And An Excellent Keith Laumer Reference Goes Underappreciated

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the appreciation of Keith Laumer's works, particularly the Dinochrome Brigade and Bolos, which are autonomous cybertanks invented by GM. The author expresses concern that their child, a fabricator in GM's autonomous car division, is unaware of these influential concepts despite her success in opening a trade school for five-axis milling machines. The conversation highlights the intersection of advanced manufacturing technology and science fiction, emphasizing the cultural significance of Laumer's creations in the context of AI and military themes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of autonomous vehicle technology
  • Familiarity with five-axis milling machines
  • Knowledge of science fiction literature, specifically Keith Laumer's works
  • Awareness of AI concepts and their portrayal in media
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the history and technology behind five-axis milling machines
  • Explore Keith Laumer's Dinochrome Brigade series and its themes
  • Investigate the design and functionality of autonomous cybertanks
  • Learn about AI perspectives in science fiction literature
USEFUL FOR

Readers interested in the intersection of advanced manufacturing, science fiction enthusiasts, and those exploring the implications of AI in military applications.

BigDon
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My youngest is a fabricator for GM, working in their autonomous car division. She's doing so well she just opened a trade school to teach people how to use a five axis milling machine, with her own money no less AND still keeping her day job. (Lord! five axis milling machines cost over a $100,000! For the basics!)

My lament? She's never heard of the Dinochrome Brigade, or even Bolos for that matter!

(Bolos are autonomous cybertanks. Most models above Mark 19 were considered self-aware with the highest I've read being the Mark 32 Stupendous.) The higher end models had firepower ratings of "megatons per second" with 28 mps and above for Marks 30 and higher.

According to the series author they were invented by GM.
 
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Allow me to offer a 387b - Commiseration on lack of posts, combined with 115a - amazement that there isn't a list of Diplomatic Communication Contractions on the web, somewhere.
 
If she's into gaming at all, you could try point her at the Steam version of Steve Jackson's game "Ogre". But she may not have copious amounts of spare time to appreciate it from the sound of things.
 
BigDon said:
My youngest is a fabricator for GM, working in their autonomous car division. She's doing so well she just opened a trade school to teach people how to use a five axis milling machine, with her own money no less AND still keeping her day job. (Lord! five axis milling machines cost over a $100,000! For the basics!)

My lament? She's never heard of the Dinochrome Brigade, or even Bolos for that matter!

(Bolos are autonomous cybertanks. Most models above Mark 19 were considered self-aware with the highest I've read being the Mark 32 Stupendous.) The higher end models had firepower ratings of "megatons per second" with 28 mps and above for Marks 30 and higher.

According to the series author they were invented by GM.
I must admit I haven't read the books yet. I'm under the impression (from reading Atomic Rockets) that it's the only really successful shot at writing an adventure where the protagonist/vantage point is an AI.

It goes nicely hand in hand with my post here though:

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/good-online-reads.1003616/

There's a lot of operatic militarism, extended lifespans (wink to yet another thread here) and, yes, AI POV there.

EDIT: Cudos to your progeny btw. No wonder you're proud. :)