Terms referring to robots built with some degree of artificial intelligence.
Colonials, understandably, tend to be polarised about the issue of (human like) robots and artificial intelligence. The majority rabidly oppose the construction and distribution of anything of the kind. Cybernoids, as these people refer to the devices, are an unacceptable risk for Cylon intervention and a step down the path to the doom that met the original Cylons.
Though Humans and Delphinians are very suspicious of artificial intelligences. (They have been fighting Cylons for a long time!) The advanced technological civilizations that they both enjoy could not be built or maintained without the use of AIs and varying types of AI mechanisms.
AI mechanisms built for specific industrial applications, or other defined and limited function, are very common throughout the Delphian Empire and Colonial Space. It is these ‘Mechbots‘ that manufacture the electronics, process the ores, form the hulls, fabricate the equipment, etc, etc that make advanced life possible. A Mechbots intelligence and scope of action is limited entirely to its design and function.
On the other hand. AIs designed to be adaptable, mobile, multifunctional, capable of independent thought and action are regarded with suspicion and hostility. Those designed to resemble or emulate humans, or Delphians, are particularly horrific to many. Known as ‘Cybernoids’ they are generally illegal in most of the Colonies and Delphian worlds, though there are some specific exceptions for dangerous tasks in hostile environments.
The Orions are the premier AI programmers and Mech designers. They make, use and sell a vast array of Mechbots as well as Mechanoids. Private ownership of Mechanoids is common and Combat Mechanoids are a staple of Orion military and security forces. The Orions know that someday soon they will have to fight the Cylons and they have huge armies of Battle Mechs ready for that day. It is said that the Delphian government purchased twenty thousand combat mechs in an effort to beef up their defenses. Sadly the order was too late and the Cylons destroyed the Delphians before delivery could be made.
Orion Cybernoid types
These machines are intended to be multifunctional, capable of independent action, highly mobile and adaptable and, in most cases, bear a resemblance, sometimes superficial, to humans and other sentient beings. It is these machines that raise the ire of many. Generally speaking, those mechs that most closely resemble humans (Delphians, etc) in form and function are called Cybernoids, while those that look less like people (despite function and ability) are Mechanoids. In many cases the definition is a matter of emotional response rather then rational evaluation.
Companion Mechs (CPM)
These are the bipedal Cybernoids that cause the greatest controversy. They come in several varieties but all have common features.
The Orions, being human like themselves, build the Companion Cybernoids in a similar image. They are bipedal, have two arms, a head with vaguely human like features, speech recognition and communicative ability and programming/design abilities to interpret Orion/human actions, emotions, expressions and idioms.
Companion Mechs, or CPM Series mechs, come in three general ranges. They are the Hundreds Series, the Thousands Series and the Ten Thousands Series. The exact number of the model will vary based on the age of the design and their primary function. In general the lower the number the older the Cybernoid. With minimal repair and maintenance these machines will operate for 100 yahrens easily.
CPM Hundreds Series
The Hundreds Series are light duty mechs suitable for household servants, retail assistants, general ship crew, laboratory assistants and similar duties that do not involve routine heavy labor or hazardous conditions. They are capable of protecting their Owner’s lives and property when needed, but are not armored or intended for regular combat duty. Weapons are NEVER built ins. The Hundreds are slightly shorter the average adult, human female and weigh about 175lbs. Their strength is about twice a normal human male. They run off one D Cell that is rechargeable or replaceable. They can run for 48 centars (hours) on a single charge.
The 100s and 200s (100 to 299) are household models intended to be servants, cooks, butlers, baby sitters, etc. They rarely, if ever, have built in features such as scanners, tools etc. This is done to keep costs and weight/size to a minimum. These are often referred to as ‘Valet-Bots’
The 300s and 400s (300 to 499) are intended for commercial/retail duty. They often have built in bar code readers, credit transactors and inventory control features, etc. These are sometimes called ‘Shop-Bots’
CPM 300 Series, Inventory Control
The 500s and 600s (500 to 699) were built for use as ship crew, light industrial workers, research assistants, etc. They will have a range of appropriate tools and add ons built into them. Sometimes described as ‘Crew-Bots’ or ‘Worker-Bots’
CPM Thousands Series
A heavier, more robust (and expensive) version of the Hundreds. These are capable of performing all the same tasks and functions as the Hundreds, but are built for rougher conditions and can operate for longer periods on a charge. They run off two D Cells that are rechargeable or replaceable. They can run for 100 centars (hours) on a single charge. They are about the size of an adult, human male and weigh around 275lbs. Their strength is about three times a human male. Their bodies are tougher, lightly armored, and resistant to corrosive atmospheres and environments. In addition to the tasks assigned to most Hundred Series Cybernoids, the Thousand Series are used for Security Guards in retail, industrial and private settings, along with star ships and space stations. Weapons are NEVER built ins. They are also used in exploration, and repair and construction in environments that the GUM Series are unable to operate.
The 1000s and 2000s (1000 to 2999) are household models intended to be servants, cooks, butlers, baby sitters, etc. They are favored by individuals who feel a need for a Cybernoid that can fill these roles AND double as a serious Body Guard for them or their family. They rarely, if ever, have built in features such as scanners, weapons, tools etc. This is done to keep costs and weight/size to a minimum.
The 3000s and 4000s (3000 to 4999) are intended for commercial/retail duty. They often have built in bar code readers, credit transactors and inventory control features. These models are designed to double as Security and Guards in these fields.
CPM 3000 Series
The 5000s and 6000s (5000 to 6499) were built for use as ship crew, light industrial workers, research assistants, etc. They will have a range of appropriate tools and add ons built into them. For a ship a few Thousand Series Cybernoids are a valuable force in repelling pirates. They are also good for work on planets where GUMs simply can’t function well.
LDC (Light Duty Combat)
The CM6500 series or LDC, was built to be an inexpensive foot soldier. Designed for cheap mass production and able to use small arms of varying types, they were designed to be employed in numbers and supplement regular combat infantry. They have limited ability in that they cannot function (well) in any other capacity. Nor do they function well without Command Supervision from smarter controllers.
CPM Ten Thousand Series
These are heavy duty mechs used in Combat or in extremely hostile and dangerous environments. They are heavily armored and reinforced. Big, strong and tough. They can be as large as 9 feet tall and weigh over 1,000 lbs. Six to twelve times stronger then a man. They are human looking in features. Weapons and tools are almost always built in and combat versions have the equivalent of rifle or carbine weapons built in and often employ heavy weapons. CPM 10K series differ from Combat Mechanoids in form and also in function. They are designed to perform multiple functions and fill differing roles. However, as the CPM 10K series has gotten larger and bulkier, sporting more built in hardware, the line between the two machine types has become increasingly blurred. Ownership of TenK Series is generally restricted with a clear demonstrate able need required even for the unarmed versions.
MDC (Medium Duty Combat)
The CPM 10000 MDC was built to be a more robust version of the 6500. It has heavier armor, is mure durable and rugged, larger, stronger, faster and smarter. They do not require supervision to complete tasks.
CPM 20000 MDCC (Medium Duty Combat Controller) was built along the same lines as the 10K but was upgraded further to allow it to function as a Controller for the 6500 Series LDC. Due to the importance of the unit it was also upgraded in armor. In terms of armor capacity and body strength it is the match of a Cylon Centurion.
CPM 30000 HDCC (Heavy Duty Combat Controller)
The first of the Heavy Combat Cybernoids and the first model that has built in weapons. The CPM 30000 is large and heavy (though light compared to the 40000 Series) and is considerably stronger then a Cylon Centurion. It is also surprisingly fast.
CPM 40000 HDCC (Heavy Duty Combat Controller)
The CPM 40000 is the largest, strongest, most heavily armed and armored Cybernoid that Orion military science produces. (At least that they sell to the public.) It is massive and somewhat slow, compared to other combat cybernoids. It is also a model where ‘human’ form has been largely abandoned
These have many of the same functions and abilities as Cybernoids, but their form is adapted to their function rather then to be ‘pleasing’ or ‘comfortable’ for Orions and humans to be around.
General Utility Mechanoid
The GUM series is a popular mechanoid type, not only because of its functionality, but also because its looks bear no resemblance to a bipedal person.
The GUMs all follow the same basic pattern. A pillar or cone, topped with a featureless ball, set on a round multi wheeled or tracked platform. Coming out from the pillar are a number of appendages. The number and type of these appendages vary within the series and according to desired functions. The GUM can rotate 360 degrees on its wheels and accelerate to about 7mph. Special wheels and tracks are available for rough terrain. The GUM can undertake multiple tasks and can be programmed for everything from household chores, general maintenance, specific system repairs, research and design work, food preparation and even medical functions. A common task for GUMs is repairing and maintaining other mechs. They can perform routine security functions, guarding and patrolling facilities etc. They can be armed with lethal and non lethal weapons but their visual range and perceptions are limited and they cannot be armored without limiting many other functions, making them unsuitable for extensive combat activities. It is possible to upgrade the sensor packages.
GUMs interact via voice commands, and are capable of speech. They recognise voices and have built in radio and computer interface abilities.
The smallest of the GUM series. It stands a bit over a meter tall. It has three arms and manipulators and is able to do three things at once. The strength of its arms is about twice that of a normal man. Mobility is very limited in rough terrain, these are generally used indoors or on ships. They weight about 250lbs and can lift half that much without tipping or damage. The 10 series is the most common household mech. It cleans, cooks, fixes things, guards the house etc. They are also popular on starships and in factories as a general maintenance repair mech. It is able to reach into small spaces and work in hostile environments. With special packages it can even work on the hull of a ship from the outside. When given security tasks the 10 series is best equipped with pistol type small arms. They run off two D Cells that are rechargeable or replaceable. They can run for 48 centars (hours) on a single charge.
The next largest of the GUMs. It stands a bit over two meters high and has sufficient ground clearance to make it suitable for indoor and most outdoor work. The 20s have four arms with manipulators and can perform four functions at once. Arm strength is about four times a normal man and they weigh about 800lbs and can lift half that much without tipping or damage. The 20 series is a common fixture in Agro colonies, in large factories, mines, big ships, etc. They are also common in Life Centers. When given security tasks the 20 series can be equipped with pistol type or rifle/carbine type small arms. They run off one E Cell that is rechargeable or replaceable. They can run for 48 centars (hours) on a single charge.
The largest of the GUMs. They stand over four meters high it is rarely found in an indoor environment. The 30s have four arms with manipulators and can perform four functions at once. Arm strength is about eight times a normal man and they weigh over a ton and can lift half that much without tipping or damage. The 30 series is found in Agro colonies, ground side at space ports, in very large factories, mines, etc. When given security tasks the 30 series can be equipped with heavy weapons, EM Grenade launchers, tri barrel lasers etc. The GUM30 Series has large, all terrain wheels and frequently tracks. It is capable of a top speed of about 15mph. They run off two E Cells that are rechargeable or replaceable. They can run for 48 centars (hours) on a single charge.
Combat Mechanoid (CM) Series
These are designed specifically for combat applications. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, designed for specific roles. in a combat situation. They are built in Medium Duty and Heavy Duty versions.
CMMD 150 (Combat Mechanoid Medium Duty)
The CMMD 150 is designed as a Fire Support bot. Armed with multiple, built in, light and medium small arms, they are able to generate an enormous amount of fire.
CMHDC 400 (Combat Mechanoid Heavy Duty Controller)
The CMHDC 400 is a transition model between the CPM and CM series. Designed to serve as a Controller and indirect fire support for other combat units, it is heavily armored and mounts muliple Gauss grenade launchers as well as lasers.
CMHDA 500 (Combat Mechanoid Heavy Duty Assault)
The CMHDA 500 is designed for assaults on fortified locations. The 500 mounts two Light Lasers (ship grade) which can punch through most terrestrial targets.
The variety of these machines is simply too large to begin to describe. Whether it is a static circuit board processing unit, a semi mobile welding mech, a hull crawling maintenance mech, a huge ore crusher or a food processor, they are all mechbots. Each one does its job and nothing more. A common example in the Fugitive Fleet is the Hull Welders and Hull Sealers that assist in the repair and maintanence of ship hulls. Equipped with laser welders or Ablative Foam Applicators, they are an essential piece of equipment.
Orion Trade ships often carry hundreds, if not thousands, of Mechbots and various types of Mechanoids and Cybernoids both for crew and for inventory.
Orions are very much aware of the risks associated with AI machines. The mechs are programmed with clear ownership privileges and designatable rights, including shutdown and override commands. In the event that spoken commands are not being heard, or are being ignored, there are radio signals that can serve the same purpose and Remote Control Units are provided with every Mech to allow detailed user overrides and control of the unit.