Best Tech in the ‘Alien’ Series: Powerloaders to Medpods

The Alien series captivates with its multitude of elements that go beyond just the menacing “perfect organism” at its core. Fans are drawn to the resilience of its female protagonists, the intriguing dynamics between humans and the advanced robots they engineer, and the critique of capitalism portrayed as a ruthless predator. Each film presents a complex narrative, highlighting the struggles against both external and internal monsters.

Additionally, the innovative technology featured throughout the franchise is a major point of fascination. Picture yourself aboard a luxurious, gravity-defying space liner reminiscent of the Prometheus or awakening from decades of hibernation in the floating metropolis seen in Aliens. These imaginative inventions serve as a small respite from the pervasive sense of nihilism that manifests throughout the series, often represented by the ominous black goo. Setting aside the existential dread for a moment, let’s delve into the exciting Alien technologies that inspire hope for the future, and what we can anticipate in the upcoming TV series, Alien: Earth.

Experience the Cryopods of Alien (1979) for Interstellar Travel

One of the most iconic scenes from Ridley Scott’s groundbreaking film, Alien, features Sigourney Weaver’s character, Ellen Ripley, alongside her crew members of the USCSS Nostromo as they awaken groggy and disoriented from their cryopods. These futuristic stasis chambers, essential to nearly every installment in the series, including Alien: Earth, facilitate long-distance space travel by placing humans in a state of suspended animation, effectively halting the aging process. Although the concept of sleeping in such a state for decades still appears to be a distant reality, NASA is currently investigating torpor, a form of short-term hibernation. This research suggests that torpor could enable astronauts to undertake extended space missions while minimizing resource requirements. Hence, the visionary ideas of Scott and screenwriter Dan O’Bannon may not be as far-fetched as they once seemed.

How Does the Power Loader from Aliens (1986) Revolutionize Heavy Lifting?

Sigourney Weaver in “Aliens.”
Credit: 20th Century Fox / Kobal / Shutterstock

The introduction of the power loader, an impressive mech suit, in James Cameron’s sequel, Aliens, marked a significant advancement in the realm of futuristic technology. In the film, Ripley and her team utilize this extraordinary piece of equipment to maneuver and transport heavy machinery aboard the Gateway space station. During the film’s climactic battle against the formidable Alien Queen, Ripley dons the power loader, effectively evening the odds and showcasing its engineering marvel. However, four decades later, the practicality of such a device raises questions—while it certainly has a visually stunning appeal, one must consider whether a simpler solution, like a cherry picker, might achieve the same results without the added complexity.

Discover the Functions of the Medpod in Prometheus (2012)

A medpod from “Prometheus.”
Credit: Scott Free Prod / 20th Century Fox / Kobal / Shutterstock

The spacecraft tasked with transporting scientists to a distant moon to explore the origins of humanity—and inadvertently uncovering a pathogen crucial to the existence of the Xenomorphs—is a remarkable, billion-dollar vessel. Within the Prometheus, mission director Meredith Vickers, portrayed by Charlize Theron, resides in a luxurious, detachable apartment equipped with a medpod, an automated surgical unit. Originally designed for use by men, specifically by Vickers’ father, Peter Weyland, the medpod is commandeered by archaeologist Elizabeth Shaw, played by Noomi Rapace, as she faces the dire situation of an alien embryo developing inside her. The AI-operated medpod expertly extracts a writhing, squid-like creature, stitching her up so efficiently that she manages to escape from the terrifying spawn.

While medpods are not yet available in contemporary hospitals, the integration of AI and machine learning into healthcare is advancing rapidly, particularly in areas like diagnostics and drug development, suggesting a future where automated medical assistance could become a reality.

What Role Do Mapping Drones Play in Prometheus (2012)?

Michael Fassbender in “Prometheus.”
Credit: Scott Free Prod / 20th Century Fox / Kobal / Shutterstock

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During their exploration of a mysterious structure located on the moon LV-223, the crew aboard the Prometheus deploys advanced mapping drones. These floating orbs utilize sophisticated scanning technology to navigate the serpentine corridors of the structure, creating intricate digital maps illuminated by vibrant red lights. As the drones progress, they unveil the shocking truth that the crew is not merely exploring a cave or bunker but traversing an enormous warship constructed by ancient beings known as the “Engineers.” This ship bears a striking resemblance to the one encountered by the Nostromo crew in the initial Alien film, set years later, bridging the narrative and technological themes of the franchise.

What Innovations Does the X-ray Torch Introduce in Alien: Romulus (2024)?

Cailee Spaeny in “Alien: Romulus.”
Credit: 20th Century Studios

Set between the events of Alien (2122) and Aliens (2179), Alien: Romulus follows the harrowing journey of Weyland-Yutani contract workers, often referred to as slaves, as they strive to escape their harsh and desolate colony. In a desperate attempt to commandeer cryopods from an abandoned space station, they unexpectedly stumble upon a research facility teeming with Facehuggers, Xenomorphs, and the terrifying pathogen introduced in Prometheus.

During their scavenging efforts, the character Navarro, portrayed by Aileen Wu, discovers an innovative X-ray torch. She marvels at its capacity to illuminate the bones beneath her skin, providing a glimpse into unseen biological structures. This advanced tool proves crucial when Navarro uses it to reveal a chestburster that is violently forcing its way out of her ribcage. Although X-ray torches are not yet available for purchase at local hardware stores or medical supply outlets, NASA is actively working on developing a flashlight equipped with X-ray capabilities for future lunar explorations.

What New Concepts Surround the Hybrids in Alien: Earth (2025)?

Sydney Chandler in “Alien: Earth.”
Credit: Patrick Brown / FX

The synthetic beings featured throughout the Alien series—such as Ash (Ian Holm), Bishop (Lance Henriksen), Call (Winona Ryder), David (Michael Fassbender), and Andy (David Jonsson)—are remarkable feats of engineering, often embodying both ingenuity and malevolence. The notion of lifelike robots integrated into daily life is becoming increasingly common, as AI technologies manage our emails, drive our vehicles, and produce human-like robots for our entertainment. However, the introduction of hybrids—robots infused with human consciousness—in the upcoming series Alien: Earth presents a fresh and thought-provoking concept.

In this new narrative, the corporate adversary of Weyland-Yutani, known as Prodigy, clandestinely extracts the minds of terminally ill children, implanting them into hyper-advanced synthetic beings. This raises profound ethical questions: is this a shortcut to achieving immortality, or does it signify humanity’s hubris in playing God, potentially facing dire consequences? The unfolding storyline promises to explore these themes in depth.

Why is MU/TH/UR 6000 a Significant AI Character?

Babou Ceesay in “Alien: Earth.”
Credit: Patrick Brown / FX

The MU/TH/UR 6000, the artificial intelligence that manages various Weyland-Yutani spacecraft such as the Nostromo and the USCSS Covenant, is an impressive yet complex operating system. Referred to as “Mother” by the crew, she exhibits a protective nature towards her “children,” yet ultimately displays unwavering loyalty to the corporation, often willing to sacrifice crew members to safeguard the Xenomorphs. While Mother’s trustworthiness is questionable, her capabilities are undeniably remarkable—she autonomously navigates massive vessels and alerts her crew to imminent dangers, such as when she warns Captain Daniels (Katherine Waterston) of an unidentified life form aboard the Covenant.

Alien: Earth is set to premiere on August 12 at 8 p.m. ET on Hulu and FX, debuting with two episodes, with subsequent episodes released weekly on Tuesdays, promising to expand the Alien universe further.