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.

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" AIs who can only learn a limited set of topics.

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 expressions was added as it made them less threatening, conversing on the same level as their masters. Over time, such AIs became more advanced. One example of a "smart" AI is Cortana. 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.

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 armor so it would be capable of carrying an AI Dr. Halsey also had her brain flash-cloned, which in turn were scanned to create two AIs, Cortana and Kalmiya.

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.

Characteristics

Intelligence

Due to their uninhibited matrix design, "smart" AIs proved capable of intellectual development. This was manifested in that they could both learn from and adapt to situations and events. Conversely, their opposites, the so-called "dumb" AIs, (which while experts in their programmed fields) could not.

Avatars

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.

Lifespan

Another feature which stemmed from their unusual nature was a limited lifespan. After a period of or about seven years, smart AIs begin to process such an excessive overload of data that their function under normal parameters is no longer possible. This condition, known as rampancy, leads to all operational functions being subordinated to their thought process 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. This trait was able to be forestalled in later generations of "smart" AI such as Deep Winter.

Curiously, the smart AIs making up the Assembly were apparently able to function for centuries without being shut down due to the risk of rampancy.

Known UNSC "smart" AIs

• Cortana
• Serina
• Melissa, ONI mission specialist
• Eternal Spring
• Endless Summer
• Deep Winter, 5th Generation
• Wellsley, 4th Generation
• Araquiel, 3rd Generation
• Kalmiya, assumed 2nd Generation
• Sif
• Mack
• Loki
• Lorelei, assumed 1st generation

Trivia

• Smart AIs' lifespans are about seven years long, this is another reference to Bungie's favorite number, seven.

• Some smart AIs have avoided rampancy or have at least not shown it, such as Juliana.

• Dumb AIs seem to live longer than the seven years of a smart AI as seen in Halo: Fall of Reach with Deja.