Fordobles

Fordobles are a class of modular, portable units described in speculative fiction and maker communities as self-contained modules that can be connected to form larger systems. Each fordoble typically provides a small computational capability, a power source, or data storage, and is designed with standardized connectors that allow plug-and-play interoperation in a cluster. In narrative contexts, fordobles are often depicted as ubiquitous tools for fieldwork, enabling rapid assembly of computing or energy infrastructure without centralized manufacturing.

The term fordoble appears in online forums and some sci-fi anthologies without a single authoritative definition. Because it is a fictional or semi-fictional concept, descriptions of fordobles vary by author and project, but they commonly emphasize modularity, portability, and interoperability. Some accounts describe fordobles as cube-shaped modules with visible interface pins; others portray them as discreet, fabric-like devices that unfold into functional units.

Typical configurations include fordobles acting as data caches, battery packs, or processing nodes. In many depictions, large arrays of fordobles can scale from a few units to hundreds, enabling complex tasks such as field data analysis, temporary network infrastructure, or autonomous sensing.

See also modular computing, plug-and-play hardware, and scalable systems.