Artificial Intelligence

Does artificial intelligence exist? Yes and no. Computer technology is in many ways on par with the developments just prior to the collapse. Complex neural-net expert systems now have interfaces that support complex voice input/output and can parse and act on very 'fuzzy' instructions and extract intended tasks. However, these machines are incapable of independant creative action. While their ability to gather, process and collate data is impressive, they cannot make the intuitive leaps of their human master.

The Pournelle, like most large spacecraft, is equipped with a highly autonomous computer system to provide monitoring of ships systems and support to the crew as required. The computer has been outfitted with a pseudo-personality and accepts voice input-output. The crew have selected a female maternal achtype personality, and refer to it as 'Mother'. 'Mother' has access to a large reference library and a number of expert subsystems to assist the mission. Mother also can directly interact with the environment or crew threw the 5 robot drones carried by the ship. These drones are rather unsophisticated automatons on their own, but are able to perform fairly complex tasks under the teledirection of 'Mother'.

In an emergency, 'Mother' can also remote pilot the landers, operate the ATV or even pilot the ship, but will not do so unless no human is available to carry out these tasks. Her main function is to offer assistance on demand of the crew.

The drones can also be remote operated by the crew.