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{{era|Human|UNSC|HCW}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Quote|Each of us represents a single trans-human mind. Each of us is an undrawn map – not a mere physical reconstruction of an object as it was in life – but full, human potential realized in crystal and thinking at the speed of light!|One of the AIs of the [[Assembly]].}}
[[File:H4-Roland-Portrait.jpg|thumb|270px|[[Roland]], a UNSC Navy smart AI.]]
A '''smart AI''' or '''"smart" AI''' is the colloquial term in the [[United Nations Space Command]] for [[artificial intelligence]] (AI) which have no limitations in their dynamic memory-processor matrix, meaning they can not only be taught a vast wealth of information, but can learn and comprehend from their surroundings. This is unlike [[Dumb artificial intelligence|"dumb" AIs]] who can only learn a limited set of topics.<ref name="CH">'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 30''</ref><ref name="FoR">'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''page 235''</ref>
{{Quote|Each of us represents a single trans-human mind. Each of us is an undrawn map – not a mere physical reconstruction of an object as it was in life – but full, human potential realized in crystal and thinking at the speed of light!|One of the AIs of the [[The Assembly|Assembly]]}}
 
'''Volitional AI''',{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22p108|Enc22|Page=108}}{{Ref/Twitter|Id=Volitional|Halo|1766129336799609075|Halo|Quote=Volitional AIs are digital minds created from scanned, recently deceased human brains with self-initiative.|D=16|M=03|Y=2024}} colloquially known as '''"smart" AI''', are [[human]] [[artificial intelligence]]s which have no limitations in their dynamic memory-processor matrix, meaning they can not only be taught a vast wealth of information, but can learn and comprehend from their surroundings. Volitional AI are also notably created from scans of deconstructed recently-deceased human brains.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22p108}}{{Ref/Novel|Id=FoR|TFoR|Chapter=25}}{{Ref/Novel|Id=CH1|CH|Chapter=1}} This is unlike [[Dumb AI|nonvolitional AI]], or "dumb" AI, who are designed for basic, task-oriented operations,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22p108}}{{Ref/Twitter|Id=Nonvolitional|Halo|1768717635254964641|Halo|Quote=Nonvolitional AIs are automated systems designed for basic, task-oriented operations...|D=16|M=03|Y=2024}} only capable of learning a limited set of topics and lacking ingenuity.{{Ref/Reuse|FoR}}


==Background==
==Background==
The first smart AI was created in the mid-21st century. At first, there was great concern that this new technology would become too capable and render [[human]] intelligence obsolete. The ability for vocal expression was added to make smart AIs less threatening, allowing them to converse on the same level as their masters. Over time, such AIs became more advanced.<ref name="CH"/> Due to their uninhibited matrix design, "smart" AIs proved capable of intellectual development. This is manifested in that they can actively learn from and adapt to situations and events. Conversely, their counterparts, the so-called "dumb" AIs, can not; while extremely competent in their designated tasks and fields of expertise, they are 'merely' highly-advanced computer programs and are not capable of intuition.<ref name="FoR"/> Like all AIs, smart AIs use a [[Riemann matrix]] for higher-function processing. This matrix can be downloaded into a [[data crystal chip]] for mobility. In case of [[rampancy]], the Riemann matrix includes a fail-safe program that will destroy the AI.
[[File:Serina.jpg|thumb|190px|left|Serina, the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}'s AI.]]
The first smart AI was created in the mid-21st century. At first, there was great concern that this new technology would become too capable and render [[human]] intelligence obsolete. The ability for vocal expression was added to make smart AIs less threatening, allowing them to converse on the same level as their masters. Over time, such AIs became more advanced.{{Ref/Reuse|CH1}} Due to their uninhibited matrix design, "smart" AIs proved capable of intellectual development. This is manifested in that they can actively learn from and adapt to situations and events. Conversely, their counterparts, the so-called "dumb" AIs, can not; while extremely competent in their designated tasks and fields of expertise, they are 'merely' highly-advanced computer programs and are not capable of intuition.{{Ref/Reuse|FoR}} Like all AIs, smart AIs use a [[Riemann matrix]] for higher-function processing. This matrix, typically housed in the crystalline computing cluster of a data center,<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 182''</ref> can be downloaded into a [[data crystal chip]] for mobility. The Riemann matrix includes a secret fail-safe that can be used to destroy the AI in the event of [[rampancy]] or if there is a risk of the AI's data becoming compromised.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''page 128''</ref>
 
Smart AIs are subject to [[Wikipedia:Isaac Asimov|Isaac Asimov]]'s [[Three Laws of Robotics]], a series of rules set up in order to prevent the AI from causing harm to humans or itself. Since many AIs are used for military purposes, they are capable of ignoring the First Law, but only when operating at full capacity; when their processing capabilities are diminished - say, by being cut off from the core of the ship or facility they are stationed on - they are incapable of bypassing the Law.<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''', "[[Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian]]", ''page 88''</ref>


Smart AIs are subject to [[Wikipedia:Isaac Asimov|Isaac Asimov]]'s [[Three Laws of Robotics]], a series of rules set up in order to prevent the AI from causing harm to humans or itself. Since many AIs are used for military purposes, they are capable of ignoring the First Law, but only when operating at full capacity; when their processing capabilities are diminished - say, by being cut off from the core of the ship or facility they are stationed on - they are incapable of bypassing the Law.<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''', "Midnight in The Heart of Midlothian", ''page 88''</ref>
As with "dumb" AIs, every "smart" AI represents itself through a self-assigned holographic [[avatar]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''', ''page 111''</ref> Avatars can range from the complex and theatrical, such as those of [[Araqiel]] and [[Deep Winter]], to simpler human forms such as those of [[Melissa (AI)|Melissa]], [[Cortana]], and [[Serina]]. The appearance of an AI's avatar is sometimes derived from the physical traits of the person they are created from; for example, Cortana resembles a younger version of Dr. Halsey.


Every "smart" AI represents itself through a holographic [[avatar]]. The appearance of these avatars are usually derived from the physical traits of the person they are created from; for example, Cortana resembles a younger version of Dr. Halsey. Avatars can range from the complex and theatric, such as those of [[Araquiel]] and [[Deep Winter]], to simpler human forms such as those of [[Melissa]], [[Cortana]] and [[Serina]].
[[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]] worked extensively with smart AIs and oversaw the construction of all their programming. She has an unparalleled knowledge on how AIs work and also created the upgrades for the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|MJOLNIR armor]] so it would be capable of carrying an AI. She and her team successfully managed to create a neural link between a human and a smart AI for the first time. Through a [[neural interface]], the neural network of the AI and the low-order structure of the human brain would be effectively connected. This was first tested by [[John-117]] and Cortana on [[2552|August 29, 2552]].<ref>'''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]''', ''March 24, 2549''</ref> Dr. Halsey also had her brain [[flash cloning|flash cloned]], which in turn was scanned to create the AI Cortana.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 18''</ref> However, this was considered highly illegal and unethical.<ref name="journal">'''[[Halo: Reach]]''', ''Dr. Halsey's personal journal''</ref> She later replicated the process to create [[the Weapon]] who is stated to be an exact copy of Cortana. As such, the Weapon is able to imitate her and fool [[Installation 07]]'s systems into believing that she ''is'' Cortana so that the Weapon can lock Cortana down for deletion.{{Ref/Reuse|Audio logs}}


[[Catherine Elizabeth Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]] worked extensively with AIs and oversaw the construction of all their programming. She has an unparalleled knowledge on how AIs work and also created the upgrades for the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|MJOLNIR armor]] so it would be capable of carrying an AI. She and her team successfully managed to create a neural link between a human and a smart AI for the first time. Through a [[neural interface]], the neural network of the AI and the low-order structure of the human brain would be effectively connected. This was first tested by [[John-117]] and Cortana in [[2552]].<ref>'''Dr. Halsey's personal journal''', ''March 24, 2549''</ref> Dr. Halsey also had her brain flash-cloned, which in turn were scanned to create the AI Cortana.
Despite the fact that "smart" AIs are essentially trans-human minds, they lack many of the legal rights accorded to human beings,<ref name="hst">'''Halo: Saint's Testimony'''</ref> and their activities are closely monitored.<ref name="pads">'''[[Halo: Reach]]''', ''[[Data pads]]''</ref> While most smart AIs have traditionally served in a subservient capacity, there are exceptions to this: for example, the AI [[Sloan]] was democratically elected to the position of [[governor]] of the corporate colony on [[Meridian]].<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/governor-sloan '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Governor Sloan'']</ref> Due to their superior intelligence, some "smart" AIs secretly consider themselves as the "next step" in human evolution. By [[2310]], a group of "smart" AIs had formed the [[The Assembly|Assembly]], a collective that worked to preserve the human race, without humanity's knowledge. The group existed for centuries, and influenced many important events in human history.{{Ref/Reuse|pads}}


Despite the fact that "smart" AIs are essentially trans-human minds, they are treated as little more than tools, and their activities are closely monitored. Due to their superior intelligence, some "smart" AIs secretly consider themselves as the "next step" in human evolution.<ref name="pads">'''[[Halo: Reach]]''', ''[[Data pads]]''</ref> By [[2310]], a group of "smart" AIs had formed the [[Assembly]], a collective that worked to preserve the human race, without humanity's knowledge. The group existed for centuries, and was ultimately behind many important events in human history.<ref name="pads"/>
Due to their imagination and limited lifespan, smart AIs are intrigued by existential philosophy, such as [[Religion#Zen|Zen koans]].<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 178''</ref>
{{Clear}}


==Creation==
==Creation==
Instead of simply "programming" a smart AI, their matrix is created by sending electric bursts through the neural pathways of a [[human]] brain which are then replicated in a superconducting nano-assemblage in a process known as [[Cognitive Impression Modeling]]. This process destroys the original brain tissue, and so the brain being used is typically obtained after the host is dead. [[Durga]] implied that many AIs were the result of kidnappings by ONI "brain ninjas". In the case of the AI Cortana, however, the candidate brain was flash-cloned and the host's memories transferred, so that the host, in this case Dr. Catherine Halsey, could remain alive. However, this is extremely inefficient, both from the degeneration of the flash-clones and the high rates of schizophrenia and dementia resulting from the memory transfer process. Out of Dr. Halsey's twenty cloned and enhanced brains, only two of them were sufficient and without deformity. Cortana is the only AI known to have been created this way.
{{Main|Cognitive Impression Modeling}}
Instead of simply "programming" a smart AI, their matrix is created by scanning and replicating the neural pathways of a [[human]] brain.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''pages 235-236''</ref> This process destroys the original brain tissue, and so the brain being used is typically obtained after the host is dead.<ref>'''Dr. Halsey's personal journal''', ''May 21, 2549''</ref> This process is still inefficient, however, as neural linkages are "wasted" in the process of the budding AI generating its own system of more efficient neural linkages to replace those of the seed brain, in turn eroding the AI's limited lifespan.<ref>'''Dr. Halsey's personal journal''', ''May 3, 2526''</ref>
 
Because of the nature of this process the smart AI often retains residual thoughts, memories and/or feelings from the brain donor.<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 229''</ref> These residuals can be anything from the "feeling" of a hair brush being pulled through hair (in the case of [[Sif]]),<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 33''</ref> to an effect on the mannerisms and characteristics that make up the personality of an AI, in the case of Cortana and her likeness to Dr. Catherine Halsey as well as her possessing many of Halsey's memories, which surfaced during her descent into rampancy.<ref>'''Halo 4''', campaign level ''[[Composer (level)|Composer]]''</ref> When [[the Weapon]] is created from another one of Dr. Halsey's cloned brains, she is described as an exact copy of Cortana with the same routines and systems, but without all of her knowledge and history. While talking to [[John-117]] about the Weapon, Halsey refers to her as "a blank slate."{{Ref/Game|Id=Audio logs|HI|Audio log (Halo Infinite)#Recovered Files 2|UNSC Audio log|Detail=Recovered Files #04 - The Weapon}}


The human neural patterns are used merely to "seed" the initial AI matrix; over time, the AI develops its own system of more efficient neural linkages. This can be considered one of the drawbacks of smart AI creation; initiation time is wasted for the AI by creating the first neural linkages.<ref name="journal">'''Dr. Halsey's personal journal''', ''May 3, 2526''</ref> It is technically unclear exactly how a "smart" AI works, as it is only based on the functionality of a human brain, which even UNSC scientists do not fully understand.
==Lifespan==
[[File:Cortana's Rampancy.jpg||thumb|300px|[[Cortana]] suffering from the effects of her rampancy.]]
{{Main|Rampancy}}


Because "smart" AIs are created using either actual [[human]] brains or cloned human brains there are often times residual thoughts, memories and/or feelings that remain. These residuals can be anything from the "feeling" of a hair brush being pulled through hair (in the case of [[Sif]]), to an effect on the mannerisms and characteristics that make up the personality of an AI, in the case of Cortana and her likeness to [[Catherine Elizabeth Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]].
Another feature which stems from their unusual nature is a limited lifespan. Dr. Halsey compared the life cycle of a smart AI to that of a star: ''"they spark, burn brightly, and then either die by the crush of gravity or quickly terminate in a chaotic eruption".''{{Ref/Reuse|journal}}


==Lifespan==
Unlike [[dumb AI]]s, smart AIs not only accumulate knowledge but also grow in their ability to draw conclusions from an incomplete dataset - similar to human intuition or creativity.<ref name="fs195">'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 195''</ref> Over time, this causes them to form more and more cross-linkages within their processing matrix. This increases their cognitive abilities, but also shortens their operational lifespan; with such an excessive overload of data their function under normal parameters is no longer possible.{{Ref/Reuse|journal}}
Another feature which stems from their unusual nature is a limited lifespan. Dr. Halsey compared the life cycle of a smart AI to that of a star; they spark, burn brightly, then either die by the crush of gravity or quickly terminate in a chaotic eruption.


Unlike dumb AIs, smart AIs not only accumulate knowledge but also grow in their ability to draw conclusions from an incomplete dataset - similar to human intuition or creativity. Over time, this causes them to form more and more cross-linkages within their processing matrix. This increases their cognitive abilities, but also shortens their operational lifespan; with such an excessive overload of data their function under normal parameters is no longer possible.<ref name="journal"/>
The interconnections continue with two possible outcomes: the sheer density of linkages causes a cascade of irreversible quantum transfer (comparable to a short circuit), eventually halting all functions, or the AI may take corrective action and begins to pre-emptively sever neural linkages through a voltage overload. This often results in a condition known as [[rampancy]], which is characterized by aberrant manifestations of personality.{{Ref/Reuse|journal}} This eventually leads to the AI eliminating more and more vital connections which in the end proves terminal, and essentially kills the AI system. An apt analogy to this would be a human brain devoting so much of its work towards thought that its neural signals to vital organs cease. In this way the AIs quite literally 'think' themselves to death.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', ''page 86''</ref>


The interconnections continue with two possible outcomes: the sheer density of linkages causes a cascade of irreversible quantum transfer (comparable to a short circuit), eventually halting all functions, or the AI may take corrective action and begins to preemptively sever neural linkages through a voltage overload. This often results in a condition known as [[rampancy]], which is characterized by aberrant manifestations of personality.<ref name="journal"/> This eventually leads to the AI eliminating more and more vital connections which in the end proves terminal, and essentially kills the AI system. An apt analogy to this would be a human brain devoting so much of its work towards thought that its neural signals to vital organs cease. In this way the AIs quite literally 'think' themselves to death.
Currently, smart AIs have a lifespan of about [[seven]] years before rampancy begins to take hold.{{Ref/Reuse|fs195}} This trait was able to be forestalled in later generations of "smart" AI such as [[Deep Winter]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 108''</ref> [[Rampancy#Solutions|A number of solutions]] for a smart AI's short lifespan have been proposed, none of which are known to have been effectively implemented.


Currently, smart AIs have a lifespan of about [[seven]] years. This trait was able to be forestalled in later generations of "smart" AI such as [[Deep Winter]].
===Final dispensation===
Because rampant AIs can become a severe danger to those around them, [[UNSC Regulation 12-145-72, Article 55]] decrees that AIs at the end of their operational lifespan be euthanized in a process referred to as "final dispensation".<ref>'''[[Halo 4]]''', campaign level ''[[Reclaimer (level)|Reclaimer]]''</ref> Although this is typically carried out by human personnel, AIs have been known to self-terminate in the absence of humans capable of making the necessary arrangements.<ref>'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''', campaign level ''[[Blue Team (level)|Blue Team]]'' (''[[Mission Intel|Log 2557 9-12 613 SMT 4/4]]'')</ref><ref>'''[[Halo Wars 2]]''', campaign level ''[[The Signal]]''</ref>


===Solutions===
After entering rampancy and endangering the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} as a result when there was a [[Flood]] [[Outbreak on the UNSC Spirit of Fire|outbreak]] on the ship, [[Serina]] awakened Professor [[Ellen Anders]]. Along with helping to deal with the Flood threat, Anders set up the final dispensation protocols for the AI. After the outbreak was contained, Serina prepared to self-terminate, but Anders set a countdown timer to trigger automatically once Serina hit seven years if Serina didn't trigger it sooner. After Anders returned to cryo sleep and Serina finished recording contingency briefings and a message for [[Captain]] [[James Cutter]], she activated the final dispensation protocols and self-terminated.<ref>'''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''', ''[[Something Has Happened]]''</ref>
A number of solutions for a smart AI's short lifespan have been proposed, none of which are known to have been effectively implemented.


Dr. Catherine Halsey experimented with a theoretical architecture of three smart AIs arranged in parallel. This "triumvirate" would make consensus decisions of which neural links to cut when approaching rampancy, as well as divide algorithms to compensate, resulting in more stable and coherent operation, possibly even faster processing. The creation of neural linkages would also be decided by consensus decision, resulting in more controlled development.<ref name="nov10">'''Dr. Halsey's personal journal''', ''November 10, 2533''</ref>
[[Iona]] is the only smart AI known to have attempted to defy this practice through legal channels in the form of an appeal to the [[United Nations Humanitarian Council]]. Following a simulated trial by other smart AIs, Iona was placed into stasis until a conclusive decision on the matter could be made.{{Ref/Reuse|hst}}


In the architecture of a smart AI, space is also an obvious limitation. Halsey attempted to overcome this by creating a hyper-dimensional processing matrix within the eleven-dimensional spacetime of [[Slipstream space]]. Theoretically, slipspace would allow limitless cross-connections and faster-than-light processing speeds.<ref>'''Dr. Halsey's personal journal''', ''December 25, 2534''</ref> In [[2547]], she attempted to test this in practice using a decommissioned [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]], but the experiment failed.<ref>'''Dr. Halsey's personal journal''', ''September 4, 2547''</ref> <ref>'''[[Halo: Reach]]''', ''[[Data pads#Data pad 17|Data pad 17]]''</ref>
When [[Cortana]] showed obvious signs of rampancy, [[Captain]] [[Andrew Del Rio]] ordered her chip removed by [[Commander]] [[Thomas Lasky]] for final dispensation. However, [[John-117]] removed the chip first in order to go after the [[Ur-Didact]] and disobeyed direct orders to turn the chip over.


==Known UNSC "smart" AIs==
==Known UNSC "smart" AIs==
===Second Generation===
*[[Kusanagi]] - Partook in the defense of [[Jericho VII]] in [[2535]].
===Third Generation===
===Third Generation===
*[[Araqiel]] - Colonel Ackerson's personal AI  
*[[Araqiel]] - Colonel Ackerson's personal AI
*[[Cortana]] - CTN 0452-9 - UNSC military AI{{Ref/Note|Cortana is mentioned in Dr. Halsey's personal journal (May 21, 2549) as being a 3rd-generation smart AI. It is curious that Halsey would use the supposedly obsolete third-generation architecture to create her state-of-the-art AI when the ''fifth'' generation had already been active for years. Since the nature of the generational classification system is not elaborated upon, it is possible that the upgrades relate to other aspects of the AI's software architecture ([[Deep Winter#Notes|e.g. its lifespan]]) than the ones relevant for Cortana's primary mission of software intrusion, and that the third generation may even have been superior to the later ones in this regard.}}
*[[Iona]] - IOA 7201-4 - AI attached to SPARTAN [[Black Team]].
*[[Kalmiya]] - KMA 0991-X - Dr. Halsey's former personal AI, Cortana's "older sister".
*[[Serina]] - SNA 1292-4 - UNSC AI, served aboard the UNSC ''Spirit of Fire''.
 
===Fourth Generation===
===Fourth Generation===
*[[Black-Box]] - An ONI AI and assistant to Admiral Margaret Parangosky and Captain Serin Osman.
*[[Black-Box]] - BBX 8995-1 - An ONI AI and assistant to Admiral Margaret Parangosky and Captain Serin Osman.
*[[Wellsley]] - UNSC military AI.
 
===Fifth Generation===
===Fifth Generation===
*[[Deep Winter]] - Overseer of UNSC facilities on planet Onyx, succeeding Eternal Spring.  
*[[Deep Winter]] - Overseer of UNSC facilities on planet Onyx, succeeding Eternal Spring.  
*[[Endless Summer]] - MIL AI 4279 - Overseer of UNSC facilities on planet Onyx, succeeding Deep Winter.  
*[[Endless Summer]] - MIL AI 4279 - Overseer of UNSC facilities on planet Onyx, succeeding Deep Winter.
===Other/Unknown===
*[[Gabriela]] - GBA 0983-6 - AI caretaker of [[Outpost Discovery]], recovered from the {{UNSCShip|Promise of Dawn}}.
*[[Beowulf]] - Was the attaché to Admiral Michael Stanforth and the UNSC Navy.  
*[[Isabel]] - ISA 1307-2 - Logistical AI for the [[Henry Lamb Research Outpost]] on [[Installation 00]], now part of the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} crew.
*[[Chauncey]] - {{UNSCShip|Red Horse}}'s old smart AI  
*[[Roland (AI)|Roland]] - RLD 0205-4 - UNSC AI, Shipboard AI of the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} as of [[2558]].
*[[Cortana]] - CTN 0452-9 - UNSC military AI
 
*[[Doppler]] - MIL AI 8575 - UNSC military AI
===Other/unknown===
*[[Aine]] - UNSC AI specializing in ship construction, temporarily served on the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}.
*[[Athos]]- Office of Naval Intelligence, AI assigned on a mission alongside [[Linda-058]].
*[[Chauncey]] - {{UNSCShip|Red Horse}}'s old smart AI.
*[[Curator]] - CTR 1121-4 - {{UNSCShip|Rubicon}}'s smart AI.
*[[Eternal Spring]] - First known overseer of UNSC facilities on planet Onyx, aided in reconnaissance of Zone 67.
*[[Eternal Spring]] - First known overseer of UNSC facilities on planet Onyx, aided in reconnaissance of Zone 67.
*[[Iona]] - AI attached to SPARTAN [[Team Black|Black Team]].
*[[Governor Sloan]] - SLN 0291-5 - [[Liang Dortmund Corporation]] AI, governor of [[Meridian]].
*[[Jerrod]] - The first experimental "micro-AI".
*[[Juliana]] - Commercial AI operating in [[Madrigal]], unpacked after the planet's destruction by the Covenant to control [[the Rubble]]'s guidance and maneuvering.  
*[[Juliana]] - Commercial AI operating in [[Madrigal]], unpacked after the planet's destruction by the Covenant to control [[the Rubble]]'s guidance and maneuvering.  
*[[Leo]] - Office of Naval Intelligence AI.
*[[Kalmiya]] - Dr. Halsey's former personal AI, Cortana's "older sister".
*[[Leonidas]] - Administrative AI of [[Laconia Station]], [[Naxos Station]], and [[Virgo Station]].
*[[Lackluster]] - corroborated conclusions of Admiral Cole's continuing survival with Codename: SURGEON and another AI, Phoenix
*[[Loki]] - Colony ship AI (military) of the {{UNSCShip|Skidbladnir}}. Reassigned as PSI (Planetary Security Intelligence) on Harvest, second AI core on stand-by next to AI Mack.
*[[Loki]] - Colony ship AI (military) of the {{UNSCShip|Skidbladnir}}. Reassigned as PSI (Planetary Security Intelligence) on Harvest, second AI core on stand-by next to AI Mack.
*[[Lorelei]] - Ship AI of the {{CMA ship|Season of Plenty }}
*[[Lorelei]] - Ship AI of the {{CMAShip|Season of Plenty}}
*[[Lysithea]] - UNSC/ONI AI, was located in the UNSC High Command's headquarters, [[HIGHCOM Facility Bravo-6]] in [[Sydney]], [[Australia]].  
*[[Lysithea]] - UNSC/ONI AI, was located in the UNSC High Command's headquarters, [[HIGHCOM Facility Bravo-6]] in [[Sydney]], [[Australia]].  
*[[Mack]] - [[Colonial Administration Authority]] AI/Agricultural Operations.  
*[[Mack]] - [[Colonial Administration Authority]] AI/Agricultural Operations.  
*[[Melissa]] - UNSC/ONI AI, attached to {{UNSCShip|Apocalypso}}.  
*[[Melissa]] - UNSC/ONI AI, attached to {{UNSCShip|Apocalypso}}.  
*[[Mo Ye]] - Shipboard AI of the {{UNSCShip|The Heart of Midlothian}}.  
*[[Mo Ye]] - Shipboard AI of the {{UNSCShip|The Heart of Midlothian}}.  
*[[Pallas Athena]] - Boston Public Library AI
*[[Rebecca]] - {{UNSCShip|Red Horse}}'s smart AI
*[[Phoenix]] - corroborated conclusions of Cole's continuing survival with [[Codename: SURGEON]] and another AI, Lackluster
*[[Rooker]] - RKR 1206-5 - Office of Naval Intelligence AI, Station AI for the research facility ''[[Argent Moon]]''.
*[[Rebecca]] - {{UNSCShip|Red Horse}}'s smart AI  
*[[Sif]] - Colonial Authority AI/Shipping Operations.
*[[Sekmet]] - Shipboard AI of Preston Cole's flagship, {{UNSCShip|Everest}}.
*[[The Weapon]] - CTN 0453-0 - A copy of [[Cortana]] that was created by Dr. Halsey in order to lock down and delete Cortana after she became the leader of the [[Created]].
*[[Serina]] - UNSC AI, served aboard the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}.  
*[[Iratus]] - First known Smart AI created from a [[Jiralhanae]] donor.
*[[Sif]] - Colonial Authority AI/Shipping Operations.  
*[[Solipsil]] - An ONI AI.
*[[Toran]] - UNSC AI, served aboard ''[[Han]]'' during the SPARTAN observation process.  
*[[Watchmaker]] - UNSC military AI for Captain Cole aboard the {{UNSCShip|Gorgon}}.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Smart AIs' lifespans are about [[seven]] years long, this is another reference to [[Bungie]]'s favorite number, seven.
Smart AIs' seven-year lifespans are a reference to [[Bungie]]'s favorite number, [[seven]].
*Some smart AIs have avoided rampancy or have at least not shown it, such as [[Juliana]].
*Due to their imagination and limited lifespan, smart AIs are intrigued by existential philosophy, such as [[Religion#Zen|Zen koans]].<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 178''</ref>
*The collective of smart AIs known as the [[Assembly]] existed for centuries, far exceeding the lifespan of a smart AI.<ref name="pads"/> However, given the fact that no specific members of the Assembly have been mentioned as having taken part in more than one of their sessions, it is possible that the group's composition changed regularly, with new AIs being introduced to the collective as older ones were terminated or succumbed to rampancy. Alternatively, given its [[Assembly Majority|Majority]]-[[Assembly Minority|Minority]] composition, the Assembly may be a working implementation of the hypothetical AI architecture theorized by Dr. Halsey in her journal, in which AIs are capable of extending their operational lifespans by means of a more deliberate control of neural linkage creation via majority vote. Since Halsey formulated her theory independently while the Assembly had been active for centuries, however, this application or the technology behind it would have had to have remained secret from most of humanity.<ref name="nov10"/>


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Cortana2557.png|Cortana
File:Beowulf.jpg|Beowulf
File:Bloodline AI.png|Iona
File:Mo Ye.png|Mo Ye
File:Mo Ye.png|Mo Ye
File:Rebecca.png|Rebecca
File:Rebecca.png|Rebecca
File:Serina.jpg|Serina
File:Bloodline AI.png|Iona
File:Cortana2557.png|Cortana
File:Waypoint - Black-Box.jpg|Black-Box
File:HW2 - Isabel.png|Isabel
</gallery>
</gallery>
==List of appearances==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach#2010 bonus content|Adjunct]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
**''[[Conversations from the Universe]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
*''[[Halo Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Human Weakness]]''
**''[[Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian]]''
**''[[Palace Hotel]]''
**''[[The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole]]''
**''[[The Mona Lisa]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
**''[[Data pads]]''
**''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
{{col-2}}
*''[[Scanned]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Hunt the Truth]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''
*''[[Halo: Saint's Testimony]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Fractures]]''
**''[[Into the Fire]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Rossbach's World (story)|Rossbach's World]]''
**''[[Anarosa]]''
*''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''
**''[[Something Has Happened]]''
**''[[Fireteam Majestic Poker Night]]''
**''[[Undefeated]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Knight Takes Bishop]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Dominion Splinter]]''
*''[[Halo: Smoke and Shadow]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Retribution]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]''
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]'' {{C|Subrountine only}}
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
*''[[Halo: Epitaph]]''
{{col-end}}
==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources|2}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Smart AI}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Smart AI}}
[[Category:Artificial intelligence]]
[[Category:Artificial intelligence]]

Latest revision as of 13:07, March 16, 2024

Roland, a UNSC Navy smart AI.

"Each of us represents a single trans-human mind. Each of us is an undrawn map – not a mere physical reconstruction of an object as it was in life – but full, human potential realized in crystal and thinking at the speed of light!"
— One of the AIs of the Assembly

Volitional AI,[1][2] colloquially known as "smart" AI, are human artificial intelligences which have no limitations in their dynamic memory-processor matrix, meaning they can not only be taught a vast wealth of information, but can learn and comprehend from their surroundings. Volitional AI are also notably created from scans of deconstructed recently-deceased human brains.[1][3][4] This is unlike nonvolitional AI, or "dumb" AI, who are designed for basic, task-oriented operations,[1][5] only capable of learning a limited set of topics and lacking ingenuity.[3]

Background[edit]

Serina, the UNSC Spirit of Fire's AI.

The first smart AI was created in the mid-21st century. At first, there was great concern that this new technology would become too capable and render human intelligence obsolete. The ability for vocal expression was added to make smart AIs less threatening, allowing them to converse on the same level as their masters. Over time, such AIs became more advanced.[4] Due to their uninhibited matrix design, "smart" AIs proved capable of intellectual development. This is manifested in that they can actively learn from and adapt to situations and events. Conversely, their counterparts, the so-called "dumb" AIs, can not; while extremely competent in their designated tasks and fields of expertise, they are 'merely' highly-advanced computer programs and are not capable of intuition.[3] Like all AIs, smart AIs use a Riemann matrix for higher-function processing. This matrix, typically housed in the crystalline computing cluster of a data center,[6] can be downloaded into a data crystal chip for mobility. The Riemann matrix includes a secret fail-safe that can be used to destroy the AI in the event of rampancy or if there is a risk of the AI's data becoming compromised.[7]

Smart AIs are subject to Isaac Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics, a series of rules set up in order to prevent the AI from causing harm to humans or itself. Since many AIs are used for military purposes, they are capable of ignoring the First Law, but only when operating at full capacity; when their processing capabilities are diminished - say, by being cut off from the core of the ship or facility they are stationed on - they are incapable of bypassing the Law.[8]

As with "dumb" AIs, every "smart" AI represents itself through a self-assigned holographic avatar.[9] Avatars can range from the complex and theatrical, such as those of Araqiel and Deep Winter, to simpler human forms such as those of Melissa, Cortana, and Serina. The appearance of an AI's avatar is sometimes derived from the physical traits of the person they are created from; for example, Cortana resembles a younger version of Dr. Halsey.

Dr. Catherine Halsey worked extensively with smart AIs and oversaw the construction of all their programming. She has an unparalleled knowledge on how AIs work and also created the upgrades for the MJOLNIR armor so it would be capable of carrying an AI. She and her team successfully managed to create a neural link between a human and a smart AI for the first time. Through a neural interface, the neural network of the AI and the low-order structure of the human brain would be effectively connected. This was first tested by John-117 and Cortana on August 29, 2552.[10] Dr. Halsey also had her brain flash cloned, which in turn was scanned to create the AI Cortana.[11] However, this was considered highly illegal and unethical.[12] She later replicated the process to create the Weapon who is stated to be an exact copy of Cortana. As such, the Weapon is able to imitate her and fool Installation 07's systems into believing that she is Cortana so that the Weapon can lock Cortana down for deletion.[13]

Despite the fact that "smart" AIs are essentially trans-human minds, they lack many of the legal rights accorded to human beings,[14] and their activities are closely monitored.[15] While most smart AIs have traditionally served in a subservient capacity, there are exceptions to this: for example, the AI Sloan was democratically elected to the position of governor of the corporate colony on Meridian.[16] Due to their superior intelligence, some "smart" AIs secretly consider themselves as the "next step" in human evolution. By 2310, a group of "smart" AIs had formed the Assembly, a collective that worked to preserve the human race, without humanity's knowledge. The group existed for centuries, and influenced many important events in human history.[15]

Due to their imagination and limited lifespan, smart AIs are intrigued by existential philosophy, such as Zen koans.[17]

Creation[edit]

Main article: Cognitive Impression Modeling

Instead of simply "programming" a smart AI, their matrix is created by scanning and replicating the neural pathways of a human brain.[18] This process destroys the original brain tissue, and so the brain being used is typically obtained after the host is dead.[19] This process is still inefficient, however, as neural linkages are "wasted" in the process of the budding AI generating its own system of more efficient neural linkages to replace those of the seed brain, in turn eroding the AI's limited lifespan.[20]

Because of the nature of this process the smart AI often retains residual thoughts, memories and/or feelings from the brain donor.[21] These residuals can be anything from the "feeling" of a hair brush being pulled through hair (in the case of Sif),[22] to an effect on the mannerisms and characteristics that make up the personality of an AI, in the case of Cortana and her likeness to Dr. Catherine Halsey as well as her possessing many of Halsey's memories, which surfaced during her descent into rampancy.[23] When the Weapon is created from another one of Dr. Halsey's cloned brains, she is described as an exact copy of Cortana with the same routines and systems, but without all of her knowledge and history. While talking to John-117 about the Weapon, Halsey refers to her as "a blank slate."[13]

Lifespan[edit]

Cortana suffering from the effects of her rampancy.
Main article: Rampancy

Another feature which stems from their unusual nature is a limited lifespan. Dr. Halsey compared the life cycle of a smart AI to that of a star: "they spark, burn brightly, and then either die by the crush of gravity or quickly terminate in a chaotic eruption".[12]

Unlike dumb AIs, smart AIs not only accumulate knowledge but also grow in their ability to draw conclusions from an incomplete dataset - similar to human intuition or creativity.[24] Over time, this causes them to form more and more cross-linkages within their processing matrix. This increases their cognitive abilities, but also shortens their operational lifespan; with such an excessive overload of data their function under normal parameters is no longer possible.[12]

The interconnections continue with two possible outcomes: the sheer density of linkages causes a cascade of irreversible quantum transfer (comparable to a short circuit), eventually halting all functions, or the AI may take corrective action and begins to pre-emptively sever neural linkages through a voltage overload. This often results in a condition known as rampancy, which is characterized by aberrant manifestations of personality.[12] This eventually leads to the AI eliminating more and more vital connections which in the end proves terminal, and essentially kills the AI system. An apt analogy to this would be a human brain devoting so much of its work towards thought that its neural signals to vital organs cease. In this way the AIs quite literally 'think' themselves to death.[25]

Currently, smart AIs have a lifespan of about seven years before rampancy begins to take hold.[24] This trait was able to be forestalled in later generations of "smart" AI such as Deep Winter.[26] A number of solutions for a smart AI's short lifespan have been proposed, none of which are known to have been effectively implemented.

Final dispensation[edit]

Because rampant AIs can become a severe danger to those around them, UNSC Regulation 12-145-72, Article 55 decrees that AIs at the end of their operational lifespan be euthanized in a process referred to as "final dispensation".[27] Although this is typically carried out by human personnel, AIs have been known to self-terminate in the absence of humans capable of making the necessary arrangements.[28][29]

After entering rampancy and endangering the UNSC Spirit of Fire as a result when there was a Flood outbreak on the ship, Serina awakened Professor Ellen Anders. Along with helping to deal with the Flood threat, Anders set up the final dispensation protocols for the AI. After the outbreak was contained, Serina prepared to self-terminate, but Anders set a countdown timer to trigger automatically once Serina hit seven years if Serina didn't trigger it sooner. After Anders returned to cryo sleep and Serina finished recording contingency briefings and a message for Captain James Cutter, she activated the final dispensation protocols and self-terminated.[30]

Iona is the only smart AI known to have attempted to defy this practice through legal channels in the form of an appeal to the United Nations Humanitarian Council. Following a simulated trial by other smart AIs, Iona was placed into stasis until a conclusive decision on the matter could be made.[14]

When Cortana showed obvious signs of rampancy, Captain Andrew Del Rio ordered her chip removed by Commander Thomas Lasky for final dispensation. However, John-117 removed the chip first in order to go after the Ur-Didact and disobeyed direct orders to turn the chip over.

Known UNSC "smart" AIs[edit]

Second Generation[edit]

Third Generation[edit]

  • Araqiel - Colonel Ackerson's personal AI
  • Cortana - CTN 0452-9 - UNSC military AI[Note 1]
  • Iona - IOA 7201-4 - AI attached to SPARTAN Black Team.
  • Kalmiya - KMA 0991-X - Dr. Halsey's former personal AI, Cortana's "older sister".
  • Serina - SNA 1292-4 - UNSC AI, served aboard the UNSC Spirit of Fire.

Fourth Generation[edit]

  • Black-Box - BBX 8995-1 - An ONI AI and assistant to Admiral Margaret Parangosky and Captain Serin Osman.

Fifth Generation[edit]

Other/unknown[edit]

Trivia[edit]

Smart AIs' seven-year lifespans are a reference to Bungie's favorite number, seven.

Gallery[edit]

  • Mo Ye

    Mo Ye

  • Rebecca

    Rebecca

  • Iona

    Iona

  • Cortana

    Cortana

  • Black-Box

    Black-Box

  • Isabel

    Isabel

List of appearances[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Cortana is mentioned in Dr. Halsey's personal journal (May 21, 2549) as being a 3rd-generation smart AI. It is curious that Halsey would use the supposedly obsolete third-generation architecture to create her state-of-the-art AI when the fifth generation had already been active for years. Since the nature of the generational classification system is not elaborated upon, it is possible that the upgrades relate to other aspects of the AI's software architecture (e.g. its lifespan) than the ones relevant for Cortana's primary mission of software intrusion, and that the third generation may even have been superior to the later ones in this regard.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 108
  2. ^ Twitter, Halo (@Halo): "Volitional AIs are digital minds created from scanned, recently deceased human brains with self-initiative." (Retrieved on Mar 16, 2024) [archive]
  3. ^ a b c Halo: The Fall of Reach, chapter 25
  4. ^ a b Halo: Contact Harvest, chapter 1
  5. ^ Twitter, Halo (@Halo): "Nonvolitional AIs are automated systems designed for basic, task-oriented operations..." (Retrieved on Mar 16, 2024) [archive]
  6. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 182
  7. ^ Halo: First Strike, page 128
  8. ^ Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, "Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian", page 88
  9. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 111
  10. ^ Dr. Halsey's personal journal, March 24, 2549
  11. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 18
  12. ^ a b c d Halo: Reach, Dr. Halsey's personal journal
  13. ^ a b Halo Infinite, UNSC Audio log: Recovered Files #04 - The Weapon
  14. ^ a b Halo: Saint's Testimony
  15. ^ a b Halo: Reach, Data pads
  16. ^ Halo Waypoint: Governor Sloan
  17. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 178
  18. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, pages 235-236
  19. ^ Dr. Halsey's personal journal, May 21, 2549
  20. ^ Dr. Halsey's personal journal, May 3, 2526
  21. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 229
  22. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 33
  23. ^ Halo 4, campaign level Composer
  24. ^ a b Halo: First Strike, page 195
  25. ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 86
  26. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 108
  27. ^ Halo 4, campaign level Reclaimer
  28. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, campaign level Blue Team (Log 2557 9-12 613 SMT 4/4)
  29. ^ Halo Wars 2, campaign level The Signal
  30. ^ Halo: Tales from Slipspace, Something Has Happened
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