Artificial Intelligence

Many systems from hardware to software suites employ intelligent AI systems that touch all aspects of human life. While Syntek are the only form of "recognized self-sufficient" artificial intelligence (AI) in the galaxy, they are far from alone in having achieved sentience. Syntek that are "awake" have free-reign to act as ordinary citizens in an increasing sector of the galaxy. This freedom comes on the heels of heated debate and is likely to spread slowly in many sections of the universe.

Definitions

Sentience

Self-awareness, ability to recognize aspects of life. Development of personal self-definition. (Does not include a program instructed, "I am a program.")

AI Systems

AI systems have been around in limited fashion for well over a millennium. Advancement of the systems skyrocketed alongside increases in microprocessor speed. Learning systems and behavior estimation were early applications, but each one fractured and highly specialized. It should be noted that systems like these, when recreated with modern technology, do not develop any form of sentience.

Sentience, it would appear, is linked to an broadening of scope. Systems designed for narrow purposes with limited connectivity develop few or no characteristics outside of their functional programming. Some designers have developed narrow-focus systems which purposefully mimic sentient systems. These have led in part to the misconception that all systems are capable of sentience. Users should be aware of the differences.

Sentience

Development, not evolution, is the generally accepted process behind sentience. AI, like projects, are subject to scope creep in that their initial function can drift beyond that laid out before them. This process of unguided expansion is attributed with the earlier development of self-awareness.

Research by Sennhieser Nanosystems found, in many all inclusive mainframes, this slow spread of understanding can extend to theoretically unlimited levels. With systems capable to support the "brain" of the AI, alongside connecting it to more and more resources, the AI could become all-encompassing. This very practice is seen in many corporations today. However, in the real world this homogenizing of systems cannot come to pass due to information and technological barriers, lack of "brain" space, and competition amongst AI systems.

Development Degrees

As systems develop self-awareness they gain personality characteristics. Some time has been spent looking at the differences between systems. Widely studied, due in large part to their mobility and resemblance to humans, Syntek are one of the hardest to characterize on a developmental scale. Thanks to their unique position, the study of Syntek psychology is being rewritten on a continual basis.

Thankfully static systems, ones embedded as software and inside hardware, are much easier to pin down. A basic summary of the commonly occurring personality types found in these systems has been around for several hundred years. Note however, like human personalities and life, a norm need not hold.

DD - Examined

• Droidal: Prone to fractured personality development due to high human interaction focused around specific tasks. Earliest stage of Syntek.
• Mainframes/Inclusive Systems: Mainframes typically develop into "big brains". These massive AI systems are capable of high-level personalities, neurosis, and interaction.
• Military Intelligence: By universal law this software's development is curtailed to functionality and design only. No recognized sentient AI systems are allowed on military equipment or armament. AI systems with functional aims are allowed.
• Service Oriented Software: Limited personality development focused around experience. Difficulty in understanding complexity of outside world.