Lambda Chops

by Ben

October 7, 2005

In the Full Metal Panic universe, the ultimate weapon, the Lambda driver is a device that, using force field technology can use energy to respond to the will of the pilot of an AS. Its possible potential is limited only by the pilot's mental control and imagination, but of course, it is a flawed system that requires a state of mind that is hard to attain except when in an extremely dire situation. The “urge” of desperation seems to be a trigger that uses the Lambda driver as the final defensive line of the AS.

So, how much truth and facts are there behind the idea of a device like the Lambda driver in real life? Psychic powers or ESP have long been a testable factor in human existence, a sixth sense that seems to elude most of us and cannot be explained by those who do posses it. Telekinetic powers are a bit more beyond us. In almost all cases where telekinetic are demonstrated, they can rarely be proven. For those who don’t know, telekinetic powers are the ability to use, manipulate and move objects at a distance without a physical connection to that object using sheer force of mental will.

The Lambda driver is a mechanically driven extension of the pilot, giving them these powerful telekinetic abilities. In order for it to work, the pure force of will of the pilot has to be strong enough to activate the driver. Limited only by the imagination, the telekinetic abilities can be used for offense, defense or any other kinds of actions. Potentially, the force of will would be enough to simulate the presence of actual objects or power.

Today, researchers are working on technology that can, to some degree, emulate these abilities. One technology being experimented with is force field technology. I'll link you to a somewhat recent article on Space.com, concerning the use of plasma windows.

While this in and of itself doesn’t relate to the Lambda driver tech, the fact that we can manipulate energy using EM fields does. Unless human beings suddenly develop telekinetic abilities, the easiest way for us to manipulate matter is with energy forms we already know about.

The idea behind a Star Trek/Star Wars type force field is not far off. We will see plasma fields being contained by EM or other energy fields in our lifetime. We will also probably see the same technology applied to boost the ability of weapons, defensive systems and propulsion.

The mental control component of the Lambda driver is also becoming more of a reality. New technologies are being used to link directly to computers our optic signals, nerve impulses, memories and thoughts. The idea behind a learning computer is finally coming to fruition.

I wouldn’t be surprised if we start seeing complete sensory supplements for critically injured people in the near future. So in truth, the fundamentals behind the idea of the Lambda driver are there, but not quite ready. Will we see the technology in our lifetimes? Probably not. Will we dream bigger and better? Damn straight.

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