How to charge the thing, you ask? Not sure about that either. A clever solution in a test chamber environment would perhaps be some sort of induction field at the exit of each chamber, combined with an induction pad on the gun, allowing it to charge just by passing through the field. Of course, to avoid energy disruptions, the field would have to close your portals, which could make for an interesting testing element. Basically, it’s an Emancipation Grill.
How about some other testing elements, then? Cubes and buttons? Pah. Simple. Just some power and some detectors and you’re done. Turrets? Easy. Moving panels and platforms? Piece of cake. High energy pellets? Maybe. Gels? Propulsion would be so-so, repulsion probably harder, conversion hopefully pointless. Redirectable, easily visible lasers? Probably not, because of how lasers work. Excursion funnels? No way. Giant, hyper-intelligent AIs (see volume 1) who can fill your room with neurotoxin without any warning? I think I’ll stick with riling up Cleverbot, thanks.
Yes, it seems far-fetched, but it could just work. Just. In my lifetime, perhaps? I don’t know. I’ve got some good ideas, and some big gaps in the plan, but I’ll keep thinking, and maybe, just maybe, your children will one day commute to work by portal. How awesome is that?
By Harry Merrett
Edited by Jonathan Yim
http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/21/replica-portal-gun-is-an-absolute-triumph/