| Robots |
Robots need not be simple mechanical automotons!
The robot above is a hypergenius AI class Custodian of
Ustaris. These robots appear in association with ancient
and highly advanced technological relics scattered
across the known galaxies. According to the archives on
Cronodon, they were created by an organic race of
creatures called the Ustar. However, the organic forms
have only been encountered on a single occasion,
according to our records, many thousands of years
ago. Usually it is their custodian robots and their
computer-operated installations that are encountered.
Their technology is so advanced that it has eluded
complete analysis. Typically several of these and similar
units are networked to the main computer such that
they operate with common purpose. They have never
been reported as hostile unless strongly provoked. On
the contrary they seem to cherish other life-forms and
cosmic biodiversity. They are known to conduct
minimally invasive experiments on life-forms that they
encounter. They operate with the utmost ethics
whenever possible.
The robot above is a hypergenius AI class Custodian of
Ustaris. These robots appear in association with ancient
and highly advanced technological relics scattered
across the known galaxies. According to the archives on
Cronodon, they were created by an organic race of
creatures called the Ustar. However, the organic forms
have only been encountered on a single occasion,
according to our records, many thousands of years
ago. Usually it is their custodian robots and their
computer-operated installations that are encountered.
Their technology is so advanced that it has eluded
complete analysis. Typically several of these and similar
units are networked to the main computer such that
they operate with common purpose. They have never
been reported as hostile unless strongly provoked. On
the contrary they seem to cherish other life-forms and
cosmic biodiversity. They are known to conduct
minimally invasive experiments on life-forms that they
encounter. They operate with the utmost ethics
whenever possible.
These Ustarians have the power to transmit and to transform matter. It seems that they are able to maintain their
installations against decay for many thousands of years by maintaining a mathematical blueprint; they then convert
these equations directly into matter.
Beings such as the Ustari and the Ankaragi force us to question conventional definitions of 'life'. Biological viruses
have already challenged the anthropocentric definition of life used by most Terran scientists. To encompass viruses
one has to go beyond the usual 'seven characteristics of living things', namely: movement, respiration, growth,
reproduction, excitability (ability to respond to changes), excretion (elimination of waste materials) and nutrition
(sometimes death is added as an eighth characteristic). Consciousness is a separate matter and seems to be a
property possessed by only certain life-forms (though one cannot be objectively certain of this). The virus does
indeed perform all the 7 or 8 characteristics, but not without assistance, but then how many organisms can live in
isolation from all others? The concept of a 'living organism' starts to break down. A virus has few connected parts
and so is hardly an organism, but it is living in other respects. Instead of focusing on individuals it is less ambiguous
to focus on 'systems' and viruses are parts of living systems, just as human beings are - both can be conceived as
'living'.
Another key feature of life is its self-sustainability and spontaneous evolution. The Ankaragi are artificial life-forms,
they reproduce and they require natural resources, and like biological viruses they are assembled in 'factories'
(viruses being assembled in cells which are essentially factories). More fundamental attributes of life as we know it,
rather than the 7 or 8 characteristics commonly listed, is the ability to store useful information and pass this
information on from copy to copy. Furthermore, the ability to change this information is what enables life to evolve.
This information can take the form of instructions to build new life-forms (chemical DNA) or it can be technological
and cultural knowledge. Robots and their supporting systems (factories) achieve a similar status - they store
information, both as blueprints of their own construction and as programs which can be modified as they learn
important skills. The United Galactic Alliance (UGA) considers the Ankaragi to have reached the status of 'living'
because they have the ability to sustain themselves over generations without any input from organic life-forms and
they are able to change their forms, evolving and adapting as needed. The only differences between organic
life-forms, like human beings, and the Ankaragi are that they are composed of different chemicals and that they did
not spontaneously come into being in the sense that they were created by other beings. None of these are
considered significant enough to discount them from being classed as living - there are many life-forms that use
different chemical bases, even DNA is not universal (on Earth alone some viruses use RNA).
installations against decay for many thousands of years by maintaining a mathematical blueprint; they then convert
these equations directly into matter.
Beings such as the Ustari and the Ankaragi force us to question conventional definitions of 'life'. Biological viruses
have already challenged the anthropocentric definition of life used by most Terran scientists. To encompass viruses
one has to go beyond the usual 'seven characteristics of living things', namely: movement, respiration, growth,
reproduction, excitability (ability to respond to changes), excretion (elimination of waste materials) and nutrition
(sometimes death is added as an eighth characteristic). Consciousness is a separate matter and seems to be a
property possessed by only certain life-forms (though one cannot be objectively certain of this). The virus does
indeed perform all the 7 or 8 characteristics, but not without assistance, but then how many organisms can live in
isolation from all others? The concept of a 'living organism' starts to break down. A virus has few connected parts
and so is hardly an organism, but it is living in other respects. Instead of focusing on individuals it is less ambiguous
to focus on 'systems' and viruses are parts of living systems, just as human beings are - both can be conceived as
'living'.
Another key feature of life is its self-sustainability and spontaneous evolution. The Ankaragi are artificial life-forms,
they reproduce and they require natural resources, and like biological viruses they are assembled in 'factories'
(viruses being assembled in cells which are essentially factories). More fundamental attributes of life as we know it,
rather than the 7 or 8 characteristics commonly listed, is the ability to store useful information and pass this
information on from copy to copy. Furthermore, the ability to change this information is what enables life to evolve.
This information can take the form of instructions to build new life-forms (chemical DNA) or it can be technological
and cultural knowledge. Robots and their supporting systems (factories) achieve a similar status - they store
information, both as blueprints of their own construction and as programs which can be modified as they learn
important skills. The United Galactic Alliance (UGA) considers the Ankaragi to have reached the status of 'living'
because they have the ability to sustain themselves over generations without any input from organic life-forms and
they are able to change their forms, evolving and adapting as needed. The only differences between organic
life-forms, like human beings, and the Ankaragi are that they are composed of different chemicals and that they did
not spontaneously come into being in the sense that they were created by other beings. None of these are
considered significant enough to discount them from being classed as living - there are many life-forms that use
different chemical bases, even DNA is not universal (on Earth alone some viruses use RNA).
Left: the Mechatronics 1000 series Destroyer Warbot in
its planet invader configuration. This Warbot was used
extensively by the old Federation. It came in two
size-types, the large Robotitan size (about 20 metres tall)
and the smaller 3 metre medium android size. Here it is
seen in its prototype colours, but in field operations its
reactive skin would change colour and pattern to match
its surroundings.
The turret is equipped with broad-spectrum EM sensors
and two triple missile launchers. In the titan version these
would carry 3 metre surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs)
or surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) with 50 km range (in
Earth conditions) powered by antimatter plasma boosters
and carrying a variety of warheads (typically antimatter
armour-piercing or chemical gas warheads).
The chest hex-launcher would carry four 4m anti-armour
SAMs (200 km range) and two 2 m missiles. The smaller
missiles typically carried anti-personnel multiple
warheads with intelligent seeking capabilities.
Alternatively the hex-launcher could fire intelligent mines
which seek out and disperse to appropriate locations and
wait in ambush.
The limbs come in many interchangeable forms, but this
one is equipped with two double-beam directed energy
weapons. Typically phased-array phase-conjugate lasers
for use on planets with atmospheres, or sonic detonators
for clearing buildings and fortifications.
Various defensive systems would also be incorporated.
its planet invader configuration. This Warbot was used
extensively by the old Federation. It came in two
size-types, the large Robotitan size (about 20 metres tall)
and the smaller 3 metre medium android size. Here it is
seen in its prototype colours, but in field operations its
reactive skin would change colour and pattern to match
its surroundings.
The turret is equipped with broad-spectrum EM sensors
and two triple missile launchers. In the titan version these
would carry 3 metre surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs)
or surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) with 50 km range (in
Earth conditions) powered by antimatter plasma boosters
and carrying a variety of warheads (typically antimatter
armour-piercing or chemical gas warheads).
The chest hex-launcher would carry four 4m anti-armour
SAMs (200 km range) and two 2 m missiles. The smaller
missiles typically carried anti-personnel multiple
warheads with intelligent seeking capabilities.
Alternatively the hex-launcher could fire intelligent mines
which seek out and disperse to appropriate locations and
wait in ambush.
The limbs come in many interchangeable forms, but this
one is equipped with two double-beam directed energy
weapons. Typically phased-array phase-conjugate lasers
for use on planets with atmospheres, or sonic detonators
for clearing buildings and fortifications.
Various defensive systems would also be incorporated.
These warbots were often used unscrupulously by the Federation in bringing unruly worlds to their knees. Some very
disturbing weaponry was sometimes used on these machines, including neutron warheads, and masers that cook living
things from the inside-out by making the water in their bodies boil! These robots are powered by anti-matter engines and
controlled by 112 processors with electron-spinor matrix cores (these rely on information stored as binary digits, or bits,
in the form of electron spin, up or down). They are not designated as living beings because they are not programed to
evolve and adapt but instead require other beings to design and construct them and so they cannot reproduce
autonomously. Warbots are especially interesting to the roboticist, because they have to overcome perhaps the greatest
challenges of design and performance!
disturbing weaponry was sometimes used on these machines, including neutron warheads, and masers that cook living
things from the inside-out by making the water in their bodies boil! These robots are powered by anti-matter engines and
controlled by 112 processors with electron-spinor matrix cores (these rely on information stored as binary digits, or bits,
in the form of electron spin, up or down). They are not designated as living beings because they are not programed to
evolve and adapt but instead require other beings to design and construct them and so they cannot reproduce
autonomously. Warbots are especially interesting to the roboticist, because they have to overcome perhaps the greatest
challenges of design and performance!
Versatility
The robot shown above is a Mechatronics 3000 series customised warbot. The 3000 series is more module, enabling
parts to be interchanged, so that different warbots can be assembled from kits in various configurations according to
mission requirements (this modular approach also means that parts are easier to salvage - a head or limb can be
removed from a damaged unit and transferred to another warbot and it makes it easier to update old technology with new
modules). This warbot is controlled by a dual quantum-biosynthetic processor. This involves a primary quantum
processor coupled to a biosynthetic neural net. This neural net is intended to give the warbot an imagination, which as in
organic brains, confers a degree of unpredictability. This makes it much harder for enemy computers to predict its
actions. This warbot can also carry various backpack and chest units. These include a quad-missile launcher backpack,
capable of housing four 10 m missiles with various warheads; and a maser-propelled micro-satellite launcher, which can
launch small staellites (of which it can carry up to 20) at ultrasonic velocities using a maser beam. These satellites can be
used to seek and destroy targets in space, or they may be modified as intelligent mines for use on the planetary surface.
Seismic mines are able to drill beneath the planet surface and then detonate, causing severe ground tremours that
weaken buildings and other structures. Others can be programmed to seek and destroy small ground targets.
Defensive systems
This warbot is some 30 m tall. The drawback of such large size is that it forms a large target, which makes it harder to
conceal and easier to hit, especially on open planes. There are a number of solutions to this problem. This warbot has a
multi-laser turret for air-defense. A single laser generator can project up to 10 laser beams, one from each of the ten
nozzles, simultaneously. Some of these nozzles are equipped with their own optic sensor and they are mounted on a
rotating hemisphere (housing 4 nozzles at the top) and a rotating band (holding 6 nozzles in the middles section). This
allows rapid tracking, since this turret is used primarily to intercept incoming missiles, rocket barrages, and atmospheric
drones. No matter how large and thickly armoured you are, and no matter what your armour is made from, a large
enough warhead can cause serious, if not critical, damage in a single strike. The best defence is to avoid getting hit in
the first place! Some missiles carry such powerful warheads that even an indirect hit can cause massive multiple damage.
Clearly, the further away that these missiles can be intercepted the better!
Another danger facing large robots is a swarming attack by multiple ground targets - marines may climb onto its structure
and attempt to gain access through its armour or plant explosive devices. Smaller warbots and troopers may fire
barrages of small rockets or laser beams that can be very damaging en mass. One solution is to have similar units
accompany the robotitan, however, wherever possible these warbots are often designed to be self-sufficient and
general-purpose (though a group of them may be fitted so that each specialises in purpose). Basic defenses include
smoke screens and electrifiable skins, to deter troopers from getting too close. Other defenses include the
atmospheric-defense turret, which can also direct laser beams at a number of targets by its rapid rotation and targeting.
Some warbots carry several smaller robots, either inside or outside, which can clamber about like spiders with
foot-suction, fending off any small attackers. Finally, of course, the warbot can use its shear size - it can stomp, trample
and club smaller opponents. To assist in this it must have good skin sensors so that it can detect the presence of a
smaller intruder climbing onto it. It is also possible to fit small anti-personnel laser turrets or mortars at strategic intervals
on its body. These turrets can be automated with their own processors. A popular anti-personnel weapon is to fire large
webs of sticky material to entangle enemy units.
We have already looked at some sophisticated defensive screens in the Cybex 7000 series warbot.
Hitting targets
Missiles can possess the greater range in planetary atmospheres, since they can turn to accommodate the planet's
curvature. However, their shorter transit time makes directed beam energy weapons, such as lasers, the greater ranged
weapons in outer space. Some warbots are equipped with interceptor missiles for planet-planet interception of targets at
maximum range. The range of beam weapons can be increased by bouncing the beam off a high altitude reflector, such
as a purpose-made micro-satellite, allowing them to reach past the horizon where curvature of the planet's surface would
prevent a direct line of sight to a distant target. However, if the weapons are sufficiently powerful, then they are hard to
reflect, and such satellites may be disposable and only reflect a percentage of the beam energy. Clearly the ranges of
weapons will vary on planets with different atmospheres, curvature and gravity fields (figures quoted on this page
assume typical Earth-like planetary conditions).
Attached to this 3000 series' left arm is a quad-plasma cannon with a central beam laser weapon. The plasma cannon is
used to incinerate large areas, whilst the laser cannon can pierce armoured targets at large range, and can even hit
spaceships or satellites in low orbit.
Sensors
Warbots need sophisticated sense data to detect, identify, track and lock potential targets. Visual and audio sensors are
an obvious choice. Visual sensors can tune into a large range of wavelengths, including infrared and ultraviolet, enabling
night-vision and the detection of targets using invisibility cloaks (which are transparent to some wavelengths more than
others) as well as for detection of heat signatures. These are typically mounted on the top turret to permit them to easily
scan 360 degrees. However, we always encounter constraints here. The 3000 series warbot shown above has its turret
primarily occupied by laser nozzles, which has compromised its ability to carry sensors here (there is only so much room
for things!). It does, however, have optical sensors (the smaller cylinders above some of the nozzles) which are able to
compensate for rapid movements. Very sensitive vibration sensors are included in its feet (these compensate for the
vibrations of the warbot's own walking/running, but are most sensitive when the warbot is at rest) and in its chest (the
higher sensors are mounted the further they can sense over intervening terrain, and placing them far apart helps
direction-finding).
Another option is to use satellites or other units with more sophisticated sensors (as indeed do your Earthling air forces
with their specialised radar planes and ground-based radars) which does mean, however, that there is a possibility of an
enemy blocking communication links (a radar unit is of little use if it is unable to send data to other units on the
battlefied!). Primitive robots are controlled remotely, but modern warbots have intelligent processors enabling them to act
independently.
Olfactory sensors are also important. This particular warbot is not well specialised for this, though its chest unit filters and
analyses the atmosphere. This literally enables warbots to smell enemy units from several km downwind, for example it is
often difficult to mask the odour emissions of high tech equipment on a primitive planet! Battle damage releases products
of burning that can be easily detected from afar, indeed, everything releases a characteristic odour!
If a robot such as the one above requires better sensors, then these can be fitted in a backpack with periscope
antennas. This allows a sensor to gain height above the landscape and easily scan through 360 degrees, by being
mounted on an aerial, which can also be withdrawn to protect the delicate senors during close combat. Such sensor
modules can include visual, olfactory, audio and radar sensors. It could also launch micro-satellites to scan the area and
report back data. Microbots with flight capability are good for this - a number of insect-sized robots can be issued forth to
scan the surrounding terrain and either transmit back or physically carry back their data to the warbot. These spy drones
can be very pesky for the enemy, since they need very sensitive sensor screens themselves to raise the alarm if they are
being spied upon! Indeed, they can make it almost impossible to approach within a kilometre of a warbot without it
detecting you!
Stay tuned for updates as we aim to look at some alternative solutions to the problems facing warbots, in the near future...
The robot shown above is a Mechatronics 3000 series customised warbot. The 3000 series is more module, enabling
parts to be interchanged, so that different warbots can be assembled from kits in various configurations according to
mission requirements (this modular approach also means that parts are easier to salvage - a head or limb can be
removed from a damaged unit and transferred to another warbot and it makes it easier to update old technology with new
modules). This warbot is controlled by a dual quantum-biosynthetic processor. This involves a primary quantum
processor coupled to a biosynthetic neural net. This neural net is intended to give the warbot an imagination, which as in
organic brains, confers a degree of unpredictability. This makes it much harder for enemy computers to predict its
actions. This warbot can also carry various backpack and chest units. These include a quad-missile launcher backpack,
capable of housing four 10 m missiles with various warheads; and a maser-propelled micro-satellite launcher, which can
launch small staellites (of which it can carry up to 20) at ultrasonic velocities using a maser beam. These satellites can be
used to seek and destroy targets in space, or they may be modified as intelligent mines for use on the planetary surface.
Seismic mines are able to drill beneath the planet surface and then detonate, causing severe ground tremours that
weaken buildings and other structures. Others can be programmed to seek and destroy small ground targets.
Defensive systems
This warbot is some 30 m tall. The drawback of such large size is that it forms a large target, which makes it harder to
conceal and easier to hit, especially on open planes. There are a number of solutions to this problem. This warbot has a
multi-laser turret for air-defense. A single laser generator can project up to 10 laser beams, one from each of the ten
nozzles, simultaneously. Some of these nozzles are equipped with their own optic sensor and they are mounted on a
rotating hemisphere (housing 4 nozzles at the top) and a rotating band (holding 6 nozzles in the middles section). This
allows rapid tracking, since this turret is used primarily to intercept incoming missiles, rocket barrages, and atmospheric
drones. No matter how large and thickly armoured you are, and no matter what your armour is made from, a large
enough warhead can cause serious, if not critical, damage in a single strike. The best defence is to avoid getting hit in
the first place! Some missiles carry such powerful warheads that even an indirect hit can cause massive multiple damage.
Clearly, the further away that these missiles can be intercepted the better!
Another danger facing large robots is a swarming attack by multiple ground targets - marines may climb onto its structure
and attempt to gain access through its armour or plant explosive devices. Smaller warbots and troopers may fire
barrages of small rockets or laser beams that can be very damaging en mass. One solution is to have similar units
accompany the robotitan, however, wherever possible these warbots are often designed to be self-sufficient and
general-purpose (though a group of them may be fitted so that each specialises in purpose). Basic defenses include
smoke screens and electrifiable skins, to deter troopers from getting too close. Other defenses include the
atmospheric-defense turret, which can also direct laser beams at a number of targets by its rapid rotation and targeting.
Some warbots carry several smaller robots, either inside or outside, which can clamber about like spiders with
foot-suction, fending off any small attackers. Finally, of course, the warbot can use its shear size - it can stomp, trample
and club smaller opponents. To assist in this it must have good skin sensors so that it can detect the presence of a
smaller intruder climbing onto it. It is also possible to fit small anti-personnel laser turrets or mortars at strategic intervals
on its body. These turrets can be automated with their own processors. A popular anti-personnel weapon is to fire large
webs of sticky material to entangle enemy units.
We have already looked at some sophisticated defensive screens in the Cybex 7000 series warbot.
Hitting targets
Missiles can possess the greater range in planetary atmospheres, since they can turn to accommodate the planet's
curvature. However, their shorter transit time makes directed beam energy weapons, such as lasers, the greater ranged
weapons in outer space. Some warbots are equipped with interceptor missiles for planet-planet interception of targets at
maximum range. The range of beam weapons can be increased by bouncing the beam off a high altitude reflector, such
as a purpose-made micro-satellite, allowing them to reach past the horizon where curvature of the planet's surface would
prevent a direct line of sight to a distant target. However, if the weapons are sufficiently powerful, then they are hard to
reflect, and such satellites may be disposable and only reflect a percentage of the beam energy. Clearly the ranges of
weapons will vary on planets with different atmospheres, curvature and gravity fields (figures quoted on this page
assume typical Earth-like planetary conditions).
Attached to this 3000 series' left arm is a quad-plasma cannon with a central beam laser weapon. The plasma cannon is
used to incinerate large areas, whilst the laser cannon can pierce armoured targets at large range, and can even hit
spaceships or satellites in low orbit.
Sensors
Warbots need sophisticated sense data to detect, identify, track and lock potential targets. Visual and audio sensors are
an obvious choice. Visual sensors can tune into a large range of wavelengths, including infrared and ultraviolet, enabling
night-vision and the detection of targets using invisibility cloaks (which are transparent to some wavelengths more than
others) as well as for detection of heat signatures. These are typically mounted on the top turret to permit them to easily
scan 360 degrees. However, we always encounter constraints here. The 3000 series warbot shown above has its turret
primarily occupied by laser nozzles, which has compromised its ability to carry sensors here (there is only so much room
for things!). It does, however, have optical sensors (the smaller cylinders above some of the nozzles) which are able to
compensate for rapid movements. Very sensitive vibration sensors are included in its feet (these compensate for the
vibrations of the warbot's own walking/running, but are most sensitive when the warbot is at rest) and in its chest (the
higher sensors are mounted the further they can sense over intervening terrain, and placing them far apart helps
direction-finding).
Another option is to use satellites or other units with more sophisticated sensors (as indeed do your Earthling air forces
with their specialised radar planes and ground-based radars) which does mean, however, that there is a possibility of an
enemy blocking communication links (a radar unit is of little use if it is unable to send data to other units on the
battlefied!). Primitive robots are controlled remotely, but modern warbots have intelligent processors enabling them to act
independently.
Olfactory sensors are also important. This particular warbot is not well specialised for this, though its chest unit filters and
analyses the atmosphere. This literally enables warbots to smell enemy units from several km downwind, for example it is
often difficult to mask the odour emissions of high tech equipment on a primitive planet! Battle damage releases products
of burning that can be easily detected from afar, indeed, everything releases a characteristic odour!
If a robot such as the one above requires better sensors, then these can be fitted in a backpack with periscope
antennas. This allows a sensor to gain height above the landscape and easily scan through 360 degrees, by being
mounted on an aerial, which can also be withdrawn to protect the delicate senors during close combat. Such sensor
modules can include visual, olfactory, audio and radar sensors. It could also launch micro-satellites to scan the area and
report back data. Microbots with flight capability are good for this - a number of insect-sized robots can be issued forth to
scan the surrounding terrain and either transmit back or physically carry back their data to the warbot. These spy drones
can be very pesky for the enemy, since they need very sensitive sensor screens themselves to raise the alarm if they are
being spied upon! Indeed, they can make it almost impossible to approach within a kilometre of a warbot without it
detecting you!
Stay tuned for updates as we aim to look at some alternative solutions to the problems facing warbots, in the near future...
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