ANDROID/SERVICE DROID TIMELINE:

2036: CYGNUS acquisition of SINC merges cutting edge biotech and inorganic sciences. Biorganic and organometallic circuitry developments explode.

2044: Class I (Repetitive Automaton (RAUT)) units enter human-dominated workforce as an efficient alternative to organics-only manufacturing situations. Suited or environment-controlled labor forces are completely replaced by RAUTs.

2046: ALICE introduced and entered into the CYGNUS Board. (* It was unknown at the time ALICE was an artificial lifeform.)

2051: Class II (Human Controlled Robotic Servant (HUROB)) enters executive circles service. Upright walking biomechanics give those who can afford them the true secure 24/7 secretarial assistant.

2052: ALICE shown to be a clone after suffering CCI (Catastrophic Cellular Incoherence) in public. Cloning studies cease with most R&D investments shifting to cyborg and robotics.

2084: Class III (CAT-3) androids debut. AI-3 “evaluation engine” logic upgrades revolutionize the “useful human traits” that can be imitated by artificial entities. Complex administrative tasks can now be deferred to the secure droid channel rather than sub-managed by less trustworthy humans.

2096: CAT-3 android production cluster utilizing a next generation “eMotiv” chip (meant to give extensive “personality” to the mechanical marketing restrictions of a non-carbon lifeform) exhibit incompatible emotions (ie- rage, jealousy) and must be recalled.

2096-2100: Last of faulty CAT-3 eMotiv models are confirmed destroyed. Refreshed models are hard coded and upgraded annually with Conglomerate guiding principles.

2119: Class IV (Quantum-Intelligence Self-Realized Robot (QISRR; phonetically called “Kaiser”)) are issued. Kaisers are “self-aware” and have extended capabilities due to their sense of accomplishment when their assigned user is pleased. Improvements of service are exponential the longer the Kaiser is in service to the same owner.

2127: AI-3 Directive allows robots with an Artificial Intelligence Rating or better in charge of human labor forces.

2214: Class V (Magi) use an advanced (full synthetic) chrysalis model that allows for “mental growth” similar to that of a human without the CCI concerns of the organic equivalent. Whereas Kaisers would “develop” a limited personality and “tone” with extended exposure to their primary user(s), the Magi would exhibit a distinct awareness and nuance from day one. While many felt “humanization” of a droid ruined it, others felt the subtle humor and personable aspects of the Magi worth the cost.

2215-2300: CMS users went through a service droid “Renaissance” of sorts where entertaining, snippy, silicon-tongued servants were eventually replaced by highly-professional ones catering to the bents of the user. Software flushes became commonplace, creating a momentary uproar for increased AI recognition rights. Other users kept Magi entities as conversation pieces, or for conversation itself when deployed to far off destinations with few to talk to. Lifelike silicon skins helped maintain this illusion further for those who required it. The Conglomerate allowed the visually indistinguishable (to human) service droids to exist so long as the guiding principles were intact. (Tampering would result in immediate system shutdown and notification of the authorities.)

2441: Class VI (Ikasu) androids enter service. Hyper-advanced Stochastic Logic Algorithms amplify multi-parallel nanocortex probability calculations to near perfection. Reworked Magi chassis using newly available materials make the Ikasu “the better human” in the eyes of many. Silicate human like “skinning” is forbidden, and all Ikasu androids exhibit a “retro” appearance to ensure rogue entities from infiltrating the CMS. Voice modulation is also backdialed to synthesized speech output as an added precaution. Because of their unmatched numerical processing power (and portablility), Ikasu androids make for phenomenal pilots.

2456: AI-2456 Directive (also called the “AI Act of 2456”) gives full crew/officer status to artificial lifeforms of adequate classification. Generally limited to Class IV (“Kaiser”) and above (Magi and Ikasu).