The Sputnik Support Robot (SSR) is a general support and information robot produced by Excalibur Inc. as a personal service companion bot. The robot is designed to serve as a mobile data storage, communications, and general computer interface as well as industrial purposes for detecting safety hazards and autonomous security / reporting. The device primarily uses holography for its primary output interface and voice commands for the primary input interface, though it can use other means.
- Size
- 22 cm Diameter Spheroid
- Maximum Speed
- 110 kph
- Standard Speed
- 6 kph
- Power Source
- Spatial Variance Reactor
- Propulsion
- Antigravity
Compressed Gas Thrusters - Mobility Range
- Approx. 2600 km
- Communication Range
- Approx. 2 AU
- CPU
- Encapsulated Computer Core
Capabilities
- A/V Recording & Transmission
- EM Detection from Far Infrared to Extreme Ultraviolet
- Audio Detection from 50 Hz to 150 Hz
- Signal differentiation as low as 0.00001 lux (Visual) and -20 dB (Audio)
- Conditions Monitoring
- Ionizing radiation detection
- Subspace anomaly detection
- Noxious chemical detection
- Authentication
- Biometric scanning
- Voice print identification
- Communications Relay
- Subspace, RF, and Point-to-Point IR Laser
- Holographic Interface & Projection
- Range of low-resolution holographic interface within line of sight up to 95 meters
- Range of high-resolution holographic interface within line of sight up to 72 meters
- Automatic Gyroscopic Stabilization
Stability
The device uses 4 independent gyroscopic stabilizers to maintain course and speed. The antigravity field is capable of adapting to transient gravitational / acceleration variance of up to 7Gs for no longer than 0.5 seconds. The device is capable of stable flight in up to 4Gs without effecting range. Additional stress on the device's flight can significantly reduce the range due to power drain.
Uses
Originally intended as an extension of personal communications / computing devices acting as a non-sentient but highly adaptive assistant, the devices have been used for a variety of additional purposes. Since the device's introduction in 2384 they have started to appear in private homes being used as monitors / companions for small children, the elderly wishing to live independently.
Industrial sectors have begun to use them as automated security devices, stationing them at dangerous or sensitive areas to block entry and report potential risks. In the public sector they have begun appearing in a similar role, blocking / reporting unauthorized access and serving to assist security forces in authentication of unknown individuals. As of mid 2386 they have been also seen monitoring hazardous areas for spikes in ionizing radiation or other potentially life threatening conditions.
Very recently some areas have seen an adoption of these devices as a kind of low-maintenance digital pet of sorts.
Programming
The onboard computer has a simple ECC favoring memory storage over processing power, the basic AI is certified non-sentient though is designed to be intuitive. The onboard AI is able to learn new skills, patterns of behavior using neural network processing as well as direct programming via computer terminal or voice commands. The built in skills and programming are task dependent but different programming packages are modular and interchangeable.
Input / Output
Primary output method is via holographic display of information. Usually the AI chooses simple pictorial or one / two word visual representations. The device is capable of speaking with a variety of synthesized voices, this is not the default mode of operation. Most common is for the device to produce a spherical holographic surface changing color and surface details to suit a particular situation.
The default mode for input is voice commands but the device accepts direct commands sent via any connected terminal. It is capable of recognizing its owner or other authorized user by voice or physical presence (biometric) means. It will also, by default, accept remote commands that have already been authenticated.
Output Examples
These are some examples of how the device will respond to basic output needs.
Learning vs. Programming
The AI is designed to be adaptive but the level of adaptation is defendant on the device's settings. With enough time the AI is capable of learning to distinguish certain intentions which can alter its behavior beyond what has been explicitly programmed. The heuristic algorithm can be configured via voice command or direct terminal interface. The maximum learning / problem solving level is similar to that of a domestic dog or cat.
Personality
Though some programming packages are more rigid than others the default / consumer package is adaptive enough for the devices to develop heuristic behaviors based on experience. In this way each device can develop unique behaviors based on that experience. Each unique behavior adds to a device's personality, owners can configure devices to override and remove problem behaviors or leave them open to learning / developing new personality traits as time goes on.