Expected in the 2040s

A large prize. Flinging or pushing payloads to space without big rockets would change the cost of the whole launch industry.

Who is paid. Firms with cargo to launch pay, and since others could build such works the gain goes to those who already own launch sites and power.

A model's judgement, 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. Metal and other materials from space rocks would be an industry of its own and could change the cost of raw materials.

Who is paid. Factories and builders buy the output, and since mining methods are easy to copy 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 large prize. Weight underfoot on any ship would be fitted almost everywhere people live in space, assuming here a generator and not a spinning hull.

Who is paid. Ship and station operators buy it, and once it worked other makers could copy it, 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 not very 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 large prize. Scheduled passenger travel between worlds would be a transport industry of its own.

Who is paid. The carrier buys the ship and sells the seats, and since many yards could build such a vessel 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 large prize. Scheduled passenger travel between worlds would be a transport industry of its own.

Who is paid. The carrier buys the ship and sells the seats, and since many yards could build such a vessel 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 large prize. Metal and other materials from space rocks would be an industry of its own and could change the cost of raw materials.

Who is paid. Factories and builders buy the output, and since mining methods are easy to copy 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. It is a tool for catching or shifting rock, useful only to those who mine in space.

Who is paid. Mining firms buy it, and makers of mining gear supply it since the design 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. Prospecting among space rocks is paid work, a service and not a product.

Who is paid. Mining firms and metal buyers pay the prospectors, and anyone can train for the 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. It is a tool for catching or shifting rock, useful only to those who mine in space.

Who is paid. Mining firms buy it, and makers of mining gear supply it since the design 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. 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. Racing rocket craft for sport is a costly pastime for a few racers and those who watch them.

Who is paid. Racers buy the craft and crowds pay to watch, and since any yard could build a racing craft the established builders of small craft 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 a launch track serving all cargo, this only moves ore from a mine, a tool within space mining.

Who is paid. Mining firms pay for it, and makers of mining and launch gear could all 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 private pleasure craft for hops above the air is a luxury for a few owners, like the other yachts.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy the craft for themselves, and since others could copy it the established vehicle builders and their 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. Unlike a mirror that remakes a whole world, this lights or warms chosen regions of the ground, worth an industry but not a new world.

Who is paid. Light falling on a region cannot be charged to each person under it, so a government is assumed to pay, and established satellite builders 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. 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 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. Warning of rocks ahead 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. It saves lives in a disaster, but it is safety equipment carried aboard a larger ship.

Who is paid. Ship operators pay for it as required safety gear, and shipbuilders supply it because the design 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 tiny craft for a lone occupant that also serves as a lifeboat is a niche fitting.

Who is paid. Ship operators pay for it as part of the craft, and established shipbuilders supply it since any of them 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 large prize. Metal and other materials from space rocks would be an industry of its own and could change the cost of raw materials.

Who is paid. Factories and builders buy the output, and since mining methods are easy to copy 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 net for catching small rocks is a tool within space mining, not the industry itself.

Who is paid. Mining firms buy it, and the makers of mining and space gear could all produce it, which is why it earns less than mining as a whole.

A model's judgement, 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 large prize. Water and air made on the Moon would spare hauling them from Earth, lowering costs for everything based there.

Who is paid. Firms working on the Moon buy the water and air, and baking rock is a method any miner could copy, so the operators that already hold the sites and plant 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. Giving a whole world air and a climate people can live in would open new land for a large share of humanity.

Who is paid. Only a government could fund work on a whole world, and the large engineering firms that already hold such contracts would be paid to do 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 place for Moon dwellers to unwind is a local leisure spot, a convenience.

Who is paid. The people living there pay to visit, and the building is easy to copy, so whoever already holds ground and supply lines on the Moon collects.

A model's judgement, not 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. Snagging cargo off a planet from a passing craft would be a new and cheaper way to lift goods to space.

Who is paid. Shippers pay to send cargo up, and once it was shown to work another line could be flown, so the builders and carriers already in the trade 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 sail pushed by light that carries a ship to another star would open other stars to those who go, a transport industry of its own.

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 small prize. A small craft for a lone pilot or a short job is a niche form of space transport.

Who is paid. Firms working in space buy it as working gear, 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 fairly sure of this one.

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 small prize. Unlike a working ship, this sail craft is raced for sport, a costly pastime for a few.

Who is paid. Private racers buy it, and makers of sails and small craft could all build it, 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 not very sure of this one.

A small prize. It is a detail of a suit, useful to the wearer but not a product by itself.

Who is paid. Space operators pay for it within the suit, and suit makers supply it because the design 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. An arena for a floating combat sport is a venue for a niche pastime.

Who is paid. Sports promoters are assumed to pay for the arena and charge the crowd, and any habitat builder could make such a hall.

A model's judgement, not 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 outpost in orbit for people to live and work in is a building industry of its own; the long cable is a design choice.

Who is paid. A station 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 large prize. Holidays in orbit would be a travel industry of its own.

Who is paid. Guests pay for their stay, and since another resort could be built the gain goes to the firms that already own the stations and the ships that reach them.

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

A small prize. A cycling track is one amusement inside a resort, a convenience.

Who is paid. Guests pay through the resort, and the track is easy to copy, so the resort owners 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 weightless hall for training cadets serves only a military school.

Who is paid. The armed forces pay, and the contractors that already build their training sites would supply it.

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

A small prize. A small craft for a lone pilot or a short job is a niche form of space transport.

Who is paid. Firms working in space buy it as working gear, 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 fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A living greenhouse keeps a crew fed and the air fresh, but it is a part of the craft, not an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Ship operators pay for it within the craft, and established shipbuilders supply it because others could copy it.

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

A small prize. A robot that samples the seas of distant moons gathers knowledge, which is valuable but which nobody buys as a product.

Who is paid. The findings cannot be charged for, so a government pays, and the builders that already hold science 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 small prize. Making breathable air from what another planet offers is essential to a camp there, but it is a piece of life support and not an industry of its own.

Who is paid. No user is named, so it is assumed that expedition firms buy it like other working gear, and established makers of life support could all 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. Cushioning for troops landing at speed serves only armed forces.

Who is paid. The armed forces pay, and the contractors that already supply their landing 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 vast prize. A machine that runs a whole society's affairs touches every person's food, work and safety.

Who is paid. I assume a machine that runs a whole society 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 viewer that shows what might have been, built from the user's own beliefs, is a curiosity and an entertainment.

Who is paid. Curious people pay for a look, and I assume that once one had been built others could learn to build their own, 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 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 large prize. A rule that keeps robots from harming people is what lets them be trusted in homes and workplaces, which the robot trade depends on, and I judged it as a working part of the robot.

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 vast prize. Judged as a working technology and not as the danger the story shows, machines that improve themselves would speed every kind of mental work and change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms pay for the work done, and I assume whoever holds the best machine 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 small prize. A tiny simulated world to watch and shape is a hobby.

Who is paid. Hobbyists buy it, and I assume that once one firm had made such a world others could too, 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. Running a whole city's machinery by computer would change the cost of city services.

Who is paid. The city government pays, and once thinking machines exist the firms that already hold city 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 not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Running a whole city's machinery by computer would change the cost of city services.

Who is paid. The city government pays, and once thinking machines exist the firms that already hold city 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 not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A computer grown from living nerve cells that outdid ordinary chips would change the cost of computing for one industry after another.

Who is paid. Firms that need computing pay, and I assume others could learn to grow such tissue in time, so the firms that already sell computing 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 vast prize. One machine that holds and handles everything known 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 vast prize. One machine that holds and handles everything known 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 large prize. A computer grown from living parts would be a new kind of computing plant, worth an industry if it beat what it replaced.

Who is paid. Firms that need computing pay, and I assume others could learn to grow such parts in time, so the firms that already sell computing 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, which would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to use it, but the plans are handed to all of humanity, so anyone may build it and 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 truly reasons its way through problems, whatever logic it runs on, 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 new way to give a computer its orders is a convenience and not a new capability.

Who is paid. People buy it as an add-on to machines they already own, assuming the implant is simple enough for many firms 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. Unlike other worn computers, a private display in front of the eyes could replace most other screens, which is worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, and since rivals can copy the design, the firms that already own gadget factories, shops 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 not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Folding or bending is a convenience added to a pocket computer people would own anyway.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, and the firms that already make and sell pocket computers add the feature 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 simulated world with lifelike touch is an entertainment and training industry of its own, of which raising a pretend infant is one use.

Who is paid. People pay for it as they pay for games and films, and since the machinery can be copied the owners of the popular worlds 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. A slate that both takes and shows pictures is a handy camera and album in one.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, and it is assumed to be ordinary camera and screen work that many firms can do.

A model's judgement, not 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. Assuming the planets are settled as in the story, a message link among them carries all their trade and news, an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Assuming firms and settlers pay by the message, nothing described stops a rival from building its own stations, so the carriers and fleet owners who already hold the home networks where every message starts and ends, and the ships to place and tend stations, 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 wipes out projected images is a niche tool against trickery.

Who is paid. I assumed police and armies want it, so a government pays its usual equipment suppliers.

A model's judgement, not 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. Advertising that reaches straight into a viewer's mind would be worth a great deal to every seller of goods, though the story's law forbids it.

Who is paid. Advertisers who ignore the ban pay, and once the trick is known any agency could use it and the law pursues whoever does, 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. Entertainment that fills every sense would be a new industry beside cinema and games.

Who is paid. Assuming people pay at the door of a venue, others could build such centres once one existed, so the entertainment firms that own the stories and the sites 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 lifelike moving portrait is a keepsake.

Who is paid. Families buy it, and anyone with the equipment could make such portraits, 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 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. A networked intimacy service that people cannot put down would draw spending on the scale of an industry.

Who is paid. Users pay; I assumed it stays legal and can be copied, so the firms that own the phone network it runs on 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 room-sized picture with depth that you can step into would replace flat screens for home entertainment.

Who is paid. Assuming it is fitted in homes, 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. Pictures felt through the skin would help people who cannot see and be a novelty for others.

Who is paid. Assuming people buy it for themselves, it needs no rare part and many firms could make it, so no seller keeps much.

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

A large prize. Information laid over what you see would change many jobs and daily errands; I judged the promise, which is larger than what has been sold.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it; the glasses can be copied, so the firms that already hold the software and the information shown 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. Calls that reveal any eavesdropping matter greatly to a few callers with secrets and little to everyone else.

Who is paid. Firms and officials with secrets pay extra for it, the method comes from known physics that others could use, 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 fairly sure of this one.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A small prize. A hopping robot that carries small loads over rough ground is a niche carrier, whatever its cargo in the story.

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

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

A vast prize. A humanlike robot that takes over a worker's role in full could do most kinds of human work, which would change how most people work.

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

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

A large prize. Robots that do all upkeep and repair aboard a ship would cut crew costs across shipping.

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

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

A vast prize. A machine that examines, diagnoses and treats would bring a doctor's care within reach of nearly everyone.

Who is paid. I assumed hospitals and clinics buy it; once built others could copy it, so established makers of medical equipment collect.

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

A large prize. Flawless operations done by machine would change the costs and reach of surgery.

Who is paid. Hospitals would buy it, and other firms could build such machines, so established makers of surgical 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 vast prize. Standing in fully for sleep would hand nearly every adult many more waking hours, changing how most people live and work.

Who is paid. People would buy it for themselves, and a new drug 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 fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. It serves only people who work in space or under unusual gravity, which is a niche.

Who is paid. I assumed employers and space carriers buy it for their crews; a new drug is protected from copying for a while, so its maker keeps 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 not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Man-made living tissue for repair would change the cost of surgery.

Who is paid. Hospitals pay, and established medical suppliers collect because tissue multiplies and a sample is enough to 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. Ending the craving for alcohol would lift a heavy burden from a great many families.

Who is paid. I assumed it is a home appliance people buy for themselves; other makers could copy the machine, so established appliance makers and shops collect.

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

A large prize. Ending dependence on drink would serve a great many people and families.

Who is paid. Drinkers and their families pay, and makers of medical machines collect because the machine 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 doctor would bring care to most people at lower cost.

Who is paid. I assumed hospitals and clinics buy it; once built others could copy it, so established makers of medical equipment collect.

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

A small prize. 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 large prize. A robot that keeps the injured alive would change emergency care.

Who is paid. Ambulance services and hospitals pay, and makers of medical equipment collect since the robot 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 calming puff from a phone is a convenience added to something people already carry.

Who is paid. People would buy it as part of a phone, and any phone maker could add it, so established phone 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. Ornaments under the skin are fashion.

Who is paid. Wearers would buy them, and many workshops could make 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 fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A chamber for one kind of therapy serves a narrow group of patients.

Who is paid. I assumed clinics buy it; the chamber could be copied, so established makers of clinic equipment collect.

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

A small prize. Hands for dolphins serve a very small group of users.

Who is paid. I assumed firms and researchers who work with dolphins buy them; simple gripping tools can be made by many, 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. Eating freely without gaining weight is something a great many people would pay for.

Who is paid. People would buy it for themselves, and I assumed it is sold as a medicine and protected from copying for a while as new medicines are, 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. Choosing a baby's sex at home is something a great many parents would pay for.

Who is paid. Parents buy it in shops, and I assumed it is protected like a new medicine, 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 not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Man-made skin helps people with burns and bad wounds, which is an important but 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. The name is of the person, so the thing judged is the powered chair that keeps a very frail body alive, which serves a small group of people.

Who is paid. Patients would pay, mostly through insurers or health services, and several equipment makers could build such a chair, so established makers of medical equipment collect.

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

A small prize. Restoring fluids and body chemistry by machine saves ward staff some routine work, which is a convenience.

Who is paid. I assumed hospitals and clinics buy it; such a station is easy to copy, so established makers of hospital equipment collect.

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

A small prize. Extra muscle by surgery appeals to a few people who want strength for work or show.

Who is paid. People would buy it for themselves, and other surgeons could learn it, so established 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 large prize. A living computer that treats from inside the body would be worth an industry in medicine.

Who is paid. Hospitals pay, and established drug and device firms collect because living tissue multiplies and a sample is enough to 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. 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 medicine for lasting memory would be wanted by students, workers and the old.

Who is paid. People pay for the medicine, and the developer keeps the gain because a new medicine is protected from copying.

A model's judgement, 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 birth control is wanted by a large share of adults, though other methods already exist.

Who is paid. People would buy it for themselves, and other makers could copy it, so established drug firms with the 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. Seeing in the deep sea serves a few divers.

Who is paid. Firms that employ divers would buy them, and I assumed other lens makers could copy 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. The name is of the person, so the thing judged is the fitting of engineered and artificial parts to the body, which taken together covers replacement eyes, limbs and organs and is an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Patients would pay, mostly through insurers or health services, and other firms could copy the parts, so established implant makers and the hospitals that fit 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 small prize. Man-made skin helps people with burns and bad wounds, which is an important but 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.

No prize. It is done to a person without their say, to hurt them, break their mind or override their will or body, which no one may lawfully buy or use.

Who is paid. Assuming it is outlawed for everyone, governments and employers included, 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.

No prize. It is done to a person without their say, to hurt them, break their mind or override their will or body, which no one may lawfully buy or use.

Who is paid. Assuming it is outlawed for everyone, governments and employers included, 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 large prize. A screen in the eye itself is the same promise as other eye displays, a personal screen always in view, which is worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. People pay to have it fitted, and the firms that already make displays and the clinics that fit implants 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 switch in the teeth is a handy control for implants a person already has.

Who is paid. Those with implants would pay for it, and a switch is simple for anyone 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. I assume it is a toy set whose escape happens in the players' own heads, which makes it a pastime.

Who is paid. Players would buy the dolls and fittings themselves, and since any workshop could make them the toy sellers with known names and shops would collect.

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

A large prize. Sleep on command would be worth an industry of its own to the many people who sleep badly.

Who is paid. People who sleep badly would buy it for themselves, and the gear is simple enough for many makers to copy, so no seller keeps much.

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

A large prize. A drink that sharpens thinking would be wanted by everyone whose work is mental.

Who is paid. People would buy it for themselves as they buy any stimulant, and many makers could brew it once the recipe was 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. Pleasure on demand from a current in the brain would draw as many buyers as any vice, harmful as the story shows it to be.

Who is paid. Users would pay for it themselves, and a wire and a small current are simple 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. Passing thoughts to others by machine is a new way to talk, and speech and telephones already do the job for nearly everyone.

Who is paid. Ordinary people would buy it for themselves, and once one maker could decode thought 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 not very sure of this one.

A large prize. This is the plug-in part of the pleasure implant, and I judged it with the implant: pleasure on demand would draw as many buyers as any vice, harmful as the story shows it to be.

Who is paid. Users would pay for it themselves, and a wire and a small current are simple 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. Pleasure on demand from a current in the brain would draw as many buyers as any vice, harmful as the story shows it to be.

Who is paid. Users would pay for it themselves, and a wire and a small current are simple 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.

No prize. It is done to a person without their say, to hurt them, break their mind or override their will or body, which no one may lawfully buy or use.

Who is paid. Assuming it is outlawed for everyone, governments and employers included, 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 large prize. Direct stimulation of the reward regions would draw a large and steady demand, as strong drugs do.

Who is paid. Users would buy it for themselves, legal or not, and it is simple enough that many 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 not very sure of this one.

A small prize. The story says only that it scrambles a person's senses; I assumed a tool for subduing someone, which is a narrow use.

Who is paid. I assumed a government pays, and the firms that already supply prisons and security services 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 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 large prize. A screen in the eye itself is the same promise as other eye displays, a personal screen always in view, which is worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. People pay to have it fitted, and the firms that already make displays and the clinics that fit implants 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 gadget that gives an altered state for fun would draw the kind of steady demand that drugs do.

Who is paid. Users would buy it for themselves, legal or not, and it is simple enough that many 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 not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. Capturing all a person perceives and thinks for keeping answers the basic wish not to be lost at death.

Who is paid. I assume the capture is full enough to stand as a copy of the person, as the story intends. People would pay whatever they could to keep a copy of themselves, and since the method could be copied the firms that already hold the stores, bodies and clinics would collect.

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

A large prize. Working out what a person is thinking from a scan would change how crimes are solved and secrets are kept, whether or not the person scanned agrees.

Who is paid. The scan is run and read by someone other than the person scanned, so I assumed police, courts and spy services are the main buyers, and since the software could be copied the firms that already supply them would collect.

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

No prize. It is done to a person without their say, to hurt them, break their mind or override their will or body, which no one may lawfully buy or use.

Who is paid. Assuming it is outlawed for everyone, governments and employers included, 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. This names a person, but the surgery behind it, wiring a pilot to an undersea machine, is a better set of controls where 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 large prize. Helping autistic children manage daily life and learning would be worth a great deal to many families.

Who is paid. Families or their insurers would pay, and the makers of medical implants who already hold hospital trust 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. Wheels that roll any way make parking and turning easier, which is a convenience.

Who is paid. Owners pay for them through the price of the vehicle, and the tyre and vehicle makers that already have 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. Crossing the world in a short arc through the edge of space would be an industry of its own beside the airlines.

Who is paid. The carrier or fleet operator that runs the rocket service 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 large prize. A pipe to every home that delivers goods would take over much of the work of shops and delivery vans in a city.

Who is paid. I assume the city pays for the pipes as it pays for water mains, 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. Moving pavements that carry crowds over long distances would replace trains and roads on their routes, which would change the cost of travel there.

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 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. Setting a flying car neatly into its space is a convenience for drivers.

Who is paid. I assume the owners of parking places fit the beams, and the firms that already equip such places 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 field that keeps everyone in a vehicle unhurt in any collision does far more than the cushions and bags beside it, which only soften a crash, and ending injury on the roads would change the costs of motoring, insurance and emergency care.

Who is paid. Owners pay for it through the price of the vehicle, and I assume that once the field is shown to work other firms could build it, so the established vehicle makers 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 not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Flapping wings give an aircraft more agile flight, but it does the work aircraft and rotor craft already do.

Who is paid. Airlines and other operators pay for it through the aircraft, and the established aircraft 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 small prize. Flapping wings give an aircraft more agile flight, but it does the work aircraft and rotor craft already do.

Who is paid. Airlines and other operators pay for it through the aircraft, and the established aircraft 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. 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. I assume the warriors buy their own craft as others buy a car, and the weapons do not make it harder to copy, so the vehicle makers that already have factories 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. Crossing the world in a short arc above the air would be an industry of its own beside the airlines.

Who is paid. The carrier or fleet operator that runs the rocket service 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 rescue aircraft held up by spinning cylinders is another way to do what rescue aircraft already do.

Who is paid. Hospitals and rescue services buy it, and the established aircraft 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. Electricity made in orbit and sent down day and night would change what power costs on the ground.

Who is paid. Power companies buy the output, and the firms that already own rockets and the ground grid collect, assuming the collectors themselves 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 large prize. Sending power through open space with no cables would change what it costs to deliver electricity.

Who is paid. Firms buy power for their machines, and since the trick is copyable the companies that already own power stations and the delivery network 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. Sunlight collected in orbit and sent down day and night would change what power costs on the ground.

Who is paid. Power companies buy the output, and the firms that already own rockets and the ground grid collect, assuming the collectors themselves 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 large prize. Power sent across space from a hot world would supply whole settlements that have no other source.

Who is paid. Only governments could fund a work this size for whole settlements, and whoever builds the one station controls a supply nobody else can match.

A model's judgement, not 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. Receivers that take power sent through the air would change what it costs to deliver electricity.

Who is paid. Firms buy power for their machines, and since the trick is copyable the companies that already own power stations and the delivery network 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. Electricity from joining light atoms would change what power costs, with fuel that is easy to find.

Who is paid. Power companies buy the plants, and they are so hard to build that the first firm to make one work can hold off copiers for a long 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 large prize. A pigment that catches sunlight far better than plants would cut what solar power and grown fuel cost.

Who is paid. Panel makers and growers 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. Where engines and fuel exist a better working animal is a niche, though in the story's fuel-starved world it would matter far more.

Who is paid. Farms and hauliers buy the animals, and since living stock multiplies once any of it is sold, no originator can hold it, so the stock breeders and dealers that already supply working animals 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 spring that stores energy with almost no loss would change what it costs to store and carry power.

Who is paid. Vehicle and machine makers buy it, and since storage designs tend to be copied the firms that already own the big 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. Where engines and fuel exist a better working animal is a niche, though in the story's fuel-starved world it would matter far more.

Who is paid. Workshops and mills buy the beasts, and since living stock multiplies once any of it is sold, no originator can hold it, so the stock breeders and dealers that already supply working animals 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 very thin, very strong wire would change the cost of cables and structures; being too fine to see does not alter that.

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 large prize. Window glazing that cannot shatter would change the glass trade for buildings and vehicles.

Who is paid. Builders and vehicle makers buy it, and being unbreakable does not stop a second maker, so the big glass 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 hull covering against the dangers of space is one part of a spacecraft, like the exhaust shield in the first batch.

Who is paid. Spacecraft builders buy it, assuming space travel is a modest trade, and an alloy recipe gets copied, so established metal 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 partly living jelly has no use named, so I assumed a minor one such as padding or dressing.

Who is paid. Firms might buy it for such uses, and a living material can be grown by many, 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. Cloth that shields its wearer from energy blasts is protective kit for fighters, 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 large prize. A strong see-through material fit for domes and whole spacecraft 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. Protection from extreme heat matters to the few who must work in such places; I assumed it is gear for those workers and not something everyone on a hot world must own.

Who is paid. Employers of people in hot places buy it, and makers of safety gear who already supply them can copy and 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. A strong metal for structures that fold and unfold would cut the cost of shelters and vehicles that must travel light.

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 not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A steel far tougher than the ordinary kind would change the cost of structures, vehicles and machines.

Who is paid. Builders and manufacturers buy it, and a metal recipe gets copied, so the established steel 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 small prize. A suit that hardens when struck protects those who face blows or debris, 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 large prize. A thread of extraordinary pulling strength would change the cost of cables, bridges and lifting things to space.

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 large prize. A light metal that soaks up heat without warming would change the cooling of engines, machines and electronics.

Who is paid. Manufacturers 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. Cloth that blends into the background helps soldiers and hunters hide but still leaves them visible up close, so it is a niche.

Who is paid. Armies are the main buyers, and the firms that already hold uniform and 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 reel for a very fine thread is a tool that goes with the thread, not an industry.

Who is paid. Users of the thread buy it, and any toolmaker can build a reel, 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 far tougher armour for war machines 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 weapons 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. A whole-body second skin is special clothing for a few uses.

Who is paid. People buy it to wear, I assume, and the garment 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 not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Growing circuits in place of building them in costly plants would change the cost of electronics.

Who is paid. Device makers buy the circuits, and once the method spreads the electronics firms with designs 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. Gear that blends into its surroundings helps soldiers and hunters, and it only blends in without making the wearer vanish.

Who is paid. Armies pay, assuming they are the main buyers, and the firms that already hold military supply contracts 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 skin that soaks up light or glows gives machines power and display, which is a feature and not an industry.

Who is paid. Robot makers buy it, and once understood many materials firms could make such a skin.

A model's judgement, not 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. Concrete from Moon soil matters only to those building on the Moon, which is a niche.

Who is paid. I assumed space agencies pay for most Moon building, and their usual contractors can all mix it from soil lying free.

A model's judgement, not 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. Flexible armour for joints is a useful part of protective kit, 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 gathers power from surrounding sound would keep small worn devices running without a battery, which is a convenience.

Who is paid. Makers of clothing and gadgets buy it, and many textile firms could copy it, so no seller keeps much.

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

A small prize. A cable that moves on command is a clever tool for climbers, riggers and rescue crews.

Who is paid. Working crews buy it, and many equipment firms could build one, so no seller keeps much.

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

No prize. It is dust left by worn-out tiny machines, a waste and not a product.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold; it is debris that gathers by itself.

A model's judgement, 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. Walls that clean off sprayed paint save owners a recurring nuisance.

Who is paid. Building owners and cities buy it, and a coating can be studied and matched by many paint firms.

A model's judgement, 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 fibre both very strong and very flexible would change the cost of cables, aircraft and structures.

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. A metal that glows by itself is a decorative and lighting convenience.

Who is paid. Builders and designers buy it, and once understood many metal 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. 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. Plating that only stops beams and blasts, without adding strength, is ordinary protective kit for the few who fight in space.

Who is paid. A government's space forces pay, and plating is easy to copy, so the firms already making armour and suits 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 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 fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Unlike a device for hurting a held prisoner, a hand weapon that stops an opponent through pain is something guards may lawfully carry, but it is a niche beside their other arms.

Who is paid. Police and prison services pay, and the firms that already supply them would add it to their range 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. Judged as if it worked, a weapon that surely stops a person at a distance without harming them does what no gun can, and police and guards everywhere would carry it in place of firearms.

Who is paid. Police forces and armies buy it with public money, and since rival makers could copy it once it was shown, the suppliers that already hold their 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 suit that makes one soldier as strong and as hard to kill as a vehicle would change what an army costs and how it fights.

Who is paid. Armies pay, and since several engineering firms could build such suits, the defence suppliers that already hold 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 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. 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. Assuming these are guided weapons that hit exactly what they are aimed at, they are the main heavy weapon of modern forces and an industry of their own.

Who is paid. Armies pay, and since the idea is easy to copy once shown, the arms firms that already hold the supply contracts 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.

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 large prize. A suit that makes one soldier as strong and as hard to kill as a vehicle would change what an army costs and how it fights.

Who is paid. Armies pay, and since several engineering firms could build such suits, the defence suppliers that already hold 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. A beam weapon carried in the hand 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. Striking any point on the ground from orbit would be a major arm of a great power's forces.

Who is paid. Governments pay, and the rocket and arms firms that already launch and build for them would win the work, since the idea itself is simple.

A model's judgement, 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 new way of throwing a projectile from a soldier's gun is a variation on weapons 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. An exotic blade is a curiosity for a few buyers, since a knife already cuts well enough.

Who is paid. A few people buy one for themselves, and assuming others can learn to make the edge once it is shown, 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 baton that drops a suspect on contact is a modest improvement on gear police already carry.

Who is paid. Police forces pay, and such batons are easy 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 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. Striking an enemy from the air changed how wars are fought and supports a whole industry of warplanes and their arms.

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. Live pictures of nearby places from a beam on the wrist would change scouting, rescue and inspection.

Who is paid. Nothing says it watches people, so firms are assumed to pay; once built it can be copied, so the firms already making 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. A machine that reliably shows whether someone is lying would change courts, policing and hiring.

Who is paid. Courts and police pay first, and once it works others could build it, so the firms already supplying police and courts 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. Judged as the forecasting computer behind it, knowing of crimes before they happen would change policing altogether.

Who is paid. Assumes the thing sold is the forecasting computer; the state pays, and the firms already building its computer 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 living insect turned into a watcher is a niche spy tool, since small flying machines do the same job more reliably.

Who is paid. Spy services pay, and the few firms already trusted with secret supply work collect because others could copy the method.

A model's judgement, not 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 door that knows its owner's brain pattern is a fancier lock, a convenience.

Who is paid. Firms guarding secure rooms buy it, assuming office use, and once built it could be copied by any lock maker 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 home alarm that frightens intruders away is a niche addition to ordinary home security.

Who is paid. Householders buy it, and the firms that already sell and fit home alarms collect because it 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 not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A recorder that judges whether speech is honest would change courts, policing and hiring, as the other truth readers would.

Who is paid. Courts and police are assumed to be the main buyers, and once made it can be copied, so 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 small prize. A sheath that hides who the wearer is serves a few undercover agents.

Who is paid. Assumes police running undercover agents are the buyers, as in the story; 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 not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Measuring and mapping what cannot be seen by eye changes the costs of travel, mapping and digging, an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Transport, mapping and mining firms buy it, and it can be copied, so established instrument makers with factories 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 small prize. Telling people from manufactured 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.

No prize. Chips that force workers to obey are forbidden, so no one at all may buy or use them.

Who is paid. Nothing is lawfully sold, so no one 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 large prize. An implant that helps, records and talks for its wearer would replace the personal devices most people carry, though many would refuse surgery.

Who is paid. Ordinary people pay, and it could be copied, so the firms that already own device brands and 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 turned into a watcher is a niche spy tool, since small flying machines do the same job more reliably.

Who is paid. Spy services pay, and the few firms already trusted with secret supply work collect because others could copy the method.

A model's judgement, not 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. Plants that keep the air fresh serve only the few people living in sealed habitats.

Who is paid. Whoever runs the habitat pays, assumed to be a government, and since living stock multiplies once any of it is sold, no originator can hold it, so the growers and suppliers that already serve such habitats 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. Reaping and baking in one machine is a convenience over a harvester and a bakery working apart.

Who is paid. Farm and bakery firms buy it, and I assumed it is easy to copy, so the farm machinery makers with 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 small prize. A growing tunnel on the Moon feeds a small settlement, not a wide market.

Who is paid. Firms working on the Moon pay for it, and because it must hold air against vacuum, the builders that already make sealed shelters 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. Weather shaped as a show is an entertainment for a small audience.

Who is paid. I assumed spectators and patrons pay the performers, and anyone with the gear and the skill can stage one, so no seller keeps much.

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

A large prize. Keeping frozen ground frozen across wide stretches would protect roads, pipelines and towns in cold lands.

Who is paid. Governments pay to protect land nobody can be charged for, and I assumed the new material is hard to copy, so its first 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 not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A crop that grows meat would cut the cost of meat across the whole trade.

Who is paid. Growers buy the plants, and since living stock multiplies once any of it is sold, no originator can hold it, so the seed houses and nurseries that already hold stock, land and sales channels 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. Trees that make usable oil in quantity would change the costs of the fuel and oil trade.

Who is paid. Planters and mills buy the trees, and since living stock multiplies once any of it is sold, no originator can hold it, so the nurseries and forestry firms that already hold stock, land and sales channels 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. This is a profession and not a product, so I judged the work it sells: making and shaping whole landscapes to order would be an industry of its own.

Who is paid. I assumed developers and cities hire these designers, and it is a skilled trade that many people can train for, so no one 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. Meat from an organism that grows only the edible parts would cut the cost of meat across the whole trade.

Who is paid. Meat producers buy the stock, and since living stock multiplies once any of it is sold, no originator can hold it, so the breeders and farm suppliers that already hold stock, sheds and sales channels 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. Sheltering a whole city from weather is a public work on the scale of an industry.

Who is paid. No citizen could be charged singly for the roof over everyone, so the city pays, and the large construction firms that already win such contracts collect.

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

A small prize. A tower sealed off from the city is a luxury retreat for a few rich households.

Who is paid. Rich households buy places in it, and since others could build the same, developers who already hold land and money 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 flying ball game is an entertainment for players and watchers, not a need.

Who is paid. Players and spectators pay, and nobody can own a sport, so any club or maker of small flying machines can take part.

A model's judgement, not 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 whose see-through quality changes with distance is a fashion novelty.

Who is paid. Households buy it, and once the cloth exists any clothing maker could copy it, so no seller keeps much.

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

A small prize. A home that reshapes itself to its occupants' moods is a striking feature of a house, but it does not make housing cheaper or more plentiful.

Who is paid. Households buy it, and once shown it could be copied, so home builders who already hold land and buyers 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. Keeping floating adverts out of the home removes an annoyance in a world that has them.

Who is paid. People buy it for peace at home, and once the trick of blocking the images is known any electronics maker 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 small prize. Blocking floating adverts removes an annoyance in a world that has them.

Who is paid. People buy it for peace at home, and once the trick of cancelling the images is known any electronics maker 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. A whole town inside a building is a new way of housing and serving a community, and its self-rule changes who governs, not what is sold.

Who is paid. Residents buy or lease the homes and shops inside, as they would in any large development, and since others could put up such a structure the developers and landowners who already hold the sites 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. Pushing things with light is gentle, so its use is mostly driving light sails and nudging objects in space.

Who is paid. Space agencies would pay, and the firms that already build their lasers and craft would supply it.

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

A large prize. Normal weight on ships and stations would make living and working in space healthy and practical, which is an industry's worth but only for those off Earth.

Who is paid. Ship and station builders would fit it as standard, and with nothing to stop copying, those 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 beam of magnetic force is mostly a weapon against metal ships, a narrow use.

Who is paid. I assume armed forces are the buyers, and their existing suppliers 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 new spectator sport is entertainment, a niche.

Who is paid. Fans pay to watch, and since a sport is easy to copy, those who already own teams, grounds and broadcast deals 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 new spectator sport is entertainment, a niche.

Who is paid. Fans pay to watch, and since a sport is easy to copy, those who already own teams, grounds and broadcast deals 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. This is a name for a kind of person, not a thing that can be built or sold.

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. In the story people are bound to use up goods, and a machine that does it for them spares them a chore; I judged it by that promise.

Who is paid. Households pay, and I assumed any maker of humanlike robots could supply one, so no seller keeps much.

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

A large prize. A floating city outside every nation's law would draw enough trade to be an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Firms pay for space on an island outside any nation's law, and since anyone with the means could float a rival, the shipyards and marine builders able to make such platforms 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.