arcvéd

Arcvéd is a fictional modular defense architecture described in cyberpunk and speculative fiction. It refers to a family of autonomous, arc-shaped energy barriers and distributed sensor networks designed to protect critical infrastructure and mobile units in urban environments.

The system comprises emitter modules, power sources, and a low-latency communication mesh. Each module projects a curved energy field that can be consolidated into a protective perimeter around buildings or vehicles. Modules carry sensors for radar, LIDAR, and acoustic detection, and they coordinate through a central controller to adjust barrier geometry and strength in real time. The architecture is designed to integrate with non-lethal countermeasures, surveillance drones, and automated patrols.

Arcvéd variants, including arcvéd-1 and arcvéd-2, differ in power efficiency, barrier thickness, and sensor suites. In fiction, deployments range from city districts to border facilities, often in conjunction with municipal services or corporate security fleets. The concept emphasizes rapid adaptation to evolving threats and resilience in disrupted environments.

Development and themes: The concept appears in late-21st-century narratives and world-building efforts, highlighting tensions between security, privacy, and civil liberties. It is commonly used to explore how automated defense networks interact with human oversight and emergency response systems.

Reception: Critics note the high energy demands, cost, and potential for misuse or civil rights concerns, while proponents argue that arcvéd offers faster incident containment and better protection for critical infrastructure in high-risk settings.