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

Second Generation

• Kalmiya - Dr. Halsey's former personal AI, Cortana's "older sister". (Second Generation Smart AI)

Third Generation

• Araquiel - Colonel Ackerson's personal AI (Third Generation Smart AI)
• Cortana - CTN 0452-9 - UNSC Military AI (Third Generation Smart AI)

Fourth Generation

• Eternal Spring - First Known Overseer of UNSC facilities on planet Onyx, aided in reconnaissance of Zone 67. (Fourth Generation Smart AI)

Fifth Generation

• Deep Winter - Overseer of UNSC facilities on planet Onyx, succeeding Eternal Spring. (Fifth Generation Smart AI)
• Endless Summer - MIL AI 4279 - Overseer of UNSC facilities on planet Onyx, succeeding Deep Winter. (Fifth Generation Smart AI)

Other/Unknown

• Beowulf - Was the attaché to Admiral Michael Stanforth and the UNSC Navy.
• Chauncey - UNSC Red Horse's old Smart AI
• Doppler - MIL AI 8575 - UNSC Military AI
• FitzGibbon - Was the ship-board AI of the UNSC Prophecy during the Second Battle of Harvest.
• Iona - AI attached to SPARTAN Black Team.
• Jerrod - The first micro-AI (Experimental)
• Juliana - Planet Madrigal's Commercial AI unpacked after the planet's destruction by The Covenant to control The Rubble's guidance and maneuvering.
• Lackluster - corroborated conclusions of Cole's continuing survival with Codename: SURGEON and another AI, Phoenix
• Loki - Colony Ship AI (military) of the UNSC Skidbladnir Reassigned as PSI (Planetary Security Intelligence) on Harvest, second AI core on stand-by next to Mack AI
• Lorelei - Ship AI of the CMA Season of Plenty
• Lysithea - UNSC/ONI AI, was located in the UNSC High Command's headquarters, HighCom Facility Bravo-6 in Sydney, Australia.
• Mack - Colonial Authority AI/Agricultural Operations.
• Melissa - UNSC/ONI AI, attached to UNSC Apocalypso.
• Mo Ye - Shipboard AI of the UNSC The Heart of Midlothian.
• Pallas Athena - Boston Public Library AI
• Phoenix - corroborated conclusions of Cole's continuing survival with Codename: SURGEON and another AI, Lackluster
• Rebecca - UNSC Red Horse's Smart AI
• Sekmet - Shipboard AI of Preston Cole's flagship, UNSC Everest.
• Serina - UNSC AI, served aboard the UNSC Spirit of Fire.
• Sif - Colonial Authority AI/Shipping Operations.
• Solipsil - An ONI AI.
• Toran - UNSC AI, served aboard UNSC Han during the SPARTAN Observation Process.
• Watchmaker - UNSC Military for Captain Cole aboard the UNSC Gorgon.
• Wellsley - UNSC Military.

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.