ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Cybernetic intelligences can be built which are the equal of or superior to the normal human brain in both rational and intuitive mentation; this coupled with their speed of operation and ability to access data systematically makes them extremely useful, especially in the delicate field of interstellar navigation.

Note: Cybernetic intelligences are not, for the purposes of the law, considered to be sentient beings and are not therefore covered by the Oikumene’s anti-slavery protocols. There is a significant liberal movement underway for the emancipation of the AI, but as yet no planetary government has enacted such legislation.

Although a useful AI can be made quite compact, the materials involved are extremely dense, and the size and mass of a brain module is proportional to its intelligence. An AI as smart as an average human being (i.e. INT 10) can be contained in a volume of about 1000 cm3 and masses roughly 100kg, or 10 kg per 100 cm3. An increase of 5 INT will double the required volume.

The monetary cost of an AI is roughly 1 svu per cubic centimetre; thus, an AI of INT 35 will cost 32,000svu.

The cost to increase the INT of an existing AI is the difference between the current volume and the target volume. For example, if you have an AI with an INT of 15 and wish to increase it to INT 25, the cost will be 8,000 (target volume in cm3) minus 2,000 (current volume) = 6,000svu.

Pricing for intermediate INT steps (e.g. INT 23) can be found by plotting a curve from the information given below. Perhaps one day I'll actually do that and post it, but for the moment you'll just have to do it yourself.