Burn-In: A Novel of the Real Robotic Revolution

Burn-In follows FBI Special Agent Lara Keegan as she field tests a robotic partner in a near-future Washington, D.C. The robot, TAMS, represents a new wave of artificial intelligence designed to work alongside human law enforcement. Through their partnership, Keegan and TAMS investigate a series of infrastructure attacks while navigating the social and technological changes reshaping society. The story incorporates real technologies, research, and policy debates that are already emerging in the present day. The narrative takes place in a version of D.C. where automation has transformed work, surveillance is ubiquitous, and the gap between human and machine capabilities continues to narrow. The investigation leads Keegan to confront both the capabilities and limitations of her AI partner. This techno-thriller explores themes of human-machine interaction and poses questions about the role of artificial intelligence in law enforcement, privacy, and social stability. The novel serves as a window into potential near-future scenarios based on current technological trajectories.

Readers describe the book as a techno-thriller that educates while entertaining. Many found it informative about emerging technologies, with detailed research and footnotes backing up the near-future scenarios. Liked: - Real-world technology explanations via footnotes - Balance of action and technical detail - Realistic portrayal of AI/robotics capabilities - Strong female protagonist - Plausible near-future setting Disliked: - Some found pacing slow in technical sections - Character development considered thin by some readers - Footnotes interrupted story flow for some - "Too much like a textbook" according to multiple reviews Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (1,700+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (850+ ratings) Notable reader comment: "Like Tom Clancy meets William Gibson with a dash of Malcolm Gladwell" - Amazon reviewer Several readers noted they referenced the footnotes months after finishing the story to understand news about emerging technologies.

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🤖 Author P.W. Singer is a strategist for New America and has been named by Defense News as one of the 100 most influential people in defense issues. 🔮 Nearly all of the technology featured in this sci-fi thriller already exists in some form today, with the authors including over 300 endnotes citing real research and developments. 🏛️ The book is set in Washington D.C. and features meticulously researched details about the city's infrastructure, security systems, and landmarks—many of which play crucial roles in the plot. 🤝 The novel explores the complex relationship between humans and AI through the partnership of FBI Special Agent Lara Keegan and a robot named TAMS (Tactical Autonomous Mobility System). 📚 Though written as fiction, the book serves as a thought experiment about the near future of robotics, drawing from Singer's extensive background in military technology and cybersecurity policy.