GURPS

TL9 – THE MICROTECH
AGE
Major advances occur in the material science, especially
in the fabrication of nano-scale materials, the
development of composite materials, and in polymer-based
electronics. This leads to the widespread use of devices
such as printed computers, flexible batteries, and bio-compatible
implants, as well as products such as video wallpaper
and chameleon suits.
Micro-mechanical electromagnetic systems – tiny sensors
and actuators – drastically shrink many electronic and
mechanical devices. The results are dramatic, ranging from
vehicle surfaces that can change their aerodynamic properties
to labs-on-a-chip and artificial gills.
Fuel cells and gas turbines are miniaturized and used as
power cells for electronics and other portable devices. On a
larger scale, nuclear fusion and solar power free society
from dependency on fossil fuels, although they may remain
economically important.
Computers, sensors, and communicators are faster,
smarter, and smaller, and can be built into almost anything.
Wearable computers are inexpensive.
Quantum computers can solve problems and break
encryption by computing every possible solution at once,
but quantum communication systems trump that with
unbreakable encryption. Neural interfaces link mind and
machine, and cybernetic implants do not merely replace
injured body parts, but actually enhance them.
Mobile robots are commonplace, used in everything
from nursing to vehicle operation to combat. However, they
lack self-initiative, and many are teleoperated. Androids
that can look human (even if they don’t act human) are
expensive but available.
Improvements in material technology lead to affordable
space transport systems, such as single-stage-to-orbit shuttles
or space elevators. Cheaper access to orbit may boost
other space technology, such as nuclear engines for interplanetary
journeys, beamed power from solar satellites,
and life support technology. Industry and even colonists
may go into space, taking advantage of the gravity-free
environment to mine asteroids or develop better industrial
processes.
Small arms technology still relies on conventional guns
(with improved ammunition and smart electronics) but
specialized non-lethal energy weapons such as electrolasers
and sonic nauseators appear. So do the first bulky
laser sniper rifles, heavy electromagnetic railguns, and
laser cannon.
Antimatter is now routinely manufactured. It’s used in
medicine (as a radiation source) but is too expensive to be
used as a fuel or explosive. It is still useful in space propulsion
and weaponry, as a catalyst for triggering “clean”
nuclear explosions. Mini-nukes increase the risk of nuclear
war by blurring the boundaries between conventional and
nuclear arms.
Body armor advances even more rapidly than weapons.
Comfortable climate-controlled suits can protect the entire
body, and space suits become lightweight vacc suits.
Advances in micro-turbines and robotics make powered
suits feasible, both exoskeletons (for civilian and military
applications) and battlesuits.
Perhaps the most significant developments are in
bioscience. Functional organs can be grown with tissue
engineering and transplanted into the body. Wonder drugs
and other treatments can be delivered in smart capsules.
Not all diseases are cured, but lifespans may increase substantially.

Superscience: Monomolecular wire and plasma weaponry
are developed. It’s common for faster-than-light drivesl, reactionless drives, or other superscience
transport systems to appear. TL9 cultures can
spread out rapidly to other worlds.