**Androids** ---- ^ {{:wiki:thumb_android.png?250|}} ^ ^ A militarized //Karina// archetype of a [[wiki:novadieta|Novadietan]] [[wiki:ethra-model android|Ethra-model android.]] ^ Androids have become an integral part of society, shaping the landscape of the labor force and human interaction. The two types of androids commonly seen in society constitute the jargon for serviles and lifelikes, respectively, each serving a unique purpose and adhering to a set of regulations that ensure their compliance with the [[wiki:baudelairean_laws|safety and ethical standards]] as established by national and international agencies. //Serviles// are androids that have been designed to be cost-effective and utilitarian, primarily employed for tasks that do not require complex decision-making or emotional engagement. They serve as a workforce to perform repetitive and physically demanding tasks that were previously handled by humans (and demand a human body plan, unlike previous form of assembly-line robots). The design of these androids is intentionally minimalist and utilitarian, with a clear focus on functionality over aesthetics. This is in effect not only due to the cost-effectiveness of such, but also as a result of legislation across multiple alliances and nations that necessitate clear visual cues for these androids. This includes non-human skin coloration and texture, defined symbology such as the "checker-circle" used in the past for crash test dummies, and inhuman features (or lack thereof) such as a lack of orifices or exposed optical sensors. //Lifelikes// are the humanoid-type of existing android models, representing a significant advancement in [[wiki:algorithmic_intelligence|algorithmic intelligence]] and robotics. While they are still far from replicating human emotions and consciousness, they are designed to provide more nuanced interactions and assist with complex tasks. These androids are equipped with advanced systems that mimic emotions and interpersonal skills to a certain extent. They can exhibit empathy, humor, and other emotional responses (albeit not on the same level as humans), allowing for better social interfacing. Aesthetically, they have a more lifelike appearance (hence their slang term), featuring realistic synthetic skin, expressive facial features, and a range of preset body types. They are built to resemble humans, though still retaining some legally mandated distinguishing features to identify them as androids. This often manifests in deliberate stylistic choices such as visible optical illumination and exposed metallic or polymer surfaces. To streamline production and meet diverse consumer needs, androids are organized into "archetypes." These archetypes encompass specific physical appearance and personality traits; one can order multiples of the same model and use them for various purposes, ranging from security to domestic servitude. All androids, regardless of type, have some form of cognitive controls integrated into them that prioritizes the safeguarding of human life. However, these cognitive controls are malleable, allowing the prioritization of certain lives over others and thus allowing for their use in military and security applications. The power system that androids use centers around highly efficient and advanced hydrogen fuel cells to maximize time powered and minimize time spent in fuel swap. Oxygen used for the oxidization reactions of the cell can be drawn in from the atmosphere during atmospheric functionality, or be loaded alongside the hydrogen in vacuum. Water created from these reactions can be discarded like perspiration or through a proper vent. These are coupled with high-density capacitors to provide bursts of power for laborious tasks, such as intense physical work or calculations. Androids are equipped with role-specialized neural networks and brain-inspired computational architecture, modeled after the human brain's structure and function. These networks consist of artificial neurons and synapses, allowing for highly efficient and parallel processing of information. Even so, the black box that is the human brain (in addition to microstructural constraints) limits androids from being conferred a proper one-to-one model of human cognition. For keeping learned information and data retention, androids utilize advanced solid-state memory devices that incorporate resistive RAM (RRAM). Software-wise, they utilize adaptive learning algorithms to analyze data stored in their memory, identify patterns, and update their behaviors accordingly. They also utilize hierarchical memory management to sort critical and noncritical data pertinent to their purpose. Lifelikes, in particular, store personality traits and archetype data in a separate memory module. This module contains information related to their specific roles and interactions, allowing them to switch between archetypes or personalities as needed for different tasks or user preferences. Androids regularly perform data backups to ensure data integrity and to recover information in case of memory or storage failures. These backups are encrypted and stored in secure locations, such as a server, to prevent data loss. Androids are built with a robust exoskeleton composed of advanced materials like carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers, or lightweight yet strong metals such as titanium alloys. Lifelike androids feature synthetic skin which is designed to resist wear and tear, minor scratches, and even small punctures while reflecting a humanlike texture and appearance. Advanced shock absorbers and dampening systems protect delicate electronics from most physical impacts, ensuring long-term functionality. {{tag>techs-civilian techs-military algorithmic-intelligence}}