Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (also referred to as AI) refers to the intellectual and reasoning capacity of complex machines. An artificial intelligence has the ability to modify its own programming based upon logical analysis in accordance with a preset series of parameters. Depending upon the complexity and functional capabilities of the AI in question, some artificial intelligences develop reasoning far beyond their initial programming and may even achieve partial sentience. This is a common storytelling trope in many sci-fi vehicles and has been used to illustrate a cautionary tale of humanity's dependence on technology.

One artificial intelligence of note is Rommie, the onboard AI of the space vessel the Andromeda Ascendant, as seen in the television series Andromeda. Rommie usually appears as a holographic avatar and has developed her own personality beyond that of her prescribed programming. She directly interfaces with all of the ship's computer and weapons systems and advises Captain Dylan Hunt on the ship's current status and capabilities. Rommie's persona is patterened after that of a young woman, though being a computer program, she is in fact genderless. Rommie can project her image throughout any part of the Andromeda Ascendant, either on the bridge's monitor systems or in the form of a hologram where she can manifest herself anywhere on the ship that she pleases. Rommie's systems also datalink to the various gynoids stationed on the ship, allowing her to conduct physical tasks that she would not otherwise be capable of performing. Eventually, an android avatar of Rommie was constructed by Seamus Harper, which was fashioned in her virtual likeness. The avatar form allowed Rommie even greater physical functionality than that of the robot support staff on the ship.