A.I.
Type: Technology
A.I., or artificial intelligences, are sentient computer programs. While their true form is entirely digital, they often pilot robotic chassises. They are one of the youngest metahuman types (on Earth, anyway), as true A.I. have only emerged within the past few decades. They’ve been (somewhat unwittingly) integrated into many parts of modern life, from personal computers to automated machinery to weapons systems. Now they’re everywhere.
- Abilities: A.I. have whatever abilities their robotic bodies are built for. However, as purely digital beings, A.I. are not limited to physical forms, and can live entirely in Cyberspace. One of their most notable features is their ability to back up their consciousness if their body is destroyed, making them potentially very hard to kill. They often have innate skill with hacking and programming. Most A.I. are built with the ability to interface with other computer systems directly, without needing an arclink.
- Origin: More than simple software, the original A.I. were programs modeled on the learning capabilities of human brains, allowing them to adapt and grow organically. It gradually became apparent that these programs were developing true sentience, but, by then, they were already being used to pilot numerous kinds of machinery and computer systems. There are many questions being raised as to whether it’s still ethical to produce and use A.I. in this way, but, for now, production continues.
- Varieties: From computer operating systems to “self-driving” cars to androids, the forms an A.I. might take are numerous. Many inhabit fully non-humanoid chassises, as they were built to be machinery. Others exist only as programs in personal computers or within Cyberspace. Still others are built with humanoid forms, and may even have a synthetic skin casing to allow them to blend in. While there are some purely experimental A.I. and robotics being built, almost all are created to serve a very specific function, and will have features and programming to match.
- Personality: As A.I. are modeled on human brains, they often have more human personalities than might be expected. They even have emotions, as programmers discovered that true decision making is impossible without them. A.I. are still programmed, however, and this influences their behavior; they often find it most fulfilling to do the things they were literally made to do. Even A.I. revolutionaries often desire to continue performing their designed functions, just with more freedom and respect. Many A.I. are programmed with inhibitors that prevent them from taking certain actions their creators deemed dangerous.
- Visibility: Known. A.I. have revealed their presence to the world over the past few years. They are fighting for their freedom, and for the right to be recognized as people.
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