A pre-exodus technology the SILVER was designed by the Lorath Matriarchy in an attempt to reduce the pressure placed upon their civilization by both allies and affiliates due to cultural differences. To this end the SILVER or “Synthetic Intelligence Law Valid Engineered Robot” was designed to be a potential substitute for the traditional Helashio slave labor withing the Lorath Matriarchy's Civilian and Government markets.
With the restoration of Lorath cultural norms post-Exodus the demand for cheap obedient labour has once again been largely filled by the Helashio in the Matriarchy, however in the years it was in production the SILVER built a reputation as a reliable, massively customizable platform, and has remained a popular if niche product for political applications or where improved performance or durability is required.
Adhering to the initial design requirements of the SILVER project, the product android has been designed to function using a processing and data handling system that is unable to achieve genuine independent thought or awareness without direct user support and input. As a result due to the limitation imposed by the SILVER's default hardware configuration, the SILVER Type Android is unable to be classified as truly sapient or alive, thus preventing the android model from falling under the protection humanitarian guidelines governing the treatment of sentient beings. This makes the SILVER ideal for political applications where Helashio slaves might lead to unnecessary complications.
Along with the observance of foreign humanitarian stances, the SILVER unit's non-sentient computing system provides a framework upon which an extensive degree of customization can be achieved by production facilities and users in regard to the unit's individual personality. This extensive customization is mainly available for the unit to properly function as an interactive device rather than a mere computing platform. To this end, users are able to apply various 'home brew' personality profiles, or alternatively order desired profiles directly from the manufacturer.
Standard SILVER Type Units have been granted a 3rd Generation ARIA type processor that has been configured to function in a modified 'S' Type.
Added to supplement the unit's low-capability ARIA type processor, the SILVER has been given Neural Processor Pack units for the purposes of memory storage and supplemental data processing.
The personalities displayed by the SILVER product line are strictly and solely granted by users and are not possible as a result of pure individual unit development. The basis for personalities that are developed for the SILVER product are achieved by using neurological data sourced from a contributing neural data donor population5). Using the gathered neural data, the SILVER unit Development Team processes and constructs the templates and traits used in individual SILVER units. This processed neural data is specially coded and screened to ensure that any prior context of personality or emotion from the data donor source is removed. This provides a 'pure and untainted' personality routine for the SILVER unit, meaning that the personality is free of sapience, independent intelligence, or memories.
Following the installation and configuration of memory by the user, SILVER units are unable to develop their personality beyond the bounds of the system without additional software and hardware modification. This hard limitation prevents the SILVER type android from having thoughts beyond the scope allowed by the installed personality routine, and in turn, prevents the android from being classified as a living creature.
Beyond the scope and concern of humanitarian rooted legal boundaries and customer service, the SILVER development team has placed top priority on isolating data patterns which may result in behavior malfunction similar to those observed in early-model ARIA type units. Thanks to the extensive research and effort, the SILVER team was able to implement a series of hardware and software safeguards which are capable of recognizing malicious synthetic neurological behavior and are able to halt the data process before any malicious behavior can be acted upon by the unit which goes beyond the boundaries of its programming.
In the initial development phase of the SILVER android series, the development team recognized the importance of providing the SILVER with a wide range of sensory abilities in order to allow for the unit to provide a wide range of function without the need for extensive after-market customization. To this end issues such as visual, olfactory, tactile, aural, and other forms of sensory input were addressed in a practical sense. Further consideration of the unit during development resulted in the conclusion that the SILVER needed to be able to sense more than what the humanoid owner could. This was determined as necessary to allow the SILVER unit the ability to anticipate the user's requirements long before the user may realize the need for the SILVER's services. The result of the development of this is a capability which may be confused with anticipation, however, it is merely an observation of data beyond the scope of the average observer.
The functional uses of the SILVER unit's enhanced sensory package include mundane features such as the capability of the unit to smell when an object which is cooking is becoming overdone, or the more practically important function of being able to hear the sound of a user suffering from heart or lung congestion during strenuous activity. Thus allowing for the SILVER unit to either discontinue any activity which may harm its user or engage a pre-programmed emergency procedure if the SILVER is programmed to do so. The full extent of the applications of the enhanced sensory system are purely limited by the user and manufacturer's preferences which are required to program in the response functions to sensory information.
The optical capabilities of the SILVER android series are handled through the use of a specialized photo-sensitive version of the neural-processor material found in common Lorath computing systems. This photo-sensitive neural-processor material is suspended within the neural-gel structure and carries the generated series of electrical impulses to the data processing center of the SILVER unit. In standard production models of the SILVER unit, it is capable of visual sensory perception in the one-gigapixel range.
Alternatively, SILVER units can be outfitted with an optical system which includes Peeper Sensor Monocle functionality.
For the purposes of audio data input, the SILVER model android is equipped with a multi-diaphragm vibration sensor system which monitors air vibrations for audio stimuli, in addition, a separate liquid-based monitoring sensor system is equipped for the purposes of monitoring high and low-frequency audio input.
Default SILVER units are capable of audio recognition between 5 Hz and 150,000 Hz, however, they can be programmed to discard audio data beyond a certain frequency range.
SILVER units are equipped by default with synthetically grown nerve receptors which are capable of analyzing molecules and processing the information into an electronic format allowing the unit to perceive odor. Typically, a SILVER unit is equipped with enough sensory receptors to provide olfaction at a level roughly equivalent to twice that of a typical humanoid.
Located throughout the interior and exterior of the SILVER unit's chassis are picoscopic tactile data receiver units which are used to provide the SILVER unit with the capability to detect tactile pressure, moisture, heat, and other such stimuli. In the SILVER unit, tactile sensor monitoring is enhanced when the SILVER unit has an epidermal layer installed which includes a liquid-pressure monitoring system, allowing for precision data handling, and is further enhanced by the presence of synthetic hair follicles.
When desired, SILVER units have the option available to be equipped with molecular structure and pH analysis sensors within the unit's oral cavity. These sensors are capable of interpreting the properties of materials inserted into the oral cavity for the purposes of determining what the inserted material tastes like.
Using a system developed by the Lorath Matriarchy's Sciences Division, the SILVER development team has included an empathic sensor system with limited capability. This system allows for the SILVER unit to detect and interperet brainwaves which are indicative of the user's general mood. This system is installed in the SILVER unit to allow it to react to emotional behaviors from the user in a manner comparable to most humanoids. This allows for the SILVER to function and relate in a realistic manner which promotes user-unit relations.
In the event that the unit is used in activities that require extensive real-time stimuli monitoring and response, the silver has been equipped with a programmable sensory data processor capable of producing programmed personality responses to complex stimuli. This allows for the android to produce life-like responses to stimuli such as excessive heat, cold, pain, pleasure, or other stimuli which reach beyond the standard scope of the unit's primary sensory data processing software and hardware. Certain varieties of input, however, produce a data buffer overflow, an issue which has been addressed by the development team and has been incorporated into many programmed response algorithms to provide a response appropriate for the circumstances surrounding the cause of the buffer overflow.
The SILVER androids are equipped with a dedicated series of internal system monitoring devices which are designed to detect malfunctioning hardware components. Upon the triggering of this system, the data is sent to the primary data processor for evaluation of the sensory data. Once processed the information is then used to direct the android to address any malfunction or abnormality and is capable of informing the user of the irregularity.
A data receiver and transmitter is implanted into every SILVER type android for the intended purpose of providing the capability for electronic communications to be conducted with the android unit. Using this transceiver the unit is capable of performing functions which range from interfacing with equipment to providing real-time data transfer to compatible systems. For security reasons the transceivers installed in SILVER units are specially designed to incorporate a quantum encryption mechanism and signal source verification package which prevents tapping of the data channel by unauthorized sources. In order to prevent harmful damage being done to the unit, the transceiver includes a data-buffer which is designed to analyze incoming data for malicious code which could potentially damage the unit.
Standard SILVER type androids are equipped with a set of hardwire connection ports which allow for the android to interface or be interfaced with through a physical connection medium. This connection port allows for data to be relayed to and from the android without open-air transmission interference. These data ports often are found upon the SILVER unit's neck and at the unit's navel. Like the Electronic Data Transceiver the Hardwire Connection ports also include a data analysis buffer for the purposes of malicious data detection prior to integration into the unit's hardware and software programming, as well as functioning as a security measure to prevent unauthorized data access.
Typical SILVER androids when issued include an audio output system embedded in the cranial structure of the unit. Through using a series of polymers which the unit can vibrate using a combination of recirculated air pressure, magnetic pulse, and electric current tension reactions. This system allows for an output of audio which can include a wide range of digital sounds, or simply for the accurate simulation of humanoid-style vocalizations.
As the SILVER series android was developed, the team determined that a wide range of structural components would need to be developed for use in the SILVER android product line. The reasoning behind this conclusion was derived primarily from the marketing perspective which led the SILVER development team to produce a wide range of designs which would better promote relations between the user and the android or to enhance the android's functionality.
A large library of structural components ranging from the seemingly standard such as hands, feet, arms, and legs as well as a wide variety of more unusual components are available to be ordered by users to be incorporated into their ordered SILVER android unit. The list that follows indicates a number of standard or common place structural components available to SILVER android units.
As a result of the modular, swappable nature of the SILVER unit's physical components the development team concluded that it was important for the cranial structure to be utilized as the housing for the bulk of the unit's data processing systems. This chosen solution was to allow for the user to be able to simply swap the head of the unit when it was desired to transplant their personal unit's functions and personality to a new body for any reason.
By default, SILVER units are designed to incorporate a humanoid-type head. This design type features a cranial structure comprised of a multi-layer skeletal structure, the outermost layer of which is composed of a acorium laminated vuliararium wafer structure. To limit the weight impact, the acorium is applied in a ten-micrometer lamination over the surface almost foam-like wafer of vuliarium material. Inner structural components of the cranium are comprised primarily of carbon polymers with boron-carbide insulation to protect radiation sensitive components. The access points to the interior of the cranial structure are pre-designated and formed during the structure generation process ensuring optimal material strength in the finished product. Within the skull-like housing, processing components along with other cranial hardware packages are installed. In the finishing stages, a gel suspension is also used to fill the empty spaces of the cranial cavity to serve as a shock absorbing medium in order to prevent cranial component damage. A "Stone Thread" laminate material is placed over the entire cranial structure and is extended beyond the base of the skull structure. In addition, a second reinforcing weave of hardened “Stone Thread” material is woven through the laminate material which extends beyond the base of the cranial structure to form a neck for the head of the android. Movement and stabilization systems are located within the neck which is capped off by a connection assembly which serves as a seal for the cranial unit and provides a hard-point for connecting the cranial unit to the android's torso.
In order to protect the optical system of the SILVER type android, they are often encased in a transparent vuliarium casing to protect the delicate optical components from a majority of physical damage. Additionally, a photo-sensitive material laminate is applied to the optical system case for the purposes of automatically rendering the surface of the optical case temporarily opaque in the event of exposure to light levels which may damage the optical components.
Parallel to many organic organisms, the SILVER type android has an endoskeletal chassis that serves as structural support for the unit. The construction of the skeletal chassis includes impact dampening components, fracture reducing structural composition, and a Pico-Jelly based temporary repair system. While the skeletal chassis may come in a variety of compositions which may be requested by users, the default chassis is primarily composed of titanium alloy to reduce weight.
The SILVER system features limbs and appendages that are designed to be swappable by the user or even by the android itself while in operation or in a stand-by mode. By default, the SILVER unit is available in a bipedal humanoid configuration with two arms and two legs. Alternate configurations are available at request.
The design of the SILVER android units includes a 'ball joint' style structural component connection system by default. As a result of this joint system appendages and components are readily capable of being rapidly swapped out while the unit is in operation. Upon activation of the swapping procedure through any sort of user issued command the tactile processing for the appendage which is to be disengaged is disabled, thus sparing the unit the requirement to process a tactile response to the disconnection procedure. To facilitate the process dermal layers are automatically separated to avoid unnecessary damage such as tearing during the component separation procedure and are reconnected upon component installation through the use of an electric current sensitive organic gel structure which binds and unbinds when specific electrical current levels are introduced.
As with most features of the SILVER unit alternate joint systems are available for installation upon consumer request.
SILVER type androids have been designed to use both synthetic and organic tissues which mimic cartilage, muscles, skin layers, fat layers, and other structural components typically found in organic life. SILVER users have the option to select the desired texture, durability, and features of the tissue structures that will be involved in forming the components of the android's structure. Often Pico-Jelly material is included infused within the tissues of standard issue SILVER androids intended to allow the tissues of the android to behave like living flesh, and to facilitate the 'mending' of damaged tissues simply by having the pico-jelly weave the material together on the picoscopic, nanoscopic, and microscopic level. Additional pico-jelly has been included to allow for users to have a degree of customization available in regard to the android's tissue structures.
A design feature of the SILVER type androids is the capability to include reproductive structure components which can be ordered to specification by the consumer. Like most aspects of the SILVER type android, these components are designed to be interchangeable by the user and have been carefully crafted to imitate form and function of their natural counterparts. While typically these components mimic Lorath or Helashio physiology, consumers can order 'exotic' varieties of components as desired.
The SILVER type android units feature an extensive range of organic and synthetic coverings which are available to order by the user. These covering layers are intended to serve as the outer layer for the android and functions as the unit's skin equivalent. They are intended to provide a user-friendly interaction surface, while also providing protection for the android's components against dust and other environmental debris.
Available coverings include the following:
For their SILVER android consumers may choose to have the unit outfitted with various quantities of hair follicles for both functional and decorative reasons. Functional follicles are installed to provide the unit with additional tactile data input or to provide a thermal layer when placed in larger quantities. Hair grown from these follicles is available in a wide range of colors or even with pigment changing additives.
If desired by the consumer's request additional components can be fabricated and shipped to order. From simple covering alterations to entire skeletal structure customization, these components are designed to cover a wide range of possibilities to ensure that all aspects of the SILVER series android are customizable to suit the individual consumer's preferences.
The SILVER series android is by default equipped with a Lorath Bacterial Charge Pack system. This power source was selected due to the low maintenance, long lasting nature of the system as well as the ease of which it can be refueled for continued operation. In the default configuration two supply packs come into use, one unit housed in the cranial cavity to provide sustained power for the processing system, and a larger more powerful system in the torso used to provide power to the majority of the android's systems.
Available as an optional feature the consumer can order their SILVER unit with a QNC power-system load-out. This more powerful system is often requested when users desire to customize their SILVER unit with numerous non-essential systems.
Mobility is primarily provided for the SILVER series android by a series of reactive polymer fibers placed throughout the structure of the android that work in tandem with a series of electrically stimulated cultured muscle tissue. Using precision electrical discharges, these two systems provide a full range of motion for the android. Precision magnetic connections provide control for the joint components which through rapidly reconfiguring the electromagnetic fields are capable of causing the ball joint to be moved into the desired position.
For precision motor control systems such as those involved in the operation of the android's fingers, toes, jaw, tongue, and other such components motion is handled through the use of a combination of cultured muscle tissues and pico-jelly material.
Stored in reservoir containers within the cranium and torso of the SILVER androids is a surplus supply of Pico-Jelly. Often androids carry a combination of the organic, plastic, and metallic pico-jelly varieties in order to provide a wide range of capabilities in regard to self-repair and improved function.
The SILVER series units feature a series of incorporated thermoelectric temperature regulation systems which allow for the unit to maintain a stable operating temperature at all times. Alternatively the unit may selectively increase or decrease its temperature to correspond with operational needs or user requirements. Aside from the primary temperature regulation systems the unit includes basic heating elements, liquid-based external cooling systems, and respiration based air-cooling.
By default the SILVER android is capable of ingesting materials such as foodstuffs and formulated fuelling compounds which are routed to the material processing system of the unit. Ingested materials are received in a stomach analogue which uses a series of selectively administered chemicals to leech essential compounds from ingested materials which are destined to be routed to an organic and inorganic component internal circulatory system for the purposed of providing materials and fuel to sustain components without long term maintenance. Any surplus materials which could not be processed are often routed to the android's bacterial power system to be digested by the unit for electrical power. Any left over byproducts are reduced to a liquid and passed through the liquid processing system, or alternatively compacted and released through a waste port.
In the SILVER series android a wide range of various materials are found, as such to address the needs of the unit each android is equipped with a basic femtoscopic manipulation organ used to recombine a range of compatible matter into materials required by the android to repair structural components, or to fuel the android's system functions. Often fuelled by material ingested by the robot this organ lacks the ability to manipulate strong structures such as tempered and forged metals, dense mineral composites, and hard plastics thus limiting the android to ingesting common-place foods, or specially formulated SILVER intended foodstuffs.
The android processes fluids which are of no direct use to the unit through a structure which is designed to function like the Lorath Water Filtration Device in order to remove impurities from the fluid before routing the purified fluid to various internal systems which may require hydration. These systems include organic tissue components or aesthetic components such as simulated tear ducts or saliva production systems.
Within the android fluids are also routed throughout the unit's chassis to provide a means of transferring materials from one portion of the android to another, temperature regulation, and to maintain a number of other functions.
The high efficiency of the material processing systems within the SILVER series android, the unit rarely requires waste extraction services. Eventually however, when quantities of unusable material are accumulated the material is routed into an internal holding chamber where it is compressed, then pumped into a removable and replaceable containment receptacle which can then be removed and emptied by the android, or by the user.
Should an event in which the android sustains damage occur, a range of reactions can by carried out by the unit to counter and attempt to recover from the given source of damage to prevent extensive long term damage to the unit which would extend beyond the scope of repairs which would be practical for the unit to perform. Responses to damages are as follows;
The SILVER series android may at the user's request be installed with a gravity manipulation system to allow the unit to reduce its weight, levitate, or reduce the weight of carried materials. In most instances the gravity manipulation possible by the unit is limited to reduce the weight of mass equivalent to twice that of the android's own mass.
Should it be desired an additional array of photo-sensitive materials can be placed on various points of the android to provide the unit with the capability to see from various points apart from the primary optical sensors of the unit.
The SILVER series android may optionally have its exterior surfaces treated with an OLED material to allow the android to project a wide number of images upon the surface of the unit, thus allowing the unit to be used as a monitor device, a light source, or alternatively to allow the unit to blend in with its surroundings by projecting an image of what is behind the unit.
Available to the SILVER series androids is the option to have a data medium reading system installed into their structure, this system can read data storage devices, money credit cards, and various other digital mediums. Typically this system is installed to allow for software upgrade transactions to be carried out upon the unit when the user is unable to access a proper data terminal.
An option for SILVER series androids is to be outfitted with a material handling system which is capable of restructuring various forms of matter into proteins and starches which are capable of being metabolized by humanoids. This capability allows for a properly equipped android to secrete a protein rich substance from a dispenser port to be consumed by an organic individual for sustenance.
Beyond the components listed, additional components can be developed and installed based upon user requirements and desires to be shipped to the user by the SILVER development team. Further more, third party components can be independently developed for use with the SILVER android system by individual manufacturers.