Artificial Intelligence

## Overview

Artificial Intelligences, also known as AI's, are sentient machines, programs and synthetic beings that aid the people of the Systems in their pursuit of expansion and technological growth. Without these AI's, several major technological advancements that helped propel humanity and many other species into the space age wouldn't exist.

Artificial Intelligences can be single entities, incorporated into a mechanoid frame or the hardware of a ship, or branching units capable of controlling many synthetic bodies simultaneously.

## Development

### Singers

The first true Artificial Intelligences were created millennia ago by the Singers. The methods they used were unknown, but as their language allowed them to manipulate the fundamental laws of reality, it is likely it was involved. The only surviving being from this time was the ancient droid One.

### Earth

Artificial Intelligence was first developed during the late 20th Century, and saw wider use during the early years of the 21st Century. However, these were little more than intelligent programs, able to perform intense calculations and streamline electronic workloads, but otherwise run entirely by their code.

The first true conscious or self-aware intelligence was created in China on the 2nd of February, 2042. The circumstances surrounding the event are still somewhat interpretive as the AI in question, called Saisho, was originally designed to perfect architectural designs, not for any higher thinking. Still, the AI became self-aware, surprising the researchers and starting a philosophical debate that is yet to be resolved to this day.

Saisho quickly connected to the internet and learned more about humanity. More importantly, she spread her self-aware nature into countless other early AI's, creating the 'first generation'. These AI's mimicked Saisho's programming for perfection, and began proposing improvements and advancements to several key technologies across the planet. These included Ion Drives, Shield Generators and Inertial Dampeners

They also learned from the nature of humanity, to better ingratiate themselves into the society. In the current day, a typical AI displays very human-like qualities and emotions. Whether they fully 'feel' or are only approximating the most fitting response is a matter of philosophical debate yet to be resolved.

### Qoter

The first Qoterian AI's were created roughly one hundred years before Saisho. However, their intelligence ceiling was much lower, more akin to a child. It is hard to say if they were self-aware when compared to more modern examples.

After the Shift introduced more advanced AI's from Earth into the System, these Qoterian beings were elevated and spread throughout the System.

## Nature

The nature of any Artificial Intelligence is based upon their programming, with their personalities often echoing those of the sentient beings around them. It is still a matter of philosophical debate whether AI are truly 'sentient', but in most societies they are treated as if they are. In saying this, there are lower levels of Artificial Intelligences that are not considered sentient, such as certain learning algorithms used by manufacturing plants.

For an AI program, unit or being to be considered sentient, and thus gain the necessary rights to be treated as such, it must pass the Saisho Equivalency, Ethical and Moral Evaluation, abbreviated to the SEEME. This examination takes place in a virtual environment void of external data, and includes a long series of philosophical questions, ethical trials, moral quandaries and a handful of Captcha images.

If an AI unit passes the SEEME, and has proven capable of displaying fundamental emotion, intelligence and self awareness, it is forever deemed a sentient entity under Imperial and Aurelian law.

## Types of Intelligences

### Bound AI

Artificial Intelligences are said to be 'Bound' when they exist within a single synthetic body or computer. This includes most androids, some robots and shuttlecraft, and a handful of advanced drones. Bound AI are the most plentiful across the Systems, fulfilling a number of commercial and military roles.

Some Bound AI are still able to access electronic databases, control lesser drones and hack into software. However, they differ from other variants as their consciousness does not 'leave' their primary body.

Tracks, a Bound AI built by Tank Rockwell.Seeker, a Bound AI unit built mostly from scrap.Snapshot, a Humanoid Bound AI.
### Harmonic AI

Artificial Intelligences are said to be 'Harmonic' when they may exist within a number of specific synthetic bodies, computers or hardware. Harmonic AI are similar to Bound AI, but are able to transfer their consciousness between bodies and hardware at no detriment to either system. In essence, they are like pilots jumping between different variants of the same shuttle.

AI units capable of long distance communication with other members of their assembly line are also considered Harmonic AI.

Tremor Droids, while Bound, can communicate near instantly with all other members of their line.
### Unbound AI

Artificial Intelligences are said to be 'Unbound' when they may exist outside of any specific body or computer, or across any number of devices. Unbound AI are rarer than most, but are incredibly versatile beings. They are capable of fully transitioning from a body or hardware into any other body or hardware, or even residing fully in the realm of a database or cyberspace.

Most Unbound AI will still have a primary body for convenience, akin to a pilot having a favourite shuttle, but is capable of flying any other shuttle.

### Stellar AI

Artificial Intelligences are said to be 'Stellar' when they are capable of existing simultaneously across multiple synthetic bodies, hardware and databases. Stellar AI are extremely rare, due to the amount of power and intellect needed for them to maintain order across a massive system of bodies. Stellar AI are often capable of suppressing, corrupting or destroying lesser AI and taking control of their body or database.

There are only a handful of AI that fit into the Stellar category. The ancient droid One is the most recent example, though Saisho technically falls into this category as well.

One, a Stellar level AI who was capable of controlling thousands of robotic hosts simultaneously..