MAVERICK

When science fiction becomes a reality... From talking robots to self-driving cars, modern technology was envisioned in films and books long before reality. As the International Exhibition of Inventions opens in Geneva, we look at real-life sci-fi. Once again, thousands of groundbreaking ideas are being presented at the world's most significant inventions fair in Geneva, ranging from everyday gadgets to high-tech industrial novelties. The annual event shares some unusual innovations, including an "exoskeleton" that enables a paraplegic athlete to run and a humanoid robot that welcomes visitors in the entrance hall of the Geneva airport and at the fair. Quite a few things that once only existed in science fiction films or literature have long become a reality.  Visions for future technologies  Innovations usually entail a break with prevailing rules and regulations. And in some cases, they have been inspired by courageous writers and...