Did you know that science fiction is really just applying engineering concepts in a fictional situation? Yes, you read that right. Even cooler, fictional engineers in science fiction have inspired real-world engineers from all over the world.
Let’s take a look at two fictional engineers in science fiction movies and see how they’ve inspired engineers–and how they can inspire you!
Tony Stark in Iron Man
Tony Stark will forever be one of the most beloved heroes in the Marvel universe. He was able to save the world multiple times, all with the power of his innovative suit. Stark created and developed the world’s most powerful suit in the basement of his house, which was even powered by a car battery. Talk about innovation! The suit has the ability to make Stark fly, launch rockets, defeat villains and more.
Tony Stark is an inspiration to mechanical engineers all over the world. His innovative Iron Man suit made engineers brainstorm all the ways it could become the future of the U.S. Military. Stark even incorporated Artificial Intelligence, as a voice Vision operated the suit and would respond and carry out Stark’s desired commands. It’s kind of like Siri, isn’t that neat?
If you have yet to see Iron Man, you definitely should, and while you do, think of what you can invent! During the movie, jot down some of the ways you think this innovative suit can change the real-world.
Lewis in Meet the Robinsons
In Meet the Robinsons, Lewis, a 12-year-old inventor, had the mind of an engineer ever since a young age, and was continuously trying to build different machinery. Throughout the movie, there were times Lewis failed, but also times where he greatly succeeded, which inspires engineers to take a risk and that it’s okay to fail–you just try again!
This fictional character was always looking for different things to invent in the world, such as flying cars and moving sidewalks. He is an inspiration to many engineers, especially young ones like yourself! Lewis shows that by taking a simple problem, or something that can be improved, and brainstorming solutions, that you can invent something to change the world! Check out this scene of Lewis creating and testing out his perfect sandwich maker.
During the movie, think of something simple that can be improved and how you would go about fixing it. Or, in any of his inventions, think of the ways you could improve the machine to make it better. Remember– the possibilities are endless!
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With the amazing world of science fiction comes so many possibilities to become inspired. These two movies are sure to get you thinking about the next great invention, or even how one can be used in today’s world.
Interested in more science fiction? Check out this TryEngineering blog post about free science fiction activities