Computer Technology of Charted Space

Computers are machines using various stages of information technology to perform increasingly sophisticated calculations, from the earliest clockwork Babbage machines, performing simple mathematical caculations, to the most advanced TL-15 Bright computers performing sophisticated, heuristic maths. Self-Aware machines capable of achieving sentience, sapience, and full sophonce are projected to appear in the near future.

• Computer and IT technology
• Advanced tool type

Description (Specifications)

Computers are rated according to a vast variety of characteristics and capabilities, but general quality paradigms have been established.

Computer Devices

• Hand comp
• Robots
• Positronic brain
• House brain
• Neural nets

Epochal Computer Technology Periods

Computer Autonomy:

• Automatons
• Low Autonomous Robots
• High Autonomous Robots
• Self-Aware Robots
• Machine Life
  • Natural
  • Constructed

Information Age Societies

No information yet available.

• Digital Networks
• High scarcity
• Prototype Nanotech
• Calculative ("Calculating machines")

Bright Age Societies

No information yet available.

• Intelligent Networks
• Low Scarcity
• Weak nanotech
• Cognitive ("Thinking machines")

Brilliant Age Societies

No information yet available.

• Delegative Rule (AI)
• Post-Scarcity
• Strong nanotech
• Emotive ("Dreaming or Feeling machines")

History & Background (Dossier)

No information yet available.

Turing Test

[Once the machine thinking method has started, it would not take long to outstrip our feeble powers.

... At some stage therefore we should have to expect the machines to take control, in the way that is mentioned in Samuel Butler's ‘Erewhon.’]

- Terran scientist, Alan Turing in 1951 CE, speaking about a future in which machines outperform human sophonts intellectually.

A Turing Test is a test of artificial intelligence invented by a scientist from the Terran past. Modern versions of it are still in use within the Third Imperium. The Rule of Man established the test within Charted Space even though similar testing mechanisms existed within several sophont cultures including the Vilani Ziru Sirka.

• The Turing Test is one of the best known tests for determining artificial intelligence ratings within Charted Space. It was developed on old Terra by a cryptological code breaker and mathematician named Alan Turing.
• The Turing Test is essentially one of social interaction. Can a robot convince a conventional sophont that it is a fellow mind through natural conversation or dialogue that flows? Or does it fail, and appear obviously robotic?
• Increasingly sophisticated Turing Tests have been developed over the millenia. AB-101 broke many records with its amazing sophistication and lifelike behavior. More breakthroughs are expected in the near future.

Turing Ratings

No information yet available.

Turing Ratings

TR	Class	IQ	SQ	Remarks

References & Contributors (Sources)

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