on.

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 promises only short hops, so it is a sport and a convenience rather than a way most people would travel.

Who is paid. Riders buy it for themselves, and a light craft like this could be built by many workshops once the trick is known, 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. Hired flight across a city, working as promised, would be an industry of its own beside road cabs.

Who is paid. The carrier or fleet operator that runs the air cab buys it and charges riders, and since several firms could build it, the makers that already build and service such craft 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. Riding on a cushion of lift suits marsh, shallows and ice but is noisier and thirstier than wheels elsewhere, so it stays a niche.

Who is paid. Operators buy it, and many builders can make a cushion craft, 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 narrow self-balancing vehicle is a handy way round town but does little that a small car or motorbike does not.

Who is paid. Owners buy it as they buy a car, and once it works many firms could build it, so the vehicle makers that already have factories, 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 pedal cycle for the Moon serves only the few people who are there.

Who is paid. I assume settlers buy it for themselves, and any cycle maker could build 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 car that needs no driver gives back the hours spent at the wheel and opens car travel to people who cannot drive, which is worth an industry of its own; cleaning itself is a small extra.

Who is paid. Owners buy it, and since several firms can build a driving system once it is shown to work, the car makers that already own factories, 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 rig that lets a person fly wherever they please, working as promised, would be an industry of its own as the motorbike is; the description gives no limit on range or weather, so I assume there is no such limit.

Who is paid. Riders buy it for themselves, and a light craft like this could be built by many workshops once the trick is known, 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 road that does the driving would give every car on it the gains of driverless travel, but only where such roads are built.

Who is paid. Governments pay for roads, and the control gear is not hard to copy, so the road builders and signalling suppliers that already hold public works contracts 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 vehicle that bounds along on a lone leg suits rough ground where wheels fail, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Riders buy it, and many workshops could build 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. Flying by muscle power inside lunar caverns is a sport for the few people who live there.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, and many workshops could build it once it is shown to work, 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. Balancing on fewer wheels makes a vehicle narrower but does nothing an ordinary car cannot already do.

Who is paid. Because this one hauls freight, haulage firms buy it, and a gyroscope is easy to copy, so the truck makers that already own the factories and dealers 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 vehicle for crossing lunar dust serves only the few people who are on the Moon.

Who is paid. Operators of lunar bases and tours buy it, and any builder of space vehicles 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 vehicle for crossing lunar dust serves only the few people who are on the Moon.

Who is paid. Operators of lunar bases and tours buy it, and any builder of space vehicles 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. The description limits it to short surface trips, so it is a small runabout.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, and many workshops could build it once it is shown to work, 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 small craft that flies a few people low over the roads would be an industry of its own, though it mostly replaces trips people already make by car; I assume it is privately owned.

Who is paid. Owners buy it as they buy a car, and once it works many firms could build it, so the vehicle makers that already have factories, 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 large prize. Free personal flight with no limit stated would be an industry of its own, replacing many trips now made by car.

Who is paid. Riders buy it for themselves, and a light craft like this could be built by many workshops once the trick is known, 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 rig that lets a person fly wherever they please, working as promised, would be an industry of its own as the motorbike is; the description gives no limit on range or weather, so I assume there is no such limit.

Who is paid. Riders buy it for themselves, and a light craft like this could be built by many workshops once the trick is known, 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. Balancing on fewer wheels makes a vehicle narrower but does nothing an ordinary car cannot already do.

Who is paid. Drivers buy it, and a gyroscope is easy to copy, so the car makers that already own the factories and dealers 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 lighter-than-air craft is slow and carries little beside aircraft and trains, so it stays a niche; this one carries commuters.

Who is paid. The carrier or fleet operator that runs the airship line buys it and charges riders, and any workshop could build 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. A motorbike that stores its energy in a spinning wheel is another way to power a bike, not a new use for it.

Who is paid. Riders buy it, and a flywheel is plain engineering many firms could 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 walking mount for a lone rider goes where wheels cannot, which is a niche beside cars and bikes.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, and many workshops could build it once it is shown to work, 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 lighter-than-air craft is slow and carries little beside aircraft and trains, so it stays a niche; adding wings helps it carry more.

Who is paid. Operators buy it, and airships are simple enough for many builders to make, 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. Judged as the flying car of the story's city, which would be an industry of its own; the police craft described is only one use of it.

Who is paid. This one is a police craft, so the government pays, and the vehicle makers that already hold police fleet contracts collect because the craft can be copied.

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. Silence would let helicopters work in places that now refuse them, but they would still be costly to fly, so I judge it a better helicopter rather than a new industry.

Who is paid. Operators and police forces buy it, and the established helicopter builders collect once the quieting method is known.

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 vehicle for a lone rider goes where wheels cannot, which is a niche beside cars and bikes.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, and many workshops could build it once it is shown to work, 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. Riding on a cushion of air suits marsh, shallows and ice but is noisier and thirstier than wheels elsewhere, so it stays a niche.

Who is paid. The carrier or fleet operator that runs the hire car buys it and charges riders, and any workshop could build 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. Wheels that smooth out rough ground are a comfort on bad roads.

Who is paid. Operators of vehicles on rough ground buy them, and many wheel 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 smoother ride is a comfort for passengers and saves a little wear, which is a convenience.

Who is paid. Airlines pay for it through the aircraft, and the established aircraft builders fit 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. Route guidance in the car is a convenience, and a screen that bends and pops out adds only a little to it.

Who is paid. Drivers pay for it with the car, and the car makers and the firms that already hold maps of every road 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. Legs that feel the ground carry a vehicle over rough country, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Operators buy it for their work, and many builders 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 not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A robot horse for a lone rider is a pleasure mount and a way across rough ground, not everyday transport.

Who is paid. Riders buy it, and once walking machines work many firms 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 hard shell makes an airship tougher, but airships remain a niche for slow heavy loads and sightseeing.

Who is paid. Cargo and tour operators buy it, and a rigid shell is not hard 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 lift to the sea floor serves the few places where people work or holiday under the sea.

Who is paid. Undersea operators buy it, and the marine engineering firms that already build for them 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 road that does the driving would give every car on it the gains of driverless travel, but only where such roads are built.

Who is paid. Governments pay for roads, and the control gear is not hard to copy, so the road builders and signalling suppliers that already hold public works contracts 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. Punishing drivers who dodge the rules keeps traffic in order, which is a tool for the police.

Who is paid. Governments pay for road enforcement, and the firms that already supply road and police 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. A plate that can change what it shows is a small convenience for lawful owners and mostly a help to those dodging the law.

Who is paid. Car owners buy it, and I assume it is sold freely as in the story, where any maker of small screens could build 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. Heat and power that can be carried anywhere would change what it costs to work far from a grid.

Who is paid. Firms working far from a grid buy it, and because governments let only a few hands hold nuclear fuel, the few permitted makers keep 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 spacecraft skin that stores sunlight serves only the few who build spacecraft.

Who is paid. Spacecraft operators pay for it, and the firms that already build the craft collect because the part is useless without 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. Turning rubbish into fuel oil is worth an industry because it solves waste and fuel together.

Who is paid. Fuel sellers buy the oil, and since the vats are easy to copy those who already own the rubbish collection and the land 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. Boots that power small gear from walking save carrying batteries, which is a convenience.

Who is paid. People buy them to wear, and any boot maker can add the part 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 sprayed coating that turns any surface into a solar generator would change what power costs.

Who is paid. Builders and owners of roofs and walls buy it, and the inventor of a new material can keep the recipe protected for a time.

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. Clothes that make a little electricity can charge small things, which is a convenience.

Who is paid. People buy them to wear, and any cloth maker can learn to weave 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 cheap building material as hard as metal would change construction costs.

Who is paid. Builders buy it, and once the method is known the big materials firms with plants and customers make 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 metal with the strength of heavy metals at far less weight would cut the weight and running cost of aircraft, ships and structures.

Who is paid. Vehicle and building firms buy it, and a metal recipe gets copied, so the established metal makers with furnaces and customers 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 borer that also turns the spoil into building material would change the cost of tunnels and mines.

Who is paid. Mining and building firms buy it, and makers of heavy digging machines who already sell to them can copy and 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. A clear, light material as strong as steel would change how windows, vehicles and buildings are made.

Who is paid. Builders and vehicle makers buy it, and once the method is known the big materials firms with plants and customers make 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. Unlike the general-purpose alloys, this is described only as a shield against rocket exhaust, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Rocket builders and launch sites buy it, and established materials firms that already supply them can 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.

A large prize. A chosen garment made while the customer waits would change the clothing trade's costs and waste.

Who is paid. People buy the clothes, and the machines can be copied, so clothing brands and shops with customers 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 natural fibre as tough as metal would change ropes, cloth and light structures.

Who is paid. Manufacturers buy it, and a plant or animal can be bred by others, so the big fibre and textile firms 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. Clothes made with no hand sewing would cut the cost of the whole garment trade, but it is one industry and not all of making.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy the clothes, and the machinery can be copied, so clothing firms with brands 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 fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A vehicle that drills its own way through the ground would change the cost of tunnels, pipes and mines.

Who is paid. Construction and mining firms buy it, and heavy-machine makers with plants and service crews can each build one, so they 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 clear airtight fabric for vacuum serves space suits and shelters, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Space operators buy it, and the cloth can be copied, so makers of protective gear with customers 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. Unlike the very strong threads, this is only a rope whose knots hold tighter, which is a convenience.

Who is paid. Sailors, climbers and haulers buy it, and many rope makers could copy such a fibre.

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 plastic that takes stored shapes on command lets one part or tool do the work of many across several industries.

Who is paid. Makers of tools, vehicles and goods buy it, and once the method is known the big materials firms with plants and customers make 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 small prize. A suit that hardens when struck protects those who face blows or falls, which is a niche.

Who is paid. I assumed armies, police and space crews are the main buyers, and the firms that already hold their equipment contracts 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 material for body armour serves soldiers and guards, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Armies and police pay, assuming they are the main buyers, and the firms that already hold armour 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 small prize. Cloth that shows pictures is a fashion and display novelty; it shows images, so I judged it as display clothing and not as hiding gear.

Who is paid. People buy it to wear, assuming it is sold openly, and the cloth can be copied, so clothing brands with 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 small prize. A garment that shows changing designs is a fashion novelty.

Who is paid. People buy it to wear, and the cloth can be copied, so clothing brands with shops 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. Cloth that never needs washing would save most homes a regular chore and its cost.

Who is paid. People buy it as clothing, and once the method spreads the clothing brands and shops they already buy from 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. Floating land would suit a few while dry land stays cheaper, so I judged it a niche.

Who is paid. Residents pay for a place aboard, and large builders and shipyards who can raise such structures collect, since none can stop the others.

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 far tougher alloy for armoured vehicles would change what an army's machines can survive.

Who is paid. Unlike the general-purpose alloys, this is armour, so armies pay and the firms that already hold vehicle 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. This is a shift and not a product, so I judged the method behind it: making goods with engineered organisms would change costs across several industries.

Who is paid. Manufacturers pay for the organisms and vats, and living tools can be regrown by others, so firms with plants and customers 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. Very strong thread from farm animals would change the cost of ropes, cables, protective cloth and structures.

Who is paid. Makers of cloth and cable buy it, and the animals breed and spread, so established fibre firms with plants and customers 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 spray that sets stone-hard is a useful building supply, as sprayed concrete already is.

Who is paid. Builders buy it, and many firms can mix such a spray, 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. Buildings that hold themselves up by active control could use far less material and survive quakes, changing building costs.

Who is paid. Developers buy it, and the method can be copied, so established builders and engineering firms 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 cannon that freezes its charge so it survives firing is a modest improvement to artillery armies already have.

Who is paid. Armies pay, and such guns are easy to copy, so the arms makers that already hold supply 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. Assuming a soldier carries it, it does much the same job as a gun, so the gain over a gun is modest.

Who is paid. Armies buy it with public money, and since rival makers can copy it the established arms suppliers with standing army contracts 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. Assuming a soldier carries it, it does much the same job as a gun, so the gain over a gun is modest.

Who is paid. Armies buy it with public money, and since rival makers can copy it the established arms suppliers with standing army contracts 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. Assuming a soldier carries it, it does much the same job as a gun, so the gain over a gun is modest.

Who is paid. Armies buy it with public money, and since rival makers can copy it the established arms suppliers with standing army contracts 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. Heavy beam weapons for warships would be a major line of arms spending for any space fleet.

Who is paid. Navies pay, and the yards and arms firms that already build and equip warships would fit 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. A heavy beam or a weapon fired from orbit lets a state strike or defend across great distances and would take a large share of what it spends on arms.

Who is paid. Only governments pay, and the few shipyards and space builders that already hold such contracts are the ones able to deliver it, so they 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.

No prize. A home system that kills intruders by itself is a deadly trap, which no householder may lawfully install.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, because automatic killing devices in homes are outlawed, though a version that only detects would find buyers.

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. Assuming a soldier carries it, it does much the same job as a gun, so the gain over a gun is modest.

Who is paid. Armies buy it with public money, and since rival makers can copy it the established arms suppliers with standing army contracts 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.

No prize. It exists only to inflict suffering, and no one may lawfully buy or use such a thing.

Who is paid. Torture devices are outlawed for everyone, governments included, so nothing is sold 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 device that wraps up or holds a person without hurting them is handy for police but a niche.

Who is paid. Police forces buy it, and it is simple to copy, so the suppliers police already use 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 find and attack targets without a soldier at risk would change how armies fight.

Who is paid. Armies buy it with public money, and since rival makers can copy it the established arms suppliers with standing army contracts 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. Carried in the hand, it does much the same job as a gun, so the gain over a gun is modest.

Who is paid. Armies buy it with public money, and since rival makers can copy it the established arms suppliers with standing army 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. Machines that find and attack targets by themselves would change how armies and police forces are staffed and equipped.

Who is paid. Governments pay, and since the parts are widely made and the designs easy to copy, the arms firms with the standing 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. Clothing that blends into any background helps soldiers hide but is one item of kit.

Who is paid. Armies buy it, and a new cloth can be taken apart and copied by rival makers, so the firms that already hold army clothing contracts 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 calls it a firearm, so it is one more kind of gun, a modest step over those armies already carry.

Who is paid. Armies buy it with public money, and since rival makers can copy it the established arms suppliers with standing army contracts 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 gun driven by magnets throws its shot faster but does the job guns already do.

Who is paid. Armies buy it with public money, and since rival makers can copy it the established arms suppliers with standing army contracts 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 hand beam for slicing materials is one cutting tool among many that workshops already have.

Who is paid. Assuming it is used as a tool, workshops and builders pay, and cutting beams rest on known science that many firms can make, 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 special-purpose explosive fills one narrow job.

Who is paid. Assuming armies are the buyers, governments pay, and existing explosives makers collect because such charges are 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 not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Hidden armour with added strength suits bodyguards and agents, a narrow group, where the open soldier suit serves whole armies.

Who is paid. Assuming guards and agents of the state are the buyers, makers of protective gear with state contracts 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.

No prize. It is a torture device, which no one may lawfully 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 small prize. A weapon kept ready to shut down a runaway machine mind is a safety device few sites need.

Who is paid. Firms running such machines buy it as a precaution, and it is simple enough for many to make.

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 mine that moves to find its target is a cleverer version of an old munition and stays a niche in an army's stores.

Who is paid. Armies pay, and such a device is simple to copy, so the munitions makers that already hold supply 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 machine that hunts and kills without a person steering it would let armies fight with far fewer soldiers, which changes what war costs.

Who is paid. Assuming lawful sale only to armies and police, governments pay, and since the parts are widely made, the defence suppliers with existing contracts 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 worn device against assault would matter to its users but be bought by few.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, and it is simple enough that many firms could 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 mine that moves to find its target is a cleverer version of an old munition and stays a niche in an army's stores.

Who is paid. Armies pay, and such a device is simple to copy, so the munitions makers that already hold supply 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. Eyewear that aims a gun for the wearer is a useful add-on and not much more.

Who is paid. Armies and police pay, assuming they are the main buyers, and the optics and arms firms that already supply them collect because the idea 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. Assuming wars are fought in space, warships for it would be an industry of their own.

Who is paid. Only governments field war fleets, and the few yards already able to build large spacecraft would win the orders.

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. It is one more kind of firearm, a modest step over the guns armies already carry.

Who is paid. Armies buy it with public money, and since rival makers can copy it the established arms suppliers with standing army contracts 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 device that holds an arrested person helpless is a niche tool for police, a better handcuff.

Who is paid. Police forces pay, and the firms that already supply them would make 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 gun driven by magnets throws its shot faster but does the job guns already do.

Who is paid. Armies buy it with public money, and since rival makers can copy it the established arms suppliers with standing army 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. Carried in the hand, it does much the same job as a gun, so the gain over a gun is modest.

Who is paid. Armies buy it with public money, and since rival makers can copy it the established arms suppliers with standing army 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.

No prize. A device fixed to people to force obedience through pain is a tool of torture, which no one may lawfully buy or use.

Who is paid. Assuming it counts as a torture device, it is outlawed for everyone, governments included, so nothing is sold.

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. Stopping a crowd through the phones people carry is a narrow tool of control.

Who is paid. The authorities pay, and it only works through the phone networks, so the firms that own those 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. A machine that hunts and kills without a person steering it would let armies fight with far fewer soldiers, which changes what war costs.

Who is paid. Assuming lawful sale only to armies and police, governments pay, and since the parts are widely made, the defence suppliers with existing contracts 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 tool that drains a car battery to stop it is a niche device.

Who is paid. Assuming police buy it to stop cars, it is simple to copy and the suppliers police already use 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. Seeing inside solid things would change inspection, mining, building and medicine.

Who is paid. Mines, builders, shippers and inspectors pay, and once built it can be copied, so the firms already making scanning and imaging gear 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. Watching activity behind solid barriers would change police raids, spying and war.

Who is paid. The description says it watches hidden activity, so spy and police services pay, and the firms already supplying 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. Reliable identity from the scent a person leaves behind would do for police and border checks what identity from a body sample does, enough for an industry.

Who is paid. Governments pay to run the checks, and the detector could be copied once made, so existing police and test suppliers 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. Seeing inside buried shelters and other closed places under the ground would change digging, rescue, inspection and scouting.

Who is paid. The description names a kind of place and not the watching of people, so like the other see-through beams firms that dig, build and inspect are assumed to pay, though armies would buy it too, and once built it can be copied, so the firms already making scanning and imaging gear 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. Looking inside solid stone would change mining, tunnelling and building.

Who is paid. Mines, builders, shippers and inspectors pay, and once built it can be copied, so the firms already making scanning and imaging gear 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. Spying machines too small to notice would change what police and spy services can learn, enough for an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Spy and police services pay, and once made they can be copied, so the firms already supplying such services 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 police robot that passes for another kind of robot serves undercover work, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Police forces pay, and gear sold to them goes through the firms that already hold their supply contracts.

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 lock that knows its owner by nerve signals is one more kind of lock, a convenience.

Who is paid. Firms and building owners buy it, and a lock that reads the body is easy for any maker 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 not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Hiding a body from life-sign sensors matters only to soldiers and agents, a niche.

Who is paid. Armies pay, and it could be copied once made, so the firms already holding army supply 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. Restraints that lock and open from a distance are a small improvement on handcuffs.

Who is paid. Police forces pay, and the device is simple to copy, so the firms already supplying police 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 large prize. Spying machines too small to notice would change what police and spy services can learn, enough for an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Spy and police services pay, and once made they can be copied, so the firms already supplying such services 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. Forecasting what people think from all they have read would be prized by sellers and campaigners, enough for an industry.

Who is paid. Firms wanting to sway people pay, and the firms that already see what people read hold the records 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 toxin scanner small enough to hide does the same work as the larger poison checker, worth an industry to those who make and serve food.

Who is paid. Assumes food makers, kitchens and inspectors are the main buyers; it can be copied, so the firms already making test instruments 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 promises only a sheet carrying sensors, a part for an instrument, and not sensing that spreads everywhere like the sensor dust or sees through rock like the ranging entries, so it is judged as a niche part.

Who is paid. Nothing says it watches people, so makers of instruments and vehicles are assumed to buy it, and since it could be copied the firms that already make sensors and electronics 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. Telling people from artificial copies matters only to the few who hunt such copies.

Who is paid. Police forces pay, and gear sold to them goes through the firms that already hold their supply contracts.

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 handheld recorder of depth footage is a specialist tool for police watching suspects.

Who is paid. Police forces pay, and it could be copied, so existing suppliers of police 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. Sorting large crowds quickly helps at borders, camps and checkpoints, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Assumes a state runs it at borders and checkpoints; the firms already supplying such posts 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. Hiding a body from life-sign sensors matters only to soldiers and agents, a niche.

Who is paid. Armies pay, and it could be copied once made, so the firms already holding army supply 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. Blocking every kind of electronic listening protects a private talk, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Firms with secrets to keep buy it, and many makers could build such a blocker 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 implant that reacts when an agent dies serves a small number of people on dangerous work.

Who is paid. Spy and military services pay, and it could be copied, so their existing suppliers 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 machines that gather traces at crime scenes speed up one part of police work, a niche.

Who is paid. Police laboratories pay, and the machines could be copied, so existing suppliers of police 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. A holographic licence card is a harder-to-forge version of a card people already carry.

Who is paid. Licensing offices pay, and the card is easy to copy, so the printers that already make identity documents 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 floating wall of guard machines would change the cost of protecting borders and whole districts, enough for an industry.

Who is paid. Governments pay for such barriers, and many firms could build the units, so those already holding security and defence contracts 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. Recording and sending out all a person sees is a life record, which many people would want if it worked.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it for themselves, and the firms that already make implants and carry the pictures 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. Crawling robots that sweep a building and check who is inside change what police can do in a search.

Who is paid. Spy and police services pay, and once made it can be copied, so the firms already supplying such services 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 full record of a person's life would be wanted by a great many people as memory, proof and protection, an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Ordinary people pay for it, and since recording is easy to copy the firms that already own the storage networks and devices 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. Stopping a fleeing car with sticky material is a narrow police tool.

Who is paid. Police forces pay, and it could be copied, so the firms already supplying police 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.