waldos

Those remote control arms with which laboratory personnel handle toxic, radioactive, or infections substances are called waldos (from Robert Heinlein's Waldo, 1942): the title charcter, Waldo F. Jones, who has a crippling disease, invents these devices to amplify the strength of his wasted mucles.

VERBATIM: The Language Quarterly Vol XI No 4 1989

From submarines to waldos to geostationary satellites science fiction has either influenced science or science has eventually caught up to the ideas of science fiction.

Author Predicts Future! 2008

From submarines to waldos to geostationary satellites science fiction has either influenced science or science has eventually caught up to the ideas of science fiction.

March 2008 2008

"How did this happen?" he shouted as he fitted his hands into a second pair of waldos, putting another crane into operation.

The Idic Epidemic Jean Lorrah 2000

Then, while Korsal watched both sets of waldos lest the raging water tear it loose again, Torrence released the turbine wheel from its axle, rejoined Korsal, and together they maneuvered the gigantic, dripping wheel over onto the concrete at the side.

The Idic Epidemic Jean Lorrah 2000

With a pair of waldos, she was maneuvering one of the gigantic cranes in an attempt to capture something spinning in the whirling water—something that showed a bit of itself above the water every so often, even though it shouldn't.

The Idic Epidemic Jean Lorrah 2000

Here passed a huge floating sledge with skeletal towers and alien waldos at the corners.

The Ringworld Throne Niven, Larry 1996

The tractor-mounted waldos used undersea seemed the best model.

Achille's Choice Niven, Larry 1991

"But waldos aren't that dependable, either," Holly pointed out.

Achille's Choice Niven, Larry 1991

The replacement crystal had to be lifted into the core, boosted slowly into the catching manipulators of the waldos, and then gently maneuvered into the main cradle.

Vulcan’s Glory D. C. Fontana 1990