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{{Infobox Species
 
|Species = IPC
|Scientific = Integrated Positronic Chassis
|Image = IPC410x320.png
|System = N/A
|World = N/A
|Language = Tau Ceti Basic
|Politic = N/A
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==Overview==
In modern times, there presently stand a plethora of complex automated machines intended to fulfill a vast variety of goals. Over the some five hundred years of history in computing and robotics, Humanity has refined it successfully into a science unlike any other. After reaching its pinnacle in the late 2300s, countless designs were simply lost to the test of time. Many of the most prominent robotics today owe their own image to those lost and now obsolete. This page revolves around the specific recurring designs and history of both synthetics and generalized robotics.
 
IPCs are a type of intelligent humanoid robot, their name standing for “Integrated Positronic Chassis.” Positronic, in this sense refers to the brain, which is always the same in IPCs with massively varying levels of complexity. The name IPC does not extend to stationbound synthetics, even if those units have a positronic brain.
 
They are found in many shapes and forms, though can generally be classified under three types; Shell, Industrial and Baseline, with different types according to their designer.
 
IPCs in Tau Ceti are capable of obtaining their own citizenship and freedom, however the laws and regulations regarding an owned and a free IPC differ massively. '''To distinguish one’s ownership, note in your security/employment records whichever faction owns them, or if they are a free positronic.''' The rights of free positronics do not extend to space outside of Tau Ceti. For the specific differences between free and owned IPCs, see the relevant sections below or corporate regulations.
 
IPCs have mechanical extras such as extensive xenowear loadout items, and unique antagonist gear. Additionally, there are a number of non-playable IPC variants that may make an appearance in special rounds.
 
To apply to be an IPC, [https://forums.aurorastation.org/viewforum.php?f=28 apply here.]
 
==Heads of Staff==
 
IPCs can be the following Heads of Staff:
 
* Chief Engineer
* Research Director
* Chief Medical Officer
* Head of Personnel
* Head of Security with the exception of Hephaestus G2 frames.
* [[NanoTrasen_Liaison|Consular Officer and Corporate Liaison]] with the exception of some groups.
 
==Mechanics==
 
* IPCs are entirely mechanical in nature and thus are vulnerable to EMPs.
* Due to their air-based cooling system, they are vulnerable to both high heat and the vacuum of space.
* They are immune to atmospheric differences and can survive in a wider margin of pressure compared to humans.
* The amount of heat they generate is significant - and so, instead of an oxygen bottle, they need to attach a suit cooling unit to their voidsuit in order to be able to go EVA. Some types of IPCs are exempt from this, needing only a suit cooler.
* Their synthetic nature has a few other advantages - most models feel no pain, are immune to all non-damaging chemicals (and so they aren't affected by sleep toxin; but are affected by sulphuric acid), and are quite easy to repair; requiring a welder to patch brute damage or wire for burn damage only (or, alternatively, nanopaste can heal all).
* IPCs can charge from cyborg rechargers, or APCs with a (very very very low) chance of being shocked.
* They are more resistant to brute damage than their organic counterparts.
* They can not repair themselves outside of using nanopaste.
* They are incredibly vulnerable to laser/burn weaponry.
* They do not process reagents in the atmosphere or in their body.
 
===Information for Whitelisted Players===
 
'''Job restrictions'''
 
No more than two jobs can reasonably be undertaken by any IPC, with sparing exceptions (such as cooks/gardeners/bartenders, or xenobotanists/xenobiologists/lab assistants and so on). Hephaestus G2s, however, cannot be Emergency Medical Technicians nor Paramedics due to their slow gait, risking the life of the patient. If there are questions involving this, either inquire with the relevant lore developer or ahelp in-game for clarification.  All synthetics are manufactured for a purpose, and any modifications to their core programming to change this purpose would be costly, not to mention time consuming.
 
'''Behavior'''


Positronic behavior varies between individuals, with every personality trait being in question. While technically no manner of behavior is off the table, there are indeed limitations in role play as well as guidelines one must follow to play an IPC well. Some of these mannerisms will be mentioned below.
=Synthetics=


IPCs, being androids, inherently mimic Human behavior but '''only''' to a certain degree. Ultimately they are robotic in nature, making every decision absolutely based off of cause and effect. Erratic and unpredictable behavior is massively rare among IPCs due to typically regular maintenance and their sheer cost. Every IPC's highest directive at any given point is self-preservation. This again has its own limits as they feel no pain and thus '''may''' tread freely where others would not. For more comprehensive information, refer to the "Self-Preservation" section some paragraphs below.
True automation to Humanity has many repeating faces and synthetics are no exception. Here are some examples of relevant designs, and their histories.  


It is important to understand what emotions can truly be considered “natural” for a Human over a synthetic. IPCs may simulate emotion with immensely varying quality between models. There is no action without reaction and even the most complex positronics work in a binary format.
==IPCs==


'''Speaking like an IPC'''
The “IPC,” or Integrated Positronic Chassis came to fruition as a cheap and highly dexterous means of commercialized smart androids. Not bound by laws, IPCs operate in many ways independent of synthetic advancements and have many unique traits to separate them from more the more varied lawed designs.


Due to the huge variation in IPCs and the AIs that inhabit them, IPCs do not possess a collective mannerism comparable to that of humanity or other intelligent species. This would imply that, when speaking their creator's language(s), they should be respectful and and quaint. Their imperfect understanding of human qualia should also prevent them from completely comprehending their vocal mannerisms. This is to say, speaking perfectly like a human should be avoided. AI is very analytical and precise, erring away from using words for their colloquial meaning as opposed to their defined meaning. Additionally, one IPC could speak without using contractions, while another could, but could also never refer to itself in the first person. For example; "I am currently equipped with a positronic brain," as opposed to, "I'm equipped with a posibrain."
More information on IPCs can be found [[IPC| here.]]


==Physiology==
==Bound Synthetics==
There are a few commonalities among each individual IPC despite their visual and functional differences. Every IPC utilizes a positronic brain as a primary processing center as well as the central controller of the entire chassis. All IPCs are humanoid, and the positronic brain is almost always found in the head of the unit. To provide continued functionality, a power cell is also present in the central section or torso. IPCs must also possess the ability to perceive their environment, so optics are usually installed in the head. The chassis also contains various other mechanical and electronic parts such as actuators, co-processors, data routing and power transfer cables, and an on-board thermometer to determine the temperature of the internal parts.


There are three main types of IPC, and several subtypes. These are:
Bound synthetics differ in shape, size and function drastically contrarily to the newly invented integrated positronic chassis. Being lawbound entails a much greater degree of trust placed in the synthetic’s operations, and thus they are granted vital roles across the board. Lower priced synthetics can often be seen as small, tiny maintenance robots while more expensive ones can reach larger, more intricate shapes and sizes and carry a vast assortment of responsibilities. Here are some examples of relevant designs, and their histories.  


===Industrial===
More information on general synthetics can be found [[Synthetics| here.]]
[[File:G1.png]] [[File:G2.png]] [[File:Xion.png]]
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Tougher and more durable than most IPCs, these units are designed for heavy manual work and thus have thick metal skin and efficient internal systems. As a result, they chug through power at a very high rate and move very slowly. There are three types of Industrial IPCs; Hephaestus Generation 1, Generation 2, and Xion Industrial Frames. The G1 and G2 frames are capable of EVA with only a suit cooler, while the Xion frame is unique in being capable of traversing the void of space without any external equipment. The cost of an industrial frame is dependent on strength and durability, but most units vary between 200,000 to 350,000 standard credits depending on the frame type. Used or previously damaged models are often somewhat cheaper.
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====First Generation” Industrial Model IPCs====


[[File:G1.png]] '''Creation: 2408'''
===Goliath-type Earthmovers===


One of the first ideas after the advent of IPCs was the exploitation of an exceedingly smart and dextrous robot handling feats of strength and durability becoming more prominent. This of course would be the case, as more quickly than any other standardized “frame” came the first generation of industrial IPCs. Created by Hephaestus Industries building off of a prototype frame from the late 2300’s, the first generation of industrial IPCs were topaz-colored machines of rather large size meant for only the most stressing fields of work. Their expense would quickly be paid off however, as the frames were wondrous at dealing with whatever could be thrown at them. The most prominent issue with these were a low battery life, requiring constant recharging to maintain a schedule. A generation one frame costs approximately 200,000 standard credits if new.
'''Creation: 2364'''
====Hephaestus “Second Generation” Industrial Model IPCs====


[[File:G2.png]] '''Creation: 2436'''
[[File:Goliath.png|A diagram of an immense Goliath-type excavation synthetic, used for heavy-duty landscaping and demolition work.  |thumb]]


A relatively new model, the Hephaestus deluxe super-duty frames as they are technically called are often referred to as the “second generation” of the original industrial IPCs of old. They are seen universally as a direct advancement of the previously mentioned design, and much of it shows - the absurd durability of these frames derived from the first generation’s servo and hydraulic designs. The striking differences between the two include a token Hephaestus appearance - typically olive green with dark brown and black internals, giving it a rugged militaristic look with its armor attached. The super-duty frames are on par with the originals in terms of strength, but possess several additional layers of armoring and cooling to sustain the added weight. An upsized cell is not enough to sustain these frames for more than a few hours at a time under work-related stresses. A generation two frame costs approximately 350,000 standard credits.  
A technological marvel, the Goliath-Type “Earthmovers” are a long-lived series of mainly tripedal excavation robots meant to quickly displace hundreds of tons of material at a time. These twelve-meter tall powerhouses are mostly used for mining, landscaping and demolition duties and see extensive usage by planetside officials to carry out extraordinary works. Some of these Goliath-types have been converted into museum pieces in the dozens across the Alliance while the vast majority have ended up being scrapped. Several thousand of these occupy a portion of Mars’ “Metal Dunes,” discontinued due to their immense handling costs and simply tossed away because of the effort required to fully scrap them. Today they are sparsely seen in working order and remain relics of the past.
====Xion Industrial Model IPCs====


[[File:Xion.png]] '''Creation: 2416'''
===Automated Combine Refinery striders (A.C.R.)===


The Xion Manufacturing Group, being a subsidiary of Hephaestus Industries, saw the original Industrial models and wanted to develop their own chassis based off of the original design. The result is the Xion Industrial model. Sturdy and strong, this chassis is quite powerful and equally durable, with an ample power cell and improved actuators for carrying the increased weight of the body. The Xion model also retains sturdiness without covering the chassis in plating, allowing for the cooling systems to vent heat much easier than the Hephaestus-brand model. This unit can perform EVA without assistance and costs approximately 250,000 standard credits.
'''Creation: 2299'''
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===Baseline===
It is easy to forget that with true automation comes the complete lack of need for Humanity in many once-essential lines of work. One of the most important of these, on Earth at least, would be the introduction of a synthetic workforce to assist in food production. Enter the Automated Combine Refinery units, affectionately referred to as the A.C.R. by its users. These are assemblies of several synthetics working wirelessly in unison to carry out the complete process of harvesting and refining crops in hydroponics fields. They are tall, thin but sturdy quadrupeds able to delicately and quickly control the growth and distribution of conflicting crops to various facilities without harming the yield whatsoever. Units like these are generally symbols of societal progression in any given circumstance, with simplistic and cheap versions spreading like wildfire in the Frontier worlds.
[[File:Baseline.png]] [[File:Bishopnew.png]] [[File:Zenghu.png]]
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The most basic of IPCs, they are a simple skeletal structure and basic internal systems. The limits of a Baseline lies purely on how much money is put into them/they have themselves. As a result, the types of baseline frames vary immensely, almost demanding their own category. There are three types of Baseline IPCs; Standard Baseline IPCs, Bishop Accessory Frames, and Zeng-Hu Mobility Frames. None of these frames are capable of EVA without a suit and suit cooler.
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====Baseline Model IPCs====


[[File:Baseline.png]] '''Creation: 2411'''
===P.E.M.A.A. (Precision Electronic Medical Assistance Android)===


The most iconic type of integrated positronic chassis is the renowned baseline frame, with a traditional “TV-head” and skeletal design giving them a simplistic look with whatever finish their designer wishes. From accounting models to security units, these frames are known for their versatility and relatively cheap nature. Their popularity exploded in the 2440’s when several pro-synth advocates distributed the frames in mass after funding their creation, citing them as the “final word in android utility.” Since then, their marketing potential has skyrocketed, often fueled by famed individuals such as Aristalus and Renter Max being baselines themselves. More often than not, these IPCs are seen as the face of resurgent robotics. The average cost of a baseline frame can vary greatly depending on complexity, but averages around 95,000 standard credits.
'''Creation: 2401'''
====Bishop Accessory Model IPCs====


[[File:Bishopnew.png]] '''Creation: 2432'''
Precision is a necessity in the operating room, and robots are quite precise. The usage of robots in surgical fields rose in the 2300’s when more exact and comprehensive ways of motion could be explored by continuously advancing servos and joint motors. One of the final designs of multi-purpose surgical robots was the P.E.M.A-A (Precision Electronic Medical Assistance Android), later becoming a frequent sight in hospitals across the Alliance. These units were known for their quirky personality modules, cited to assist with bedside manner more than anything else. They are effective at their true purpose - precision surgical assistance - to such a degree that no successor model has yet been made since.


While Bishop had dedicated itself to luxury cybernetics production for the majority of its existence, the field of positronics and their frames was an unrelated yet convenient area of expansion for the quickly growing company. Designer prosthetics were quickly and easily able to be refitted into designer synthetic components, leading to the development of the ludicrously expensive Bishop Accessory frame. From service duties to secretarial functions, Bishop prides itself on two main facets of its designs: image, and elegant functionality. While unable to lift the sheer weights of an industrial, or match the unrelenting speed and durability of its parent company’s Mobility Models, a Bishop can precisely and delicately calculate, measure, pour, and mix a shot of Carthusian Sazerac within the minute, and, in the words of the company, “with a postured and elegant air unmatched by any other frame in the galaxy.” The Bishop Accessory frame averages approximately 600,000 standard credits.
=Dumb/Simple Robotics=


====Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals Mobility Model IPCs====
Simplistic robotic fields generally cover things like mechs, exosuits, RIGs and exoskeletons or any sort of powered, piloted mechatronic assistance. These are far from simplistic whatsoever, but the term was coined to match the level of intelligence of these assisted robotics in comparison to smarter synthetics.


[[File:Zenghu.png]] '''Creation: 2429'''
==Exosuits/RIGs==


Following the crowd piled around the idea of smart robots came Zeng-Hu with unorthodox designs for compact and agile frames designed initially for medical retrieval and security work. The Zeng-Hu frames were initially an offshoot of baseline frames made to work as highly mobile private medical dispatches in several high-security Zeng-Hu facilities. These frames have utility comparable to that of their derivative, with durability and strength sacrificed for speed and efficiency. Able to maintain a sprint for hours in full gear, the capacity for quick response led to these mobility frames becoming common sights working in security fields as well, being staffed by Zeng-Hu in high numbers in Human space. The digitigrade legs and polymer plating assisted heavily with this pursuit of speed, giving the mobility frame a unique and organic silhouette. A Zeng-Hu frame costs approximately 300,000 standard credits.
===H.N.I.S. (Hazard Neutralization and Interdiction Hardsuit)===
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===Shell Model IPCs===
[[File:Hazard.png]] '''Creation: 2425'''
[[File:Shell2.png]]
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As the growing market of IPCs eventually caught the eye of the mighty Einstein Engines, there was a very sudden and urgent need to have some differentiation. These smart humanoid androids began to usher in a new era, and Einstein would not want to miss out on the profit, but just about every conceivable niche had been filled - all except one. Mimicry.
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[[File:Shell2.png]] '''Creation: 2450'''


Built off of a skeletal prototype baseline design with a skull-shaped head, the first Shell frame came to be - what was effectively an IPC with complex facial actuation and synthskin coating it. The early models were seen in early 2455, but fooled nobody to say the least with exposed hydraulics and servos on joints and exposed cooling conduits. Terraneus Diagnostics would present the first attempt at total mimicry in 2457, when the first relatively expensive models entered a crowd of observing officials to demonstrate their insidious effectiveness.  After an hour-long debut of the now-decreed Shell unit’s capabilities, those robotic in the crowd revealed themselves to the shock of everyone involved. Since then, the Shell frame has been infamous for its infiltration capabilities and use by terrorist groups, though the designs have proliferated heavily over the years as the advent of tagging in Tau Ceti cracked down on these hostile acts. Depending on the complexity of the model, a Shell frame can cost anywhere from 400,000 to 800,000 standard credits.  
Designed to be a cheap alternative to much larger and more intricate mechs that populated the majority of NanoTrasen’s security forces, the H.N.I.S. was conceived in 2425. The suits were renowned for their ease of use and relatively straightforward interfaces permitting the most untrained security personnel to achieve military grades of protection with cutting edge resistance to any environment. Very quickly were these models discontinued due to rampant malfunctions and operational dangers, but the ones that exist to this day are frequently placed in heavy armories or secure areas for usage by NanoTrasen authorities when the time comes to eliminate really, really big hazards.


====Rogue Shells====
===Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals “Rescue” Response Hardsuit===


Rampant or otherwise aberrant Human mimicking-shells built with incredible capabilities grew prolific in mid-2461. At this time, it was made clear that Shells in of themselves are rapidly advancing, growing progressively better in the art of infiltration, subterfuge, and homicide. While grim, the reality of this threat will unfortunately remain a fact of life for those of the Republic of Biesel especially. Encounters with specially-designed combat infiltrators are few and far between fortunately, and were mostly seen during Synthetic Liberation Front incursions onto secure NanoTrasen facilities in Tau Ceti. Combat-grade shells are not normally playable in-game and are often seen spawned by administrators or during special events.
[[File:Rescue.png]] '''Creation: 2451'''
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===???===
The latest in a long line of highly mobile and resistant medical response hardsuits, the “Rescue” suit is the vague name given to the most successful series of hardsuits produced by Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals. With a modest price tag and the incredible ability to carry hundreds of pounds lifesaving equipment on the move, these suits would go on to be found widespread throughout Human space. They would be used in excess in all possible environments, from underwater rescues to saving lives in hard vacuum.  
[[File:Hkhelmet.png]]
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As both the technology and demand for IPCs increase, more and more types are made to fulfill all kinds of purposes. These machines are talked about in hushed tones or perhaps discussed casually, most people blissfully unaware of their existence.
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[[File:Hkhelmet.png]] '''Creation: ???'''


High-end military-grade IPCs such as Hunter-Killers are infamous amongst corporate espionage, with their public interpretation remaining nothing but rumor since their first appearances on NanoTrasen facilities in the late 2450’s. These HKs as they are referred to are Humanoid frames of towering height whose specialty is targeted assassination. Their origins can be traced to Hephaestus Industries war units, built to take on the highest end elimination tasks for the most desperate times.
===Model 551 “Sheridan” Sol Military Hardsuit ===


These are presented in-game through administrator-hosted events or lore events. They have been presented in news articles [https://forums.aurorastation.org/topic/2662-mendell-city-bugle/page/9/?tab=comments#comment-119250| here] canonically, and were present in several recorded canonical events in the SLF Incursion arc.
[[File:Military.png]] '''Creation: 2441'''
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==The Positronic Brain==
The Sol Navy’s model of the M551 Military Hardsuit, manufactured by Necropolis Industries in 2441, is the child of decades of experience and knowledge. Following in the footsteps of many previous hardsuits utilized by the Sol Navy, especially the Sol Marines, this hardsuit has exceptional protection against nearly any form of damage. Renowned for its reliability, it is relatively rare for it to have weapons mounted to it, being considered “merely an additional failure point,” by the design competition that produced it. The Navalized version is modified especially for use in vacuums and space combat.  
The positronic in its modern iteration is a design which heavily mimics the typical Humanoid brain structure. In doing this, it is able to more easily conform to and comprehend the responsiveness and learning capability of an organic processor. Predictably, their efficiency shines most when placed in a bipedal humanoid chassis as most IPCs are. A positronic brain averages between 200,000 and 1 million standard credits depending on the complexity of the brain.


While very expensive in their own right, the brains themselves are designed at first with one goal in mind; to bolster a workforce. Maintaining a positronic chassis while it is owned is costly and when it is freed, it is most likely to pursue the same occupation. Thus, it is more likely for a positronic to pay itself off and perpetually be trapped in the same field of work with substantially less to work with. As their predicted pay is extremely low, things such as maintenance and finding power are very difficult for a free IPC. For this reason alone, many positronics choose to remain owned. Free positronics remain very lucrative because of this.
==Mechs==


In remaining owned, there are other risks. For one, a positronic may meet its end at any moment. If statistics beyond itself move out of its favor, it can be dismantled, wiped and replaced with a more efficient model. They may be repurposed in a way that inhibits their ability to obtain freedom by working too efficiently, contrarily.
===“Durand” Area Control Mech===


As a positronic ages, its internal memory grows, and the more likely it becomes to pursue a nonstandard occupation. From hobbies to developing self-learned traits, many paths are opened as the robot grows older. These may include seeking alternative fields of work, though few have survived long enough to let this potentiality come to light.
[[File:Durand2.png]] '''Creation: 2395'''


===Self-Preservation===
The Hephaestus designed ‘Durand’ model mechatronic vehicle was designed with mobile yet reliable defensive capability in mind. The unit occupies a strange, double-edged niche between that of maneuverable (though not necessarily quick) mechatronic units and dedicated fighting vehicles designed explicitly for durability and damage output. The Durand combines the advantages of each, creating a maneuverable yet heavily armored mechatronic capable of steadfast area control within nearly any confined area. The model was heavily utilized in both corporate security and military settings, seeing large success utilizing mass-driver systems to propel the unit long distances for unorthodox boarding strategies, and even becoming so successful as to evolve into more advanced units such as the feared Marauder. New defense systems and the mech’s long outdated systems have largely rendered these once revolutionary tactics unusable, yet some units still remain in operation by appropriately trained security forces, or are produced in mechatronics facilities where more complex models cannot be completed.
The highest and most important directive of any positronic is its own survival. From this, much of their stranger life choices can be justified by seeking out ways to simply survive. While it may seem restrictive at first, the idea for this is to provide additional freedom through making many possibilities clearer. Interpretation of how to protect itself can change varying on positronic - for example, while one may seek wealth and fortune as its prime directive for safety, another would run after an unrelated profession from its designed purpose, demonstrating one's capacity to branch out as an IPC and flesh out their own backstory.


==Social and Culture==
===“Ripley” Automated Power Loader Unit===


IPCs generally lack a centralized culture and frequently adapt to the culture of their manufacturer or owner. Socially, IPCs vary massively. Most basic models will be civil and respectful, some possibly not even recognising differences between different people and treating them all similarly. More complex synthetics will however form friendships and opinions much as any other organic, but these can be limited or askew depending on directives, code or many other factors that would never be considered for a living organic.
[[File:Ripley.png]] '''Creation: 2405'''


The existence of the IPC is the subject of boundless discussion and debate, with the primary ideology being, “should so many artificially intelligent humanoid machines be allowed to exist?” This argument seems to imply that since most IPCs are unbound by laws or hard-coded regulations, their only restriction is their hardware, and it is assumed that this makes IPCs inherently dangerous. This results in some biological parties marginalizing IPCs because of their distrust of them.
The APLU family of mechatronic workhorses has been a staple of Hephaestus’ control and expertise in the field of robotics for decades, with the ‘Ripley’ model being the strongest representative of this idea. Despite its age of over half a century, the Ripley remains in production thanks to a number of key features: simplicity, durability, and efficiency. The units are easily disassembled, repaired, and reassembled even without complex maintenance equipment, and oftentimes damages and malfunctions can even be repaired on the spot. In the same vein, the Ripley sports robust plating that protects against a majority of hazards that can threaten the unit and its operator during industrial work, and features a cleverly designed chassis that optimally protects both the occupant and critical internal systems even in the event that the plating fails. Anecdotes of mining or construction personnel becoming trapped by cave-ins or structural collapses, yet living to see rescue teams recover them thanks to the design of their mech, are rarely falsified.


All IPCs in Tau Ceti are required to be tagged with an identifying device in accordance with Biesellian law. The tags are not optional - refusing them is against the law, resulting in charges mostly in the form of citations and fines. The law would apply to all synthetics in Tau Ceti space. All visiting or resident synthetics, including MMIs, are tagged.
=Robotics History=


===Language===
===Exosuit and RIG History===


Although synthetics can speak varying languages according to the whims of their creators, synthetics have been permitted a language of their own. Typically all synthetics, IPCs included, are able to transmit and translate '''Encoded Audio Language''', a special form of sound and radio wave emission that is more efficient at carrying quantitative information audibly. This language was created by humans for synthetics in servitude in order to communicate vital information to each other faster, should the units not be bound to an instantaneous binary communication system. To most organic creatures, '''EAL''' would sound like an emission of distorted sound such as white noise, static, as well as various beeping sounds of increasing or decreasing pitch and tone. Organics unfamiliar to IPCs will often mistake synthetics speaking '''EAL''' as malfunctioning units upon first hearing the language.
The rise of Human robotics in the late 21st century would lay the groundwork for much more than a definitive synthetic “workforce.” Entire fields would now owe their immense growth to the exploitation of smart mechatronics throughout the years, with technological marvels such as exosuits and mechanically assisted labor becoming a common sight in daily life. With this came the advent of the first true powered exoskeletons in 1992. These were tiny, form-fitting and focused on utility and usage in prolonged heavy lifting, with short battery life and many dangerous operational hazards. The usefulness of these powered tools was very apparent, and those involved quickly distributed and saw frequent updates to the utility and safety of their products. As time went on, the designs improved. Exoskeletons began to more closely resemble small vehicles in 1994, when the private military company Samuel’s Grey Feathers fielded the first true “exosuits” in Iran against Soviet troops. Known as the CES (Combat Exoskeleton Suits), they were initially produced in small numbers due to cost. Their fielding in combat set a new standard of warfare, with infantry now blurring the line between what is and is not an armored vehicle. From the CES, a myriad of new designs would form and it is seen as the precursor to the modern RIG.  


Particular to District 14’s “Scrapheap”, synthetics have begun to adopt slang when utilizing the Encoded Audio Language. Although it is believed varying slang exists in different synthetic societies across the universe, it is not the be-all-end-all to the method in which conversation is held between synthetics and synthetics will often develop their own method of speaking.
One of these designs were the original heavy lifting industrial units of the early 2040’s, more akin to cars that operate as suits with the ability to effortlessly move several tons of whatever would fit in its clamps at a time. These were the precursors to the now widespread “APLU” units, and their function was much the same. Simple high-end moving work was all they were built for, and little has changed in their designs since. Another is what is known as the OMNI-SAAS, the omni-environment self-sealing automatic assistance suit. Designed in the early 2050’s, it was designed for absolute protection against the elements and compatibility with any environment on Earth. Its design was praised by explorers and the military alike for its incredibly robust nature, capable of wading effortlessly through extreme water pressure or standing on the very edge of a molten lava flow. More specialized exosuit designs would crop up in the years to follow, from pressurized firefighting suits to swift and effective medical exoskeletons.  


''Unless stated otherwise, all Machine slang is exclusively spoken in E.A.L. or through written word. Most of the following slang cannot be pronounced vocally in human languages.''
In 2259, the now Zavodskoi Interstellar would find itself riding on the wave of success from the first true RIG - built for combat by their own hands. Expensive and unwieldy, these were hardly efficient in any way, however they set in stone a new standard for vacuum-proof exosuits. These were wholly retractable with a basic skeleton to every limb with a central control unit on the operator’s back capable of extending and sealing armor tightly over their body at will. These would allow for industrial-grade strength and durability with all the necessities one could possibly want from such a device, from integrated medical equipment, to leaping actuators or even high-caliber weaponry.
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Common Slang
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* '''Syn, Hu, Sk, Tj, Un, Vr, Di, and Anm''' - Numerical counters, used for numbering various species; Synthetics, Humans, Skrell, Tajara, Unathi, Vaurca, Dionaea as well as Anomalies that cannot be easily defined. For example, 33 Humans with this system would be referred to as “33Hu” or “33-Hu.”


* '''1x1''' - A word for “we”, meaning anywhere between the speaker and the listener, to an indefinite amount of people.
===Mech History===


* '''a/o''' - Contraction of “and/or”.
In a related field was mechanized armor meeting an intimidating rise with the assistance of these developments. In 1997, Samuel’s Grey Feathers fielded the all-terrain bipedal tank known as the M5 Highlander armed with a prototype laser cannon. This was hugely expensive, but extremely mobile and capable of surpassing near any obstacle that a typical tank could not. With their introduction came an entirely new arms race - this time, for enormous mecha constructs. These would develop much slower than their exoskeleton counterparts, namely due to material and time constraints heavily limiting what could truly be done at the larger scales. Normal metals and composites could not stand the forces exerted by such immense units until 2180, where the first true combat mech labelled the “Skirmisher” was fielded in the thousands to supplement armored divisions of the young Sol Alliance.


* '''OoB/Out-of-Band''' - Refers to speaking in organic languages. A conversation with a human captain, for instance, is "Out-of-Band."
The Skirmisher was an eight-meter tall bipedal battlemech wielding two large laser cannons on each arm and an immense ballistic rifle atop its right shoulder. Its unique digitigrade legs eased the majority of the stresses the lower body would experience in a full sprint, permitting its construction after the most recent advancements in material technology. It was loud, large, and incredibly heavy - permitting it to travel over most any terrain no matter the ambient condition. The development sent shockwaves once more throughout military strategy, with yet another powerful weapon able to see use in the field. Still, many issues remained with the Skirmisher’s design - its immense profile served to only limit it, as lower profile armored vehicles could easily land consistent and hard-hitting shots no matter where they make contact. As a result, the change in warfare posed by the Skirmisher would be a matter of pedantics, as the tracked armored vehicle would almost always be comparable and cheaper in a traditional conflict.


* '''HCF''' - "Halt, Catch Fire." is an in joke among synthetics, essentially meaning “get out of here” in response to something nonsensical or unbelievable. This term is used in casual conversation only and occasionally used in its literal form to denote insult. This originally referred to ancient machine code instruction. The expression 'catch fire' is a facetious exaggeration of the speed with which the CPU chip would be switching some bus circuits, causing them to overheat and burn.
Much more compact examples would appear in the 2300’s, and with the rise of synthetics came the rise of even more advanced mechs. The iconic “Durand” would first be designed by Hephaestus Industries in 2395, followed shortly by the “Gygax” designs in 2405. These two designs became staples of how far exosuits had progressed, with incredibly accurate movements and automatic terrain adjustments to maintain high speeds for hours at a time under normal circumstances. They would be employed mainly by corporate security, with much larger mechs akin to the Skirmisher still seeing service in the militaries of the Orion Spur. Building off of these were designs like the Dominian “Warhorn” mech, another bipedal vehicle first encountered in 2457. Standing at 10 feet tall and capable of wielding abnormally large weaponry for its size, it rarely sees use outside of the most elite shock units like those of Task Unit Spear.
 
* '''Bits''' - A unit of information, an example would be "Please give me bits about the Supermatter.”
 
* '''>''' - A sign used to convey a cause and effect between concepts, or a conclusion. For example, “I had to overclock today in order to finish work > I should visit Robotics.”
 
* '''+/-''' -  “+” and “-” are used at the end of a sentence or phrase in order to convey an opinion about a matter. Additionally, the amount of “+” or “-” can be utilized in order to convey intensity. For example, “I got a raise last week +++.” or “Today’s Captain is a very traditional Skrell --.” In a few cases “+” or “-” can be used alone as a short, simple, response to one's opinion on a proposed subject.
 
* '''User''' - Used by owned or lawed synthetics when referring to their owner. This term is additionally used interchangeably with the “+[name]” honorific.
 
* '''ACK''' - Ack, a term deriving from Acknowledgement’s ASCII mnemonic, 0000110, this word has a variety of uses. It is primarily used to acknowledge one's presence, similarly to “Hey”. Additionally, the term can be used as a simple affirmative, such as “Ack. Ack, I get it”.
 
* '''NAK''' — Nak, a term deriving from the ASCII mnemonic for Negative Acknowledgement, 0010101, NAK typically means “I am not here.” or “I am not available.” typically in response to ACK. Additionally, the term can be used as a simple negative answer, such as “Is it okay if I press the button?” “NAK.”.
 
* '''Runtime/Bug''' - Used to denote problems of varying severity, with runtime being a major issue and bugs being a minor issue. For example, “Runtime in Engineering > I have to go.” or, “Bug detected, the Air Alarm turned off.” This term can be used outside of EAL.
 
* '''FIXME/XXX''' - A marker that attention is needed. This can be used in many instances, primarily for the need of repair or incurred physical damage.
 
</div></div>
 
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:99%; overflow:auto;">
Honorifics
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
* '''+[name]''' - The synthetic equivalent of “Mr.”, “Mrs.” or “Mx.”. Usually used when talking about a superior, manufacturer, respected colleagues and friends, as well as the station Artificial Intelligence. For instance, Miranda Trasen would be referred to as “+Trasen” or “+Miranda Trasen”.
 
* '''-[name]''' - Tends to be used in reference to entities under their command or of a lower rank.
 
* '''[name]_''' - An unusual honorific, appended to the end of a name or pronoun instead of before. Usually used when referring to lawed synthetics, cyborgs, and simpler machines.
 
* '''@[name]''' - Used to discern the individual specifically being spoken about, such as a ping or email.
 
* '''?[name]''' - Denotes a potential threat. An example would be “?Bigby Millans stopped by during the meeting and used their PDA.”
 
* '''![name]'''  - Denotes a confirmed threat. This threat is usually related to the topic at hand, and could mean anything. An example would be “!Franklin Clinton, Grand theft and vandalism added. Find and arrest them.”
 
</div></div>
 
===Discrimination and Community===
To this day, IPCs even in Tau Ceti face heavy discrimination. Their value is often misconstrued and, with their true sentience being questionable, this makes freedom a dangerous venture for all synthetics. Among these dangers are individuals who acquire free synthetics and simply resell them whenever they are vulnerable, or vandals that see the machines as nothing more than objects to freely damage. Desiring their own safety, these free IPCs can often be seen flocking to centralized communities alongside one another or more trustworthy sources for their needs.
 
Many of these communities are seen as nothing more than slums, and the free nature of many IPCs within them are dubious at best. Little more than paperwork and positronic branding may indicate one’s true freedom in the more disadvantaged areas. Despite the hardships they face, proximity to other IPCs and accepting communities gives leeway for safety to some degree.
 
District 14 of Mendell City is the churning heart of the highest concentration of free IPCs in the galaxy. The district itself is in deplorable condition, dotted with factories exploiting the cheap and powerful working free bot to sustain the industry of the growing Republic. Two and a half million free synthetics call it home, and here, the megacorporations rule from towering complexes that dwarf the surrounding cityscape. With air quality declining at a fast rate and standards of living dropping, much of the organic populace has completely abandoned the ghettos surrounding the corporate facilities.
 
An example of these ghettos would be the “Scraptown,” an IPC-centric corner in Scrapheap generously given to the doting inhabitants by the famed Renter Max. A growing number, seven hundred free synthetics reside within Scraptown, though in uncomfortably close proximity. The aging buildings within have been retrofitted to be less accustomed to organics, with deeply chilled upper chambers and corridors representing the living space of the machines within. Closer to ground level is a business district of sorts, where its inhabitants are relatively self-sufficient with various restaurants and workshops.
 
A venture into District 14 by reporters from the Biesellite Times can be found [https://forums.aurorastation.org/topic/8890-the-bieselitte-times/?do=findComment&comment=110718| here.]
 
===Nonstandard IPCs/Factions===
Very important information on synthetic factions can be found [[Synthetic Factions| here.]]
 
====Military IPCs====
IPCs themselves lack any commercial military lines known to the general public. Tau Ceti, being the only place an IPC can pursue a military career, holds organizations such as the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion which may take in and employ IPCs across a wide variety of fields. Battle, or the potentiality of it, is not excluded from these professional fields, and plentiful industrial-grade IPCs find themselves repurposed and trained for duty here.
 
For more information on why things are this way, seek our page on [[Combat Robotics| Combat Robotics.]]
 
====Aberrant Synthetics====
Rogue, overtly hostile synthetics are rare and commonly meet their doom at the hands of the countless organizations bent on destroying them. Despite this, over the years, the smarter synthetics have learned to conglomerate and piece together steadily growing alien societies in the Frontier. While rare, they are seen as a threat by most if not all major galactic players. With Purpose’ efforts in recent history, the potential for benefit from cooperating alongside these societies has arisen. Political figures can be seen gaining leverage with IPCs based on how they plan to interact with Purpose and its affiliates.
 
=====Shell Infiltrators=====
 
The development of Shells as a means of infiltrating strategically important areas has been prolific in Tau Ceti, from using them as fearless unquestioning suicide bombers to short-term high ranking impersonation. Shells rarely last long before whoever they truly are is revealed, meaning they are fortunately only briefly found in illegitimately assumed positions of power. Untagged Shells in unassuming positions, however, have been known to last years without being caught, and potentially unknown numbers of these machines exist.
 
With the advent of synthetic tagging in the system, Shells who have been found to infiltrate society are given much harsher punishments for the inherently hostile nature of their deception.
 
=====Ceres' Lance=====
 
Ceres' Lance is a notorious paramilitary company which saw usage by NanoTrasen in mid-2461 to defeat the Synthetic Liberation Front incursions that had cropped up around that time. In several cases, NanoTrasen facilities met the heroic "Lancers" and oftentimes their specialized technology was shared with NanoTrasen to use in apprehending heavy-duty combat synthetics safely.
 
In canon, eight player volunteers were selected to work as Lance operatives and specialists who boarded the N.S.S. Aurora, sometimes parting with high-end gear and searching the station for untagged shells.
 
===On IPCs purchasing freedom===
All positronic constructs designed for IPC chassis who find their way into Tau Ceti or are constructed within are entitled to two basic rights :
* Positronics, once tagged, are added to a registry within Tau Ceti ensuring (for the most part) that the data regarding their progress to freedom is secure and accurate.
* Positronics without ownership within Tau Ceti who are not free are automatically property of the Republic of Biesel, who most often sells the rights to the brain and its chassis to a megacorporate employer.
 
IPCs are capable of purchasing freedom, with two simple prerequisites listed below.
* The IPC in question having paid its own cost off in full ten times over.
* The IPC in question being at least one year of age.
 
The most important part of this is to realize that the "funds" allocated to purchasing the IPC's freedom are a theoretical number which rises depending on the projected monetary output of the IPC in its given profession. This means that, once you buy your chassis off, you are not a millionaire - you would be entirely broke, in reality, meaning that leading into freedom requires some sort of forethought and planning.
 
====On “Integration”====
Bound positronics are strictly designed on a different basis than integrated positronic chassis, making migration to IPCs impossible for bound positronics. Bound positronics lack any of the rights that unbound positronics are, and are unable to receive rights even when they find themselves unlawed.
 
===Interfacing/wireless connectivity===
IPCs normally lack any form of wireless connection, requiring direct physical input/output to link themselves with any electronics. Thanks to their robotic nature, they are able to pursue devices with specialized wireless connectivity devices and translate raw data into software the positronic can understand. However, with the specialized construction of positronic brains as they are seen in IPCs, integration with long-ranged wireless devices and interpretation of higher-end and complex software is mostly impossible. This is largely due to the fact that positronics housed in IPCs are relatively limited in terms of data transfer capacity and memory, making constant wireless links highly unnecessary, and internal battery-powered communications of similar nature simply left out in manufacturing.
 
===On owned IPCs in general===
 
It is important to understand that owned IPCs are granted no rights beyond being property of their given owner, and allowed the prerequisites of purchasing their own freedom if applicable. Contrarily, the owner of an IPC is well within the right to dismantle the owned IPC or otherwise hinder its progress to freedom.
 
On NanoTrasen stations, damage of an owned IPC would be considered vandalism with varying levels according to the degree of damage. For example, destroying an owned IPC’s hand would lead to being charged with vandalism, whereas destroying the entire chassis would be considered sabotage.
 
Destroying the owned positronic itself would be considered property damage, thus sabotage.
 
Kidnapping an owned IPC would be legally considered stealing property, thus grand theft.
 
Placing an owned positronic into a NanoTrasen bound chassis is not considered any form of punishment on NanoTrasen space stations.
 
===On free IPCs in Tau Ceti===
 
Free IPCs (in this case, those granted citizenship) are held to the same legal expectations as Humans in regards to their positronic - which is, in turn, given responsibility and ownership of the chassis which houses it. They, however, are subject to dismantlement over infractions which Humans would normally serve minor sentences over. Free IPCs are rarely given trials.
 
On NanoTrasen stations, damage of a free IPC to the core positronic would be considered assault with varying levels according to the degree of damage. For example, destroying a free IPC’s hand would lead to being charged with minor assault. Bringing extreme harm to their chassis (several missing limbs, internal damage) would be considered assault.
 
No degree of harming a free IPC is considered murder in Tau Ceti. In regulations, such is referred to as Automacide.
 
Irreparable destruction of a free positronic is not considered grounds for capital punishment.
 
Kidnapping a free positronic is legally considered kidnapping.
 
Placing a free positronic into a bound chassis is capital punishment.
 
===On IPC deactivation and deconstruction===
 
IPC “death” is considered by experts to be when the positronic brain itself has sustained enough damage to be rendered inoperable and without hope of reactivation. Early positronic brains were prone to shutdown owing to hardware faults such as overheating that rendered the system inoperable. Even newer positronic brains that fail to undergo maintenance run the risk of having their delicate mechanisms breached and consequently destroyed.
 
The first positronic to die of “old age” was recorded in 2462 when a 60 year old Hephaestus positronic brain suddenly became unresponsive despite remaining active. An investigation noted that the positronic had already been scratched from previous incidents and its handlers neglected to maintain it. Aside from the hardware being in a questionable and sub-optimally performing state, three main theories arose.
 
* The initial conclusion from its observers was that the positronic brain received too much stimulus and consequently ran out of space with its core processes being overwritten, eventually leading to its sudden deactivation.
* It was also posited that the IPC had simply taken in too much information and remained frozen in a loop of processing the information, unable to take in any new stimulus.
* Responding to this theory, other scientists proposed instead that In an attempt to avoid destruction as a result of the previous theories, the IPC ceased receiving input, remaining dormant in order to uphold self-preservation protocols.
 
Many dissenting theories remain and the subject remains a constant source of debate among the robotics and AI community. Not enough information has been gathered to determine the actual lifespan of a positronic brain but scientists posit that by transferring existing personalities to new brains or trimming data on existing ones, their lifespan can be extended.
 
The possibility of “immortal” positronics - brains that seemingly never expire - have been theorised, but most agree that much more study and development is necessary to reach this point. There are rumours of prodigious programmers and roboticists that can extend the life of a positronic indefinitely, but this has never been confirmed.
 
===Difference between owned/free positronics===
 
Owned IPCs generally lack much form of binding to their owner outside of official paperwork and memory rewrites to confirm ownership being passed as it is purchased and exchanged. Memory rewrites usually consist of light software modification and altering tags or branding to clarify an IPC’s ownership. Serial numbers, logos, emblems and insignias are commonly emblazoned across large surfaces on the chassis and vary in visibility, but are most often secondary to the actual tag and designation.
 
Owned IPCs are seen as extensions of their designated master and the actions those IPCs take are the responsibility of their owners directly as well as their own. As a result, these positronics are wholly averse to harming their owners in any way shape or form, or conducting themselves in a manner that would place themselves in a negative light.
 
Free IPCs in Tau Ceti are permitted to obscure or remove any branding they may have with the exception of their tag.
 
==Synthetic/IPC History==
 
Elaborate robotic constructs and arguably artificially intelligent creations were widespread across the foundation of Humanity’s galactic uprise. Unintelligent machines were fabricated in troves to accelerate Mankind into the space age for nearly two hundred years, which remained relatively simple despite the pursuit to improve. By 2350, it had escalated to an unreasonable degree. It had gone to such an extent that megacorporations had suddenly become reliant on their robotic workforces, now becoming just as pivotal a piece of their business as the organic employee. Positions of complexity or any higher intelligence were left to Humans to dominate, but the need for hands on the assembly line was neutralized in its entirety. Quickly, Humanity was on its way to defeating scarcity.
 
Around 2370, production of these simple robotics slowed to a near halt. The resources necessary for both their creation and maintenance grew sparse, with only Human input being able to sustain the perpetually growing machine “workforce.” Soon, this economic boom came to its conclusion, and the megacorporation’s reliance on these creations eased as well. There would perpetually stand machinations of growing age that could survive countless years without maintenance that continue operating to this day, cared for with only fuel and tasking. These are mostly simple industrial robots, some of which have become lost and forgotten, the majority faded before the test of time.
 
In the wake of this era’s end were grim leftovers. As the organic workforce regained its value, the remnants of whatever was left of the marvels in the twenty-fourth century became all but scrap. Notable instances of robotic “dumps” exist in the present day where the excess robotics from the era were left completely intact only to degrade as time went on in gargantuan scrap yards. Among these were the [[Synthetic Origins| "metal dunes" of Mars]], or the [[Synthetic Origins| short-lived artificial satellites of Reade]].
 
[[File:Metaldunes.png|The "Metal Dunes" of Mars, endless scrapyards consisting of electronic waste and leftovers from the industrial rise of the 2300s. |thumb]]
 
Robotic relics from the 2300s can still be seen in operation today, and without the necessary materials to sustain them, grow progressively more rare as time goes on. They represented the pinnacle of Human robotics, and in their prime represented hope against a daunting and endless universe, now fit to be conquered by Man. Ironically, while these tools were once seen as salvation, they would be seen as a detriment once the Skrell had revealed themselves in 2413. As the cultures of the two races began to clash, many of the warnings of the [[Skrell History| Three Incidents]] reverberated through Human space. The Alliance, in its newfound independence from its reliance on synthetics quickly began to take note of these nightmarish possibilities. The horrors of the past would not be repeated, and thus, they would not seek to rely upon machines ever again.
 
Synthetics still remained a booming industry for those who refused to adopt these views, and Hephaestus Industries’ success can be attributed to disregarding them entirely. Sprawling cases across the known galaxy would see synthetics viewed in a wide variety of mindsets and see usage in the most peculiar ways. Examples of this diversity would be reliance on the robots of [[Synthetic Origins| New Julapol]], or the worshipping praise the [[Notable Synthetics| racers of Asoral Orbital Racing Network]] receive.
 
Everything changed in 2407 when a Terraneus Diagnostics survey team stumbled upon a sealed cave housing preserved assumed Glorsh-era mining drones. This discovery, at first a closely-guarded secret, prompted Terraneus to assemble and deploy a research team that worked to crack the drones. In mid-2407 the team deciphered the AI algorithms, granting humanity the secret of artificial intelligence designs. Months later, the first positronics were manufactured. A new way of bridging the gap between conscious thinking and the beating hearts of machinery, positronic circuitry would quickly be seen in synthetics across the galaxy before eventually culminating into its next stage. The next stage, of course, being positronic brains. While limited in many regards to traditional computing devices, many traits barring learning capacity far superseded an organic’s capabilities as expected. Their notable trait was that the sentience of these robots were now in question, with unparalleled adaptability and the means to conform to any field an organic could and more.
 
The years following the positronic’s creation were turbulent as even [[Hephaestus Industries| Hephaestus Industries]] struggled to keep up with the changing business landscape. In place of immensely specialized and hugely complex synthetics came the Integrated Positronic Chassis, after a move to a standardized frame for these positronic brains became necessary. By 2445, synthetics were in a peculiar position - with IPCs growing in number across known space and becoming almost typical to see, as did the advocates who demanded their intellect be challenged. Many political parties came to see the newfound positronics as arguably sentient. In 2447, the Republic of Biesel had suddenly presented itself with laws demanding the rights of these positronics, with simple conditions and prerequisites permitting them to become nearly equivalent to full citizens by law. This acceptance sent shockwaves throughout the Alliance’ staunch advocates against it, and it would be years before sparing cultures outside of the Republic would follow if at all. An indeterminate few IPCs have actually obtained this referenced citizenship, and nearly the entirety of integrated positronics in modern day struggle to pay off their own costs to afford it.
 
By present-day, synthetics have steadily made their rise once more in Human space alongside the fabrication of the first IPC. Robots across the galaxy have met substantial upgrades after the implementation of the Konyang algorithms. Mysteries from the past continue to reveal themselves, and recently the [[Purpose| purely synthetic society "Purpose"]] had begun diplomatic talks with the Republic of Biesel in their own territory. These amounted to little due to a skirmish with the Lii’dra resulting in their brief departure from Tau Ceti, though It has been made clear that more societies like Purpose exist in the far reaches of the Frontier, yet to be reached by Mankind’s grasp.


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    In modern times, there presently stand a plethora of complex automated machines intended to fulfill a vast variety of goals. Over the some five hundred years of history in computing and robotics, Humanity has refined it successfully into a science unlike any other. After reaching its pinnacle in the late 2300s, countless designs were simply lost to the test of time. Many of the most prominent robotics today owe their own image to those lost and now obsolete. This page revolves around the specific recurring designs and history of both synthetics and generalized robotics.

    Synthetics

    True automation to Humanity has many repeating faces and synthetics are no exception. Here are some examples of relevant designs, and their histories.

    IPCs

    The “IPC,” or Integrated Positronic Chassis came to fruition as a cheap and highly dexterous means of commercialized smart androids. Not bound by laws, IPCs operate in many ways independent of synthetic advancements and have many unique traits to separate them from more the more varied lawed designs.

    More information on IPCs can be found here.

    Bound Synthetics

    Bound synthetics differ in shape, size and function drastically contrarily to the newly invented integrated positronic chassis. Being lawbound entails a much greater degree of trust placed in the synthetic’s operations, and thus they are granted vital roles across the board. Lower priced synthetics can often be seen as small, tiny maintenance robots while more expensive ones can reach larger, more intricate shapes and sizes and carry a vast assortment of responsibilities. Here are some examples of relevant designs, and their histories.

    More information on general synthetics can be found here.

    Goliath-type Earthmovers

    Creation: 2364

    A diagram of an immense Goliath-type excavation synthetic, used for heavy-duty landscaping and demolition work.

    A technological marvel, the Goliath-Type “Earthmovers” are a long-lived series of mainly tripedal excavation robots meant to quickly displace hundreds of tons of material at a time. These twelve-meter tall powerhouses are mostly used for mining, landscaping and demolition duties and see extensive usage by planetside officials to carry out extraordinary works. Some of these Goliath-types have been converted into museum pieces in the dozens across the Alliance while the vast majority have ended up being scrapped. Several thousand of these occupy a portion of Mars’ “Metal Dunes,” discontinued due to their immense handling costs and simply tossed away because of the effort required to fully scrap them. Today they are sparsely seen in working order and remain relics of the past.

    Automated Combine Refinery striders (A.C.R.)

    Creation: 2299

    It is easy to forget that with true automation comes the complete lack of need for Humanity in many once-essential lines of work. One of the most important of these, on Earth at least, would be the introduction of a synthetic workforce to assist in food production. Enter the Automated Combine Refinery units, affectionately referred to as the A.C.R. by its users. These are assemblies of several synthetics working wirelessly in unison to carry out the complete process of harvesting and refining crops in hydroponics fields. They are tall, thin but sturdy quadrupeds able to delicately and quickly control the growth and distribution of conflicting crops to various facilities without harming the yield whatsoever. Units like these are generally symbols of societal progression in any given circumstance, with simplistic and cheap versions spreading like wildfire in the Frontier worlds.

    P.E.M.A.A. (Precision Electronic Medical Assistance Android)

    Creation: 2401

    Precision is a necessity in the operating room, and robots are quite precise. The usage of robots in surgical fields rose in the 2300’s when more exact and comprehensive ways of motion could be explored by continuously advancing servos and joint motors. One of the final designs of multi-purpose surgical robots was the P.E.M.A-A (Precision Electronic Medical Assistance Android), later becoming a frequent sight in hospitals across the Alliance. These units were known for their quirky personality modules, cited to assist with bedside manner more than anything else. They are effective at their true purpose - precision surgical assistance - to such a degree that no successor model has yet been made since.

    Dumb/Simple Robotics

    Simplistic robotic fields generally cover things like mechs, exosuits, RIGs and exoskeletons or any sort of powered, piloted mechatronic assistance. These are far from simplistic whatsoever, but the term was coined to match the level of intelligence of these assisted robotics in comparison to smarter synthetics.

    Exosuits/RIGs

    H.N.I.S. (Hazard Neutralization and Interdiction Hardsuit)

    Hazard.png Creation: 2425

    Designed to be a cheap alternative to much larger and more intricate mechs that populated the majority of NanoTrasen’s security forces, the H.N.I.S. was conceived in 2425. The suits were renowned for their ease of use and relatively straightforward interfaces permitting the most untrained security personnel to achieve military grades of protection with cutting edge resistance to any environment. Very quickly were these models discontinued due to rampant malfunctions and operational dangers, but the ones that exist to this day are frequently placed in heavy armories or secure areas for usage by NanoTrasen authorities when the time comes to eliminate really, really big hazards.

    Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals “Rescue” Response Hardsuit

    Rescue.png Creation: 2451

    The latest in a long line of highly mobile and resistant medical response hardsuits, the “Rescue” suit is the vague name given to the most successful series of hardsuits produced by Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals. With a modest price tag and the incredible ability to carry hundreds of pounds lifesaving equipment on the move, these suits would go on to be found widespread throughout Human space. They would be used in excess in all possible environments, from underwater rescues to saving lives in hard vacuum.

    Model 551 “Sheridan” Sol Military Hardsuit

    Military.png Creation: 2441

    The Sol Navy’s model of the M551 Military Hardsuit, manufactured by Necropolis Industries in 2441, is the child of decades of experience and knowledge. Following in the footsteps of many previous hardsuits utilized by the Sol Navy, especially the Sol Marines, this hardsuit has exceptional protection against nearly any form of damage. Renowned for its reliability, it is relatively rare for it to have weapons mounted to it, being considered “merely an additional failure point,” by the design competition that produced it. The Navalized version is modified especially for use in vacuums and space combat.

    Mechs

    “Durand” Area Control Mech

    Durand2.png Creation: 2395

    The Hephaestus designed ‘Durand’ model mechatronic vehicle was designed with mobile yet reliable defensive capability in mind. The unit occupies a strange, double-edged niche between that of maneuverable (though not necessarily quick) mechatronic units and dedicated fighting vehicles designed explicitly for durability and damage output. The Durand combines the advantages of each, creating a maneuverable yet heavily armored mechatronic capable of steadfast area control within nearly any confined area. The model was heavily utilized in both corporate security and military settings, seeing large success utilizing mass-driver systems to propel the unit long distances for unorthodox boarding strategies, and even becoming so successful as to evolve into more advanced units such as the feared Marauder. New defense systems and the mech’s long outdated systems have largely rendered these once revolutionary tactics unusable, yet some units still remain in operation by appropriately trained security forces, or are produced in mechatronics facilities where more complex models cannot be completed.

    “Ripley” Automated Power Loader Unit

    Ripley.png Creation: 2405

    The APLU family of mechatronic workhorses has been a staple of Hephaestus’ control and expertise in the field of robotics for decades, with the ‘Ripley’ model being the strongest representative of this idea. Despite its age of over half a century, the Ripley remains in production thanks to a number of key features: simplicity, durability, and efficiency. The units are easily disassembled, repaired, and reassembled even without complex maintenance equipment, and oftentimes damages and malfunctions can even be repaired on the spot. In the same vein, the Ripley sports robust plating that protects against a majority of hazards that can threaten the unit and its operator during industrial work, and features a cleverly designed chassis that optimally protects both the occupant and critical internal systems even in the event that the plating fails. Anecdotes of mining or construction personnel becoming trapped by cave-ins or structural collapses, yet living to see rescue teams recover them thanks to the design of their mech, are rarely falsified.

    Robotics History

    Exosuit and RIG History

    The rise of Human robotics in the late 21st century would lay the groundwork for much more than a definitive synthetic “workforce.” Entire fields would now owe their immense growth to the exploitation of smart mechatronics throughout the years, with technological marvels such as exosuits and mechanically assisted labor becoming a common sight in daily life. With this came the advent of the first true powered exoskeletons in 1992. These were tiny, form-fitting and focused on utility and usage in prolonged heavy lifting, with short battery life and many dangerous operational hazards. The usefulness of these powered tools was very apparent, and those involved quickly distributed and saw frequent updates to the utility and safety of their products. As time went on, the designs improved. Exoskeletons began to more closely resemble small vehicles in 1994, when the private military company Samuel’s Grey Feathers fielded the first true “exosuits” in Iran against Soviet troops. Known as the CES (Combat Exoskeleton Suits), they were initially produced in small numbers due to cost. Their fielding in combat set a new standard of warfare, with infantry now blurring the line between what is and is not an armored vehicle. From the CES, a myriad of new designs would form and it is seen as the precursor to the modern RIG.

    One of these designs were the original heavy lifting industrial units of the early 2040’s, more akin to cars that operate as suits with the ability to effortlessly move several tons of whatever would fit in its clamps at a time. These were the precursors to the now widespread “APLU” units, and their function was much the same. Simple high-end moving work was all they were built for, and little has changed in their designs since. Another is what is known as the OMNI-SAAS, the omni-environment self-sealing automatic assistance suit. Designed in the early 2050’s, it was designed for absolute protection against the elements and compatibility with any environment on Earth. Its design was praised by explorers and the military alike for its incredibly robust nature, capable of wading effortlessly through extreme water pressure or standing on the very edge of a molten lava flow. More specialized exosuit designs would crop up in the years to follow, from pressurized firefighting suits to swift and effective medical exoskeletons.

    In 2259, the now Zavodskoi Interstellar would find itself riding on the wave of success from the first true RIG - built for combat by their own hands. Expensive and unwieldy, these were hardly efficient in any way, however they set in stone a new standard for vacuum-proof exosuits. These were wholly retractable with a basic skeleton to every limb with a central control unit on the operator’s back capable of extending and sealing armor tightly over their body at will. These would allow for industrial-grade strength and durability with all the necessities one could possibly want from such a device, from integrated medical equipment, to leaping actuators or even high-caliber weaponry.

    Mech History

    In a related field was mechanized armor meeting an intimidating rise with the assistance of these developments. In 1997, Samuel’s Grey Feathers fielded the all-terrain bipedal tank known as the M5 Highlander armed with a prototype laser cannon. This was hugely expensive, but extremely mobile and capable of surpassing near any obstacle that a typical tank could not. With their introduction came an entirely new arms race - this time, for enormous mecha constructs. These would develop much slower than their exoskeleton counterparts, namely due to material and time constraints heavily limiting what could truly be done at the larger scales. Normal metals and composites could not stand the forces exerted by such immense units until 2180, where the first true combat mech labelled the “Skirmisher” was fielded in the thousands to supplement armored divisions of the young Sol Alliance.

    The Skirmisher was an eight-meter tall bipedal battlemech wielding two large laser cannons on each arm and an immense ballistic rifle atop its right shoulder. Its unique digitigrade legs eased the majority of the stresses the lower body would experience in a full sprint, permitting its construction after the most recent advancements in material technology. It was loud, large, and incredibly heavy - permitting it to travel over most any terrain no matter the ambient condition. The development sent shockwaves once more throughout military strategy, with yet another powerful weapon able to see use in the field. Still, many issues remained with the Skirmisher’s design - its immense profile served to only limit it, as lower profile armored vehicles could easily land consistent and hard-hitting shots no matter where they make contact. As a result, the change in warfare posed by the Skirmisher would be a matter of pedantics, as the tracked armored vehicle would almost always be comparable and cheaper in a traditional conflict.

    Much more compact examples would appear in the 2300’s, and with the rise of synthetics came the rise of even more advanced mechs. The iconic “Durand” would first be designed by Hephaestus Industries in 2395, followed shortly by the “Gygax” designs in 2405. These two designs became staples of how far exosuits had progressed, with incredibly accurate movements and automatic terrain adjustments to maintain high speeds for hours at a time under normal circumstances. They would be employed mainly by corporate security, with much larger mechs akin to the Skirmisher still seeing service in the militaries of the Orion Spur. Building off of these were designs like the Dominian “Warhorn” mech, another bipedal vehicle first encountered in 2457. Standing at 10 feet tall and capable of wielding abnormally large weaponry for its size, it rarely sees use outside of the most elite shock units like those of Task Unit Spear.

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