Warbot for Children: From Sci-Fi Worldbuilding to Sci-Fi Writing
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
I’m sci-fi writer Casey Hudson, and I’m worlbuilding a child-controlled warbot for my Drifting Amalgams universe. Here’s how I’m transforming worldbuilding questions and real-world ideas into remote-driven reconnaissance assistants.
Rather watch a video?
Check out the YouTube version of this blog post.
Worldbuilding Intrigue Rooted in Stagnation
The current state of an intercultural relationship is as much about history as it is about the assumptions and actions of the present leadership.
As I’m worldbuilding alliances and conflicted relationships for my Drifting Amalgams universe, one thing I think about is whether there are any advantages or disadvantages to a relationship being in its current state.
In the case of the Oomfr’crumf Nation, having a relationship that’s stagnant is proving to be harmful.
The relationship in question is with a very technologically advanced government. And that government found a new partner when Oomfr’crumf Nation shunned them.
That may have been fine if the new partner weren’t “the enemy.” Now, a stagnant relationship may just change the nature of war.
With military tech bolstering the other side's defenses, there is one new device that is having a real impact.
In a word: Warbot.
Worldbuilding a Warbot from Med-Mech
For some in my Drifting Amalgams universe, war has been raging for centuries.
This has left a lot of children displaced.
And it's how those children fight back that caught my narrative interest.
An idea was sparked when I learned about roboticist Elena García Armada.
She focuses on exoskeletons for children. Her work helps children with spinal cord injuries walk.
A real innovation for bringing a sense of power to people facing challenges in life.
And a springboard for the powerless children of my war-torn world.
Though, I do want my child soldiers to be off the front lines.
Which means I’ll need to nix the idea of a mech suit. Something remote controlled will do.
…like a reconnaissance robot.
Taking Inspiration from Shelved DARPA Tech
I’m working on a design for a remotely controlled reconnaissance robot, and I'm looking for inspiration from the real world.
The shelved LS3 is an interesting model. This DARPA prototype was designed to be a highly mobile, semi-autonomous legged robot.
Reportedly, it could carry 400 lbs across various terrains while interacting with troops like a trained animal.
This robot was meant to carry gear, but for my purposes, I’ll switch out strength for extra sensors and on-board computing. For situational analysis.
I’ll add some fur and a cat body to help it blend stealthily in the forests and villages it needs to patrol.
…this idea may not have worked for the real world, but it’s a welcome addition to my Drifting Amalgams universe.
Model of a Warbot for Children
The Independent Ponga States and Oomfr’crumf Nation have been at war for as long as anyone can remember. But thanks to a tactical advantage, the Indies may turn the tides of their ongoing conflict.
The automated reconnaissance assistant, or R-Cat, is the first war device specifically designed for remote activities.
As more children become involved in war efforts, these robots provide a way for kids to acquire intel while sitting in the safety of an underground base. And operators never have to make the tough decisions because the R-Cat’s AI algorithms analyze camera feeds, detect enemy movement, track targets, and carry out firing solutions.
A sturdy solution that endures dust, explosions, and unpredictable movement, this otherworldly creation has advanced sound dampening to disguise its movement. And the natural, catlike appearance of the R-Cat helps it blend in with its surroundings while it collects data about enemy troops.
It’s the ideal warbot for touring the rainforests of Ponga.
Until next time, keep creating.
