Artificial intelligence Artificial intelligence ( or computer intelligence ) was a term used in the fields of cybernetics , computer science , and related disciplines , to describe computer hardware and software sophisticated enough to reason independently , form new conclusions , and alter its own responses based on real life experiences . Its goal was to simulate the humanoid brain ' s functions , with the benefit that hardware equipped with this software could be autonomous , including learning in new situations . ( ; ) Artificial intelligence software was created for many different reasons , which were normally programmed into the software . In some cases , they were used to perform specific functions , such as guiding a missile or managing a large network of space station s . ( ; ) In other cases , they were used to create android s and programmed to follow their designers ' instructions or simply to exist and explore their existence . ( ; ) They could also be used to create hologram s . ( ) Advanced computer hardware was required to run artificial intelligence software , such as a positronic brain . ( ) Artificial intelligence was considered an advanced technology and required advanced degrees in order to design . ( ) It was also considered necessary tactical information by other species . ( ) Artificial intelligence software , while being able to reason and make decisions , was widely regarded as not able to quite achieve the sophistication of a humanoid brain , in particular , its ability for original thought and creativity . ( ; ) However , because of the close similarity of the behavior to real humanoid behavior , it was an open question in many societies as to whether this software resulted in machines that could achieve the capacity for self - awareness , sentience or emotion al feeling . It resulted in significant controversy . ( ; ; ) Historical examples . The android Data , built in the early 24th century , may be an example of a true artificial intelligence according to this definition . ( ) So might certain other androids , notably , Ruk , an artifact of the of Exo III . ( ) Data was equipped by his creator , Noonian Soong , with a positronic brain , based on an advanced neural - net design . He was eventually deemed an independent lifeform , with the rights and responsibilities of other life , lending weight to the notion that he qualifies as an artificial intelligence . ( ) Even certain highly advanced alien computers may or may not meet the criteria for artificial intelligence . Landru ruled Beta III for almost 6 , 000 years , but Kirk and Spock deduced its nature in less than a day . ( ) As of 2364 , Doctor Kurt Mandl held advanced degrees in computer science and artificial intelligence . Natasha Yar therefore felt he could have re - programmed a laser drill to murder Arthur Malencon . ( ) When the Borg were encountered by the , it was speculated that the cybernetic implants were a form of artificial intelligence linked directly into the humanoid brain . ( ) In 2365 , Ensign Sonya Gomez rationalized her addition of the word " please " to a request for hot chocolate from the replicator as being reasonable given that it was intelligent circuit ry . She felt that working with artificial intelligence all the time tended to be de human ising and suggested courtesy as the remedy , demonstrating it again by thanking the replicator for her beverage . ( ) Artificial intelligence was still an active field of research in the 24th century . In late 2367 , Geordi La Forge wanted to attend a seminar about artificial intelligence on Risa . ( ) In the 2370 s an individual of the Think Tank was an artificial intelligence . ( ) In the 2370 s , the Druoda created artificial intelligences to build into their weapons called Series 5 long - range tactical armor unit s . These intelligences were programmed with a singular tactical mission . ( ) The Sakari interrogated Chakotay of the about his crew ' s technology , including medical and artificial intelligence . ( ) The hibernation computer system of the Kohl settlement created a virtual environment which required humanoid brain activity for its characters to function . " Voyager " s crew suggested replacing its inhabitants with an artificial intelligence , but it was quickly decided that would be insufficient . ( ) The Sphere - Builder s built a number of spherical devices in the Delphic Expanse in order to colonize it in the 22nd century . Each sphere had an artificial intelligence in it which ran the sphere ' s infrastructure and worked as a network with all other spheres for defense and to generate gravimetric energy in a certain pattern among the spheres . Some of the spheres were control spheres that set directions . ( )