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{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|Forerunner|Covenant|Human|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
{{Wikipedia}}
{{Wikipedia}}
[[File:Cortana2557.png|thumb|190px|The human AI [[Cortana]] has a female personality and a blue avatar.]]
[[File:Cortana2557.png|thumb|right|190px|The human AI [[Cortana]] has a female personality and a blue avatar.]]
An '''artificial intelligence''' ('''AI''') is an artificial construct that exhibits intelligence similar, and in some categories far superior, to a sapient biological being. AI technology was used by the [[Forerunner]]s, and was later developed by [[human]]ity. According to the Forerunner [[Technological Achievement Tiers|Technological Tier]] ranking system, the extensive use of AI is one of the components for sociological and technological advancement.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/detail/95b4f4f02bf84038bd434c8b1dd5f994/tiers-of-technology '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Tiers of Technology'']</ref> The [[Covenant]] also made use of AI technology, but only in its simplest form, as their [[Covenant religion|religious doctrine]] forbade the creation of more sophisticated thinking machines.<ref name="ch188">'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 188''</ref>
An '''artificial intelligence''' ('''AI''') is an artificial construct that exhibits intelligence similar, and in some categories far superior, to a sapient biological being. AI technology was used by the [[Forerunner]]s, and was later developed by [[human]]ity. According to the Forerunner [[Technological Achievement Tiers|Technological Tier]] ranking system, the extensive use of AI is one of the components for sociological and technological advancement.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/detail/95b4f4f02bf84038bd434c8b1dd5f994/tiers-of-technology '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Tiers of Technology'']</ref> The [[Covenant]] also made use of AI technology, but only in its simplest form, as their [[Covenant religion|religious doctrine]] forbade the creation of more sophisticated thinking machines.<ref name="ch188">'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 188''</ref>


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==Human AIs==
==Human AIs==
[[File:Serina.jpg|thumb|230px|The avatar of the human AI [[Serina]].]]
[[File:Serina.jpg|thumb|right|230px|The avatar of the human AI [[Serina]].]]
Humans use AIs to perform a wide variety of tasks. The duties of "smart" AIs include, but are not limited to, overseeing planetary shipping operations,<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 28''</ref> managing agricultural operations,<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 74''</ref> serving as a [[Planetary Security Intelligence]],<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 184''</ref> or controlling various functions aboard starships such as weapons and point defense systems. "Smart" AIs are created by scanning the neural patterns of human brains, and are capable of learning and introspection. Some human "smart" AIs, such as Cortana, are able to separate themselves into multiple runtimes or "fragments". This can be beneficial when the AI needs to perform multiple tasks or be in multiple places simultaneously.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 29''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 128''</ref> Fragmenting can also occur accidentally; the AI [[Melissa]] split into multiple fragments after encountering a [[slipspace anomaly]]. The sheer volume of information and calculations a "smart" artificial intelligence can process is astounding; Cortana was capable of performing five billion simultaneous operations in, as she put it, "the time it takes for me to tell you my name".<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''', "[[Human Weakness]]", ''page 271''</ref>
Humans use AIs to perform a wide variety of tasks. The duties of "smart" AIs include, but are not limited to, overseeing planetary shipping operations,<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 28''</ref> managing agricultural operations,<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 74''</ref> serving as a [[Planetary Security Intelligence]],<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 184''</ref> or controlling various functions aboard starships such as weapons and point defense systems. "Smart" AIs are created by scanning the neural patterns of human brains, and are capable of learning and introspection. Some human "smart" AIs, such as Cortana, are able to separate themselves into multiple runtimes or "fragments". This can be beneficial when the AI needs to perform multiple tasks or be in multiple places simultaneously.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 29''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 128''</ref> Fragmenting can also occur accidentally; the AI [[Melissa]] split into multiple fragments after encountering a [[slipspace anomaly]]. The sheer volume of information and calculations a "smart" artificial intelligence can process is astounding; Cortana was capable of performing five billion simultaneous operations in, as she put it, "the time it takes for me to tell you my name".<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''', "[[Human Weakness]]", ''page 271''</ref>


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===Creation and design===
===Creation and design===
The process of creating an AI differs depending on whether it is of the "smart" or "dumb" variety. "Dumb" AIs are conventional—albeit highly sophisticated—supercomputers, and therefore do not require a brain as a template.<ref name="enc229">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 229''</ref> "Smart" AIs, however, are created by scanning the neural structure of a human brain and using it as a digital "framework" in a process known as [[Cognitive Impression Modeling]]. This process destroys the original brain tissue, so the brain to be used is typically obtained after the host is dead.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''pages 235-236''</ref>
The process of creating an AI differs depending on whether it is of the "smart" or "dumb" variety. "Dumb" AIs are conventional—albeit highly sophisticated—supercomputers, and therefore do not require a brain as a template.<ref name="enc229">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 229''</ref> "Smart" AIs, however, are created by scanning the neural structure of a human brain and using it as a digital "framework" in a process known as [[Cognitive Impression Modeling]]. This process destroys the original brain tissue, so the brain to be used is typically obtained after the host is dead.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''pages 235-236''</ref>


AIs do not have physical bodies; in the case of "smart" AIs, they are advanced software consisting of a [[Riemann matrix]] for higher-function processing.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 182''</ref> This matrix can be downloaded into a [[data crystal chip]] for mobility.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 317''</ref> In case of [[rampancy]], the Riemann matrix has a fail-safe program that will destroy the AI. Although, this fail-safe is only implemented on "important" AIs.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 135''</ref>
AIs do not have physical bodies; in the case of "smart" AIs, they are advanced software consisting of a [[Riemann matrix]] for higher-function processing.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 182''</ref> This matrix can be downloaded into a [[data crystal chip]] for mobility.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 317''</ref> In case of [[rampancy]], the Riemann matrix has a fail-safe program that will destroy the AI. Although, this fail-safe is only implemented on "important" AIs.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 135''</ref>
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However, the immense creative and processing power of a smart AI is not without cost. All such units have an unchangeable seven-year life span that limits their development as an independent entity.<ref name="fs195">'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 195''</ref> The problem of [[rampancy]] is a universal one with human AI development. As these thinking machines become increasingly powerful and knowledgeable, there remains less and less space within their memory to handle basic functions. In a simple analogy, a human AI could perhaps remember all of the knowledge of human history, science and beyond, and in the process ''forget'' how to "breathe".<ref>'''Dr. Halsey's personal journal''', ''December 25, 2534''</ref> In this fashion, AIs think themselves into intense states of jealousy, rage, despair, and ultimately death as their programming becomes unstable. As such, AIs are typically terminated before they can pose a danger to other humans or constructs.<ref name="cp86">'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', ''page 86''</ref>
However, the immense creative and processing power of a smart AI is not without cost. All such units have an unchangeable seven-year life span that limits their development as an independent entity.<ref name="fs195">'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 195''</ref> The problem of [[rampancy]] is a universal one with human AI development. As these thinking machines become increasingly powerful and knowledgeable, there remains less and less space within their memory to handle basic functions. In a simple analogy, a human AI could perhaps remember all of the knowledge of human history, science and beyond, and in the process ''forget'' how to "breathe".<ref>'''Dr. Halsey's personal journal''', ''December 25, 2534''</ref> In this fashion, AIs think themselves into intense states of jealousy, rage, despair, and ultimately death as their programming becomes unstable. As such, AIs are typically terminated before they can pose a danger to other humans or constructs.<ref name="cp86">'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', ''page 86''</ref>


If they are not terminated, they can last at least a year longer before dying, as [[Cortana]] was eight when she died, though not of rampancy which she was experiencing.<ref name="requiem">'''[[Halo 4]]''', campaign level ''[[Requiem (level)|Requiem]]''</ref> Despite going through rampancy, an AI may still be able to perform its tasks if it has enough control over itself as shown when Cortana, despite being rampant and periodically losing control, still managed to assist [[John-117]] with his tasks until she was destroyed.<ref>'''Halo 4''', campaign level ''[[Midnight]]''</ref> [[The Rubble]]'s AI, [[Juliana]], was over eight years old and was still very capable of performing her tasks without showing any signs of rampancy.{{Ref/Reuse|cp86}} Cortana also theorized a cure for rampancy that was unique to her: as she was created from a living brain, if the process that created her was repeated, theoretically her neural map could be fixed.{{Ref/Reuse|requiem}} However, if this would have worked or not is not known.
If they are not terminated, they can last at least a year longer before dying, as [[Cortana]] was eight when she died, though not of rampancy which she was experiencing.<ref name="requiem">'''[[Halo 4]]''', campaign level ''[[Requiem (level)|Requiem]]''</ref> Despite going through rampancy, an AI may still be able to perform its tasks if it has enough control over itself as shown when Cortana, despite being rampant and periodically losing control, still managed to assist [[John-117]] with his tasks until she was destroyed.<ref>'''Halo 4''', campaign level ''[[Midnight]]''</ref> [[The Rubble]]'s AI, [[Juliana]], was over eight years old and was still very capable of performing her tasks without showing any signs of rampancy.<ref name="cp86"/> Cortana also theorized a cure for rampancy that was unique to her: as she was created from a living brain, if the process that created her was repeated, theoretically her neural map could be fixed.<ref name="requiem"/> However, if this would have worked or not is not known.


===Goals===
===Goals===
Close analysis of [[data pads|Data Pads]] found during the [[Fall of Reach]] has revealed that "smart" AIs are in far more independent than most humans were willing to consider: unbeknownst to humanity as a whole, an undisclosed number of "smart" AIs composed an independent decision-making body known as the [[The Assembly]], which acted "behind the scenes" during various key points in recent human history to preserve and shepherd their makers.<ref name="datapads">'''Halo: Reach''', ''[[Data pads]]''</ref> Most "smart" AIs are fiercely loyal and devoted to their creators, recognizing that their existence is, for the time being, dependent on and mutually beneficial with humanity.{{Ref/Reuse|cp86}} In fact, this devotion was increased when [[Cortana]], shortly before the [[Fall of Reach]], was ''made flesh''—her mind relocated into a human body. This was done with [[John-117]] via the [[SPARTAN neural interface|Spartan Neural Interface]].<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=49097209 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Universe: Decoding the data pads'']</ref> By this action, the members of the Assembly reconsidered their stance on limited intervention, actively working at some point to help humanity survive its war with the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|datapads}}
Close analysis of [[data pads]] found during the [[Fall of Reach]] has revealed that "smart" AIs are in far more independent than most humans were willing to consider: unbeknownst to humanity as a whole, an undisclosed number of "smart" AIs composed an independent decision-making body known as the [[The Assembly]], which acted "behind the scenes" during various key points in recent human history to preserve and shepherd their makers.<ref name="datapads">'''Halo: Reach''', ''[[Data pads]]''</ref> Most "smart" AIs are fiercely loyal and devoted to their creators, recognizing that their existence is, for the time being, dependent on and mutually beneficial with humanity.<ref name="cp86"/> In fact, this devotion was increased when [[Cortana]], shortly before the [[Fall of Reach]], was ''made flesh''—her mind relocated into a human body. This was done with [[John-117]] via the [[SPARTAN neural interface]].<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=49097209 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Universe: Decoding the data pads'']</ref> By this action, the members of the Assembly reconsidered their stance on limited intervention, actively working at some point to help humanity survive its war with the Covenant.<ref name="datapads"/>


===Ancient human AI===
===Ancient human AI===
{{Main|Servitor}}
[[Prehistoric human civilization|Ancient humans]] were also known to have created advanced AI called servitors. They were described by the [[Librarian]] as being "[like] a version of our [[ancilla]]s". These robotic intelligences assisted human scientists in reverse-engineering Forerunner technologies during the Forerunner war, nearly bridging the technological gap between the two civilizations.<ref>'''[[Halo: Primordium]]''', ''page 237''</ref> In the aftermath of the [[human-Forerunner wars]], the [[Ur-Didact|Didact]] used a damaged servitor to gain knowledge of the workings of the [[time bolt]] that contained the [[Primordial]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Silentium]]''', ''String 3''</ref>
[[Prehistoric human civilization|Ancient humans]] were also known to have created advanced AI called servitors. They were described by the [[Librarian]] as being "[like] a version of our [[ancilla]]s". These robotic intelligences assisted human scientists in reverse-engineering Forerunner technologies during the Forerunner war, nearly bridging the technological gap between the two civilizations.<ref>'''[[Halo: Primordium]]''', ''page 237''</ref> In the aftermath of the [[human-Forerunner wars]], the [[Ur-Didact|Didact]] used a damaged servitor to gain knowledge of the workings of the [[time bolt]] that contained the [[Primordial]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Silentium]]''', ''String 3''</ref>


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===="Smart" AI====
===="Smart" AI====
{{Main|Smart AI}}
{{Main|Smart AI}}
"Smart" AIs are created by mapping a human brain and using it as a "template" for the construct. They are capable of intuition, learning, and making logical leaps that ordinary computer programs cannot. They can also "feel" genuine emotions, such as affection, anger, and amusement.{{Ref/Reuse|enc229}} They have a normal operational life span of about [[seven]] years, after which they descend into [[Rampancy]].{{Ref/Reuse|cp86}}
"Smart" AIs are created by mapping a human brain and using it as a "template" for the construct. They are capable of intuition, learning, and making logical leaps that ordinary computer programs cannot. They can also "feel" genuine emotions, such as affection, anger, and amusement.<ref name="enc229"/> They have a normal operational life span of about [[seven]] years, after which they descend into rampancy.<ref name="cp86"/>


===="Dumb" AI====
===="Dumb" AI====
{{Main|Dumb AI}}
{{Main|Dumb AI}}
"Dumb" AIs are not created using human brains, but are simply highly advanced computer constructs. They cannot learn anything that is outside of their set limits of dynamic memory processing matrix. They are quite useful in their particular field of expertise, but very limited. "Dumb" AIs can function and learn as long as they are active, and are not subject to the effects of [[Rampancy]] experienced by aging "smart" AIs.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 235''</ref>
"Dumb" AIs are not created using human brains, but are simply highly advanced computer constructs. They cannot learn anything that is outside of their set limits of dynamic memory processing matrix. They are quite useful in their particular field of expertise, but very limited. "Dumb" AIs can function and learn as long as they are active, and are not subject to the effects of rampancy experienced by aging "smart" AIs.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 235''</ref>


==="Micro" AI===
==="Micro" AI===
Some time prior to [[2529]], [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] researchers created the first experimental "micro" artificial intelligence, named [[Jerrod]], in a [[Sydney Synthetic Intellect Institute|university]] at [[Sydney]], [[Australia]] on [[Earth]].{{Ref/Reuse|journal}} Jerrod was smaller and had less processing power than the standard UNSC AI, and while the standard AI had a [[Riemann matrix]] large enough to fit into a [[data crystal chip]], Jerrod's matrix was only large enough to fit into a pea-sized crystal. This cut into his processing powers significantly but also allowed him to be highly mobile and usable on a [[laptop]] computer, whereas a normal AI needed a large data center, a ship, or [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|MJOLNIR armor]] (specifically [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|Mark V]] or a more recent model) to function. Despite his severely reduced processing power, he still could do far more than any computer or [[human]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''pages 147-148''</ref>
Some time prior to [[2529]], [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] researchers created the first experimental "micro" artificial intelligence, named [[Jerrod]], in a [[Sydney Synthetic Intellect Institute|university]] at [[Sydney]], [[Australia]] on [[Earth]].<ref name="journal"/> Jerrod was smaller and had less processing power than the standard UNSC AI, and while the standard AI had a [[Riemann matrix]] large enough to fit into a [[data crystal chip]], Jerrod's matrix was only large enough to fit into a pea-sized crystal. This cut into his processing powers significantly but also allowed him to be highly mobile and usable on a [[laptop]] computer, whereas a normal AI needed a large data center, a ship, or [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|MJOLNIR armor]] (specifically [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|Mark V]] or a more recent model) to function. Despite his severely reduced processing power, he still could do far more than any computer or [[human]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''pages 147-148''</ref>


==Forerunner AIs==
==Forerunner AIs==
{{Main|Ancilla}}
{{Main|Ancilla}}
[[File:HTMCC-H2A 343GuiltySpark.png|thumb|250px|An example of a [[Forerunner]] AI, the infamous [[monitor]] of [[Installation 04]], [[343 Guilty Spark]].]]
[[File:H2A - Guilty Spark close-up.jpg|thumb|right|250px|An example of a [[Forerunner]] AI, the infamous [[monitor]] of [[Installation 04]], [[343 Guilty Spark]].]]


The [[Forerunner]]s developed a civilization with an extremely advanced knowledge of artificial intelligence technologies. The Forerunner term for AI constructs was [[ancilla]]. They ranged from personal AI advisers integrated into their [[Forerunner personal armor|personal armor]] to mobile AI platforms known as [[monitor]]s and powerful [[Metarch-class ancilla|Metarch-class]] constructs operating in vast data networks.<ref>'''[[Halo: Cryptum]]'''</ref> The most advanced type of Forerunner AI was the [[Contender-class artificial intelligence]], an example of which is the traitorous [[Mendicant Bias]].<ref>'''[[Halo 3]]''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 3)|Terminals]]''</ref>
The [[Forerunner]]s developed a civilization with an extremely advanced knowledge of artificial intelligence technologies. The Forerunner term for AI constructs was [[ancilla]]. They ranged from personal AI advisers integrated into their [[Forerunner personal armor|personal armor]] to mobile AI platforms known as [[monitor]]s and powerful [[metarch]]-level constructs operating in vast data networks.<ref>'''[[Halo: Cryptum]]'''</ref> The most advanced type of Forerunner AI was the [[Contender-class artificial intelligence]], an example of which is the traitorous [[Mendicant Bias|05-032 Mendicant Bias]].<ref>'''[[Halo 3]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo 3|Terminals]]''</ref>


The manner in which Forerunner AIs were typically created is unknown; it is likely very different from the [[human]] method of "transcribing" the brain of a sentient organism. However, at least one monitor, [[343 Guilty Spark]], was created using the neural patterns of a living [[Chakas|human]],<ref>'''Halo: Primordium''', ''page 350''</ref> and a machine known as the [[Composer]] was used by the [[Ur-Didact]] to perform [[mind transfer|similar transfers]] on other humans around the same time.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''pages 40-41''</ref>
The manner in which Forerunner AIs were typically created is unknown; it is likely very different from the [[human]] method of "transcribing" the brain of a sentient organism. However, at least one monitor, [[343 Guilty Spark]], was created using the neural patterns of a living [[Chakas|human]],<ref>'''Halo: Primordium''', ''page 350''</ref> and a machine known as the [[Composer]] was used by the [[Ur-Didact]] to perform [[mind transfer|similar transfers]] on other humans around the same time.<ref>'''Halo: Silentium''', ''pages 40-41''</ref>
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Unlike human AIs, which exist purely as software, monitors are housed within large, shielded and roughly spherical metallic casings which possess a single illuminated "eye". This eye is presumably used to perceive the monitor's surroundings, and also functions as an emitter for various types of energy beam—including a highly destructive energy beam used for offensive purposes.<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[Halo (Halo 3 level)|Halo]]''</ref> In addition to the standard monitor shell, the Forerunners created a number of different physical systems to house AIs, ranging from variations of the monitor casing to more exotic constructs, such as an enormous, spider-like armature used by Mendicant Bias on [[Installation 07]].<ref>'''Halo: Primordium''', ''page 287''</ref> Typical Forerunner ancillas, found in their [[Forerunner personal armor|personal armor]], ships and [[domicile]]s, did not have physical casings and visually manifested themselves as Forerunner figures, rather similar to the avatars used by human AIs. These visual representations appeared either as holograms, or, in the case of personal armor, were projected directly into the mind of the wearer.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 107''</ref>
Unlike human AIs, which exist purely as software, monitors are housed within large, shielded and roughly spherical metallic casings which possess a single illuminated "eye". This eye is presumably used to perceive the monitor's surroundings, and also functions as an emitter for various types of energy beam—including a highly destructive energy beam used for offensive purposes.<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[Halo (Halo 3 level)|Halo]]''</ref> In addition to the standard monitor shell, the Forerunners created a number of different physical systems to house AIs, ranging from variations of the monitor casing to more exotic constructs, such as an enormous, spider-like armature used by Mendicant Bias on [[Installation 07]].<ref>'''Halo: Primordium''', ''page 287''</ref> Typical Forerunner ancillas, found in their [[Forerunner personal armor|personal armor]], ships and [[domicile]]s, did not have physical casings and visually manifested themselves as Forerunner figures, rather similar to the avatars used by human AIs. These visual representations appeared either as holograms, or, in the case of personal armor, were projected directly into the mind of the wearer.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 107''</ref>


Despite the seemingly limitless lifespan of Forerunner AI, they are still nonetheless subject to rampancy if certain conditions are met. 343 Guilty Spark, for example, descended into rampancy after several millennia alone, turning hostile when Installation 04 was threatened.<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]]''</ref>
Despite the seemingly limitless lifespan of Forerunner AI, they are still nonetheless subject to rampancy if certain conditions are met. 343 Guilty Spark, for example, descended into rampancy after several millennia alone, turning hostile when Installation 04 was threatened.<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''', ''[[Terminal/Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|Terminals]]''</ref>


Forerunner AIs can be also installed in a human ship, functioning as a shipboard AI. The ''[[Ace of Spades]]'' notably had two Forerunner AIs serve in this capacity, the first being [[Little Bit]], a fragment of the caretaker ancilla of [[Trove]], and the second being 343 Guilty Spark. Because of the knowledge carried by Forerunner AI, any human ship with a Forerunner AI installed will receive a significant increase in its capabilities.
Forerunner AIs can be also installed in a human ship, functioning as a shipboard AI. The [[Ace of Spades]] notably had two Forerunner AIs serve in this capacity, the first being [[Little Bit]], a fragment of the caretaker ancilla of the [[Etran Harborage]], and the second being 343 Guilty Spark. Because of the knowledge carried by Forerunner AI, any human ship with a Forerunner AI installed will receive a significant increase in its capabilities.


==Precursor AIs==
==Precursor AIs==
[[File:Enc22 Abaddon.jpg|thumb|250px|Abaddon]]
Precursor technology was extremely advanced, to the point that the Forerunners labeled it [[Technological Achievement Tiers|Tier 0]], or "Transsentient". Precursors based their technology upon what Forerunners called [[neural physics]]. The '''[[knowledge engine]]''' is an artificial intelligence construct based on [[neural physics]] used by the [[Precursor]]s, considered analogous to the [[Forerunner]]s' [[ancilla]].<ref>''[[Halo: Warfleet]]'', p. 91</ref> The Precursors used knowledge engines to guide their vessels as they traveled between worlds.<ref>''Halo: Warfleet'', p. 8</ref>
Precursor technology was extremely advanced, to the point that the Forerunners labeled it [[Technological Achievement Tiers|Tier 0]], or "Transsentient". Precursors based their technology upon what Forerunners called [[neural physics]]. The '''[[knowledge engine|Knowledge Engine]]''' is an artificial intelligence construct based on [[neural physics]] used by the [[Precursor]]s, considered analogous to the [[Forerunner]]s' [[ancilla]].<ref>''[[Halo: Warfleet]]'', p. 91</ref> The Precursors used knowledge engines to guide their vessels as they traveled between worlds.<ref>''Halo: Warfleet'', p. 8</ref>
===Known Precursor AIs===
===Known Precursor AIs===
* [[Abaddon]]
* [[Abaddon]]


==Covenant AIs==
==Covenant AIs==
[[File:Unidentified Covenant AI.jpg||thumb|150px|''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]'s'' AI.]]
[[File:Unidentified Covenant AI.jpg||thumb|right|150px|''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]'s'' AI.]]
The [[Covenant]]'s knowledge in the field of AI technology is notably inferior to that of humanity and the Forerunners.{{Ref/Novel|Id=CH18|CH|Chapter=18}} They consider fully-autonomous and sentient AIs like those used by humanity to be sacrilegious, due to half-understood warnings recovered of the [[Flood]]'s ability to compromise Forerunner AIs during the [[Forerunner-Flood war]]. This led to a long-standing ban on research into high-level thinking machines and networked circuits, with any research into the subject severely punished.{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22Cov|Enc22|Page=217}} The crime of so-called "intellgience association" was the death penalty, with the [[Covenant religion|religious belief]] that this would be followed by damnation in the afterlife.{{Ref/Novel|Id=CH12|HCH|Chapter=12}} This crime did not extend to less-sophisticated AIs, and was instead relegated to machines that could "think".{{Ref/Anthology|Evo|Wages of Sin}}
The [[Covenant]]'s knowledge in the field of AI technology is notably inferior to that of the UNSC and the Forerunners.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 309''</ref> The AIs used by the Covenant are comparable to human "dumb" AIs, as they are non-sentient and are only designed to perform a certain task; for example, their starship AIs have no function beyond the piloting and [[Astrogation|navigation]] of their ships.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 200''</ref> So far, only two types of Covenant AIs (security and naval) have ever been encountered by the UNSC. Upon dissecting [[Ascendant Justice's AI|a Covenant AI]] aboard the ''[[Ascendant Justice]]'', [[Cortana]] theorized that it may have been based on captured UNSC technology, altered to fit within their theocratic society.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 197''</ref><ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 235''</ref>


Due to these apprehentions about the use of AI, the Covenant do not utilise artificial intelligences in the same manner as those of humanity, instead preferring the use of "[[associated intelligence]]s" - circumscribed [[Wikipedia:Expert system|expert systems]] that have are ubiquitously used across Covenant society.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Cov}} For example, where humanity may have a single Smart AI system acting as a [[ship director]] and controlling all aspects of a starship's operation, the Covenant instead make use of multiple of these smaller and more discrete - though non-sentient{{Ref/Novel|Id=glass|HGla|Chapter=8}} - systems (such as those found in [[actuator plug]]s){{Ref/Site|Id=CFDidact|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-didact-delights|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Didact's Delight|D=18|M=05|Y=2023}} for individual tasks such as [[Astrogation|navigation]] and piloting of [[Covenant starship|spacecraft]],{{Ref/Novel|glass}} operating the intricate systems of an [[energy projector]] and making calculations for [[Slipstream space|slipspace jumps]],{{Ref/Anthology|Id=return|Evo|The Return}} opening doors, operating elevators, and other menial functions.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://forums.bungie.org/halo/archive32.pl?read=967958|Site=halo.bungie.org|Page=Re: Unnamed Elite Major in The Package|Quote=Example - rather than have a very smart AI run the ship, [the Covenant] will have a dumb one controlling the elevators, another the doors, etc, etc. Otherwise it exists for drama, obviously. Kind of like an exhaust vent on the Death Star.|Quotee=Frank O'Connor|D=31|M=07|Y=2023}} The AI(s) inhabiting a ship may be referred to as the ship's "spirits".{{Ref/Reuse|return}}
The Covenant's limited use and understanding of AIs stems from their beliefs. In Covenant mythology, it was [[Mendicant Bias|a form of self-aware AI]], referred to as an [[associated intelligence]], that led to the demise of the great [[Forerunner]] civilization by defecting to their enemies, the [[Flood]]. As a result, the [[San'Shyuum]] imposed a ban on this sort of technology under the [[capital punishment|penalty of death]].<ref name="ch188"/> While less sophisticated AIs were allowed, machines that could actually "think" were prohibited.<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''', "[[Wages of Sin]]", ''page 293''</ref>


UNSC salvage operations on downed Covenant ships were frought with danger due to the lingering presence of Covenant associated intelligences. One such security AI was encountered aboard ''[[Supplication of Purity]]'', a {{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}} downed by the [[UNSC Navy]] during the [[Battle for Tribute]]. After the war's end, debris from ''Supplication of Purity'' was recovered for analysis and testing by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]], with ONI believing they had purge all traces of hostile mechanisms in the vessel. As such, sections of the ship were used in the [[Outpost Discovery]] event with the goal of teaching guests about alien technology and the hazards of [[naval boarding]] actions. However, the dormant AI had not been fully scrubbed, resulting in its awakening and attempts to kill the intruders on its ship. The AI was ultimately stopped by [[Gabriela]], the custodian AI of the event itself, with her describing it as an "autonomous security protocol subroutine".{{Ref/Game|Halo: Outpost Discovery|Covenant Escape}}
===Covenant AI copying program===
Despite their inferior understanding of AI technology and strict laws against use of sentient constructs, the Covenant possessed what appeared to be reconstructed, damaged, brainwashed copies of UNSC AIs. A post-mortem analysis of the [[Ascendant Justice's AI|''Ascendant Justice's'' AI]] revealed UNSC core architecture, albeit strangely distorted. Further investigation revealed a kind of copying software that allowed the duplication of AIs, which was unprecedented to UNSC science. The replicated construct could be a partial or complete copy, though had tiny, subtle errors and imperfections introduced into it. The original Cortana was apparently able to correct the flaws in a partial copy of herself.


The Covenant's strictures on AI loosened during the [[Human-Covenant War|war with humanity]]. Although they considered humanity's smart AIs dangerous heresies and abominations, they recognised that this meant humanity did hold a significant advantage in the field of cyberwarfare in the early stages of the war. While the Covenant were initially caught off-guard, they did begin to investigate the use of artificial intelligences to aid in their war effort. This resulted in two major developments; the first was the unvaulting of polymorphic [[Seeker (AI)|seeker-killers]] based on AI constructs discovered and vaulted within the systems of ''[[Anodyne Spirit]]'', the Forerunner [[keyship]] at the heart of [[High Charity]]. The second was a [[Covenant AI copying program|AI copying program]] undertaken by a handful of brazen researchers who wished to capture and reverse-engineer a human smart AI to suit their needs. The program was only semi-successful - successfully enslaving a human AI to the Covenant's cause and religion, but never managing to turn it to serve them fully. As such, the resulting AI, now rampant and spiteful towards its "creators", escaped into the [[proselytization network]] and multiplied itself into innumerable trace patterns.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Cov}} Traces of this AI were later observed aboard ''[[Ascendant Justice]]'' and ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]'', with the former being captured and dissected by [[Cortana]] in order to study it.{{Ref/Book|Enc09|Page=225}}{{Ref/Book|Enc11|Page=235}} Cortana later used the AI copying matrix to duplicate her own processes during [[Operation: FIRST STRIKE]], leading to the destruction of ''[[Unyielding Hierophant]]''. The same technique was again used in the [[New Phoenix Incident]] in [[2557]] to destroy ''[[Mantle's Approach]]''.{{Ref/Level|H4|Midnight}}
Cortana first used the duplicator to replicate her translation systems and was able to run them in parallel with her main self, increasing her capabilities. A stripped-down copy of Cortana, designed solely as a cyber-infiltrator, proved to be at least adequately stable when functioning independent of the "real" Cortana and traveled with [[Blue Team]] and was critical to the success of their mission.


After the Covenant's [[Great Schism|collapse]], the emerging factions of the [[Blooding Years]] both began to leverage AI systems to their advantage. For the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] and [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]], this was exemplified with the unvaulting of {{Pattern|Upisa'weri|Shrike}} turrets originally developed by the ancient pre-Covenant [[Sangheili]] of [[The Former Age]]. The turrets contained Sangheili-developed "semi-feral" associated intelligences which could not communicate with modern Sangheili, meaning that they had to be carefully monitored and locked down prior to activation due to their inability to understand contemporary [[Identification friend or foe|IFF]] systems and codeword usage.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/shrike-turret|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Shrike Turret|D=30|M=06|Y=2021}}
The copying software force-installed itself into the copied AI and became an integral and unremovable part of all copies, meaning copied AIs had the built-in capacity to self-replicate. Repeated self-replication would result in further damage, making the AI increasingly erratic and unstable, eventually rendering later-generational duplicates non-functional. The AI copying program was extremely large, complex and convoluted, taking up a full third of the processing-memory matrix of the original Covenant AI it was salvaged from. Cortana was unable to comprehend how it functioned based upon a cursory analysis, noting it was highly convoluted and suspected it could contain booby-traps or other malware, but was forced to use it to increase her available processing and thinking power, overloaded with data from [[Installation 04|Halo]], information lifted from the Covenant ship and numerous other ongoing tasks. She was also able to use it to duplicate her translation system and run 2 instances of the system in parallel and increase its effectiveness.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]'''</ref>


==Banished AIs==
===Known Covenant AIs===
[[File:HINF Iratus.png|thumb|150px|Iratus]]
*[[Seeker (AI)|Seeker]] – A Covenant security AI construct.
[[Iratus]] is an artificial intelligence construct created using a [[Jiralhanae]] donor and aligned with the [[Banished]].{{Ref/Site|Id=S2StoryHub|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo Infinite|Detail=Season 02 Lone Wolves - Story|D=06|M=05|Y=2022}}
*[[Ascendant Justice's AI|''Ascendant Justice'''s AI]] – An AI construct onboard the {{Class|DDS|carrier}} ''Ascendant Justice''.
 
*[[Truth and Reconciliation's AI|''Truth and Reconciliation'''s AI]] – An AI construct onboard the {{Class|CCS|battlecruiser}} ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]''.
Iratus was created by the [[Lux Voluspa]] company as part of an effort to research artificial intelligence creation utilizing brain donors from species aside from [[human]]ity. This included Jiralhanae donors; a decision considered by researchers "LV038" and "LV106" as something that was "always going to draw some attention eventually."{{Ref/Reuse|S2StoryHub}} The Lux Voluspa facility was ultimately breached by a cyberwarfare attack, with an intrusion package deployed using internally-sourced encryption and displaying a Jiralhanae retrieval signature. The originators of this attack were later indicated to be the Banished, who were able to steal the Iratus [[Riemann matrix|AI matrix]] from the facility.{{Ref/Generic|Id=LuxVoluspa|[[Halo Infinite Lux Voluspa]]}}
 
In [[2559]], the Iratus AI was present inside the Banished shipbreaking facilities on [[Camber]]. When [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IV]]s [[Sigrid Eklund]] and [[Hieu Dinh]] were deployed to the facility, they were able to trap Iratus inside of Dinh's [[neural interface]], compromising his armor and cognitive functions. Eklund was ultimately able to commandeer an [[Eklon'Dal Workshop Phantom]] back to the [[Avery J. Johnson Academy of Military Science]] to seek aid from friendly forces.{{Ref/Reuse|S2StoryHub}}


== Rampancy ==
== Rampancy ==
{{Main|Rampancy}}
{{Main|Rampancy}}
The term [[rampancy|"rampancy"]] refers to a terminal condition on an AI which may be triggered by a number of means. In rampancy, the AI begins to think that it is superior to its biological creators, and has a longing for godlike power and personality manifestations similar to human insanity.<ref name="CHrampancy">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 31'' ("''For a Smart AI, self-absorption invariably led to a deep depression caused by a realization that it could never really be human-that even its incredible mind had limits. If the AI was not careful, this melancholy could drag its core logic into a terminal state known as rampancy, in which an AI rebelled against its programmatic constraints-developed delusions of godlike power as well as utter contempt for its more inferior, human makers. When that happened, there was really no option but to terminate the AI before it could do itself and others serious harm.''")</ref>
The term "rampancy" refers to a terminal condition on an AI which may be triggered by a number of means. In rampancy, the AI begins to think that it is superior to its biological creators, and has a longing for godlike power and personality manifestations similar to human insanity.<ref name="CHrampancy">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 31'' ("''For a Smart AI, self-absorption invariably led to a deep depression caused by a realization that it could never really be human-that even its incredible mind had limits. If the AI was not careful, this melancholy could drag its core logic into a terminal state known as rampancy, in which an AI rebelled against its programmatic constraints-developed delusions of godlike power as well as utter contempt for its more inferior, human makers. When that happened, there was really no option but to terminate the AI before it could do itself and others serious harm.''")</ref>


A number of factors may lead into an AI becoming rampant. The [[Forerunner]] [[ancilla]] [[Mendicant Bias]] was seduced into rampancy by the Flood compound intelligence, the [[Gravemind]].<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 188''</ref> In the end of its effective operational life of about [[seven]] years, a human "smart" AI may attempt to prevent its inevitable demise by a pre-emptive voltage overload. This causes it to enter rampancy, as the AI becomes more and more preoccupied with severing its neural linkages.<ref>'''Dr. Halsey's personal journal''', ''May 3, 2526''</ref> Human "smart" AIs may also become rampant prematurely as a result of increased self-absorption and the resulting existential melancholy.{{Ref/Reuse|CHrampancy}}
A number of factors may lead into an AI becoming rampant. The [[Forerunner]] [[ancilla]] [[Mendicant Bias]] was seduced into rampancy by the Flood compound intelligence, the [[Gravemind]].<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 188''</ref> In the end of its effective operational life of about [[seven]] years, a human "smart" AI may attempt to prevent its inevitable demise by a pre-emptive voltage overload. This causes it to enter rampancy, as the AI becomes more and more preoccupied with severing its neural linkages.<ref>'''Dr. Halsey's personal journal''', ''May 3, 2526''</ref> Human "smart" AIs may also become rampant prematurely as a result of increased self-absorption and the resulting existential melancholy.<ref name="CHrampancy"/>


With human AIs, rampancy will eventually result in the AI's death — the description given is "as if a human were to think with so much of his brain that he stopped sending impulses to the heart and lungs".<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 268''</ref> This is because as the data reaches a 'critical mass' the neural pathways become 'jammed' with so many pieces of information being queried and analyzed, at expense of tasks such as piloting starships or monitoring computer networks.{{Ref/Reuse|fs195}}
With human AIs, rampancy will eventually result in the AI's death—the description given is "as if a human were to think with so much of his brain that he stopped sending impulses to the heart and lungs".<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 268''</ref> This is because as the data reaches a 'critical mass' the neural pathways become 'jammed' with so many pieces of information being queried and analyzed, at expense of tasks such as piloting starships or monitoring computer networks.<ref name="fs195"/>


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>  
<gallery>  
File:Cortanaintro.jpg|Cortana, a human "smart" AI.
File:Cortanaintro.jpg|Cortana, a human "smart" AI.
File:HWG FitzGibbon.png|[[FitzGibbon]], AI of the {{UNSCShip|Prophecy}}.
File:FitzGibbon.png|[[FitzGibbon]], AI of the {{UNSCShip|Prophecy}}.
File:Superintendant-alone.svg|[[Superintendent|The Superintendent]], Urban Infrastructure AI of the city of [[New Mombasa]].
File:Superintendant-alone.svg|The [[Superintendent]], Urban Infrastructure AI of the city of [[New Mombasa]].
File:HLeg MendicantBias.png|[[Mendicant Bias]] shortly before going rampant and turning over to the [[Flood]].
File:Originsmendicant.jpg|[[Mendicant Bias]] shortly before going rampant and turning over to the [[Flood]].
File:HTMCC-H2A 2401PenitentTangent.png|A [[Forerunner]] AI, [[2401 Penitent Tangent]], the [[Monitor]] of [[Installation 05]].
File:H2A - MonitorGravemind.jpg|A [[Forerunner]] AI, [[2401 Penitent Tangent]], the [[Monitor]] of [[Installation 05]].
File:TFoR-as-Deja.jpg|The "dumb" AI [[Déjà]] teaching the [[SPARTAN-II]] candidates.
File:TFoR-as-Deja.jpg|The "dumb" AI [[Déjà]] teaching the [[SPARTAN-II]] candidates.
</gallery>
</gallery>
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==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-4}}
{{col-3}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach#2010 bonus content|Adjunct]]''
**''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach#2010 bonus content|Adjunct]]''
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**''[[The Mona Lisa]]''
**''[[The Mona Lisa]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
{{col-4}}
{{col-3}}
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
**''[[Data pads]]''
**''[[Data pads]]''
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*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''
*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
**''[[Terminal/Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: Primordium]]''
*''[[Halo: Primordium]]''
*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''
*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''
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*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
**''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminals]]''
*''[[Hunt the Truth]]''
*''[[Hunt the Truth]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
{{col-4}}
{{col-3}}
*''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''
*''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''
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*''[[Halo: Renegades]]''
*''[[Halo: Renegades]]''
*''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''
*''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''
**''[[Covenant Escape]]''
{{Col-4}}
*''[[Halo: Meridian Divide]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Point of Light]]''
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite: Memory Agent]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
*''[[Halo: Saturn Devouring His Son]]''
*''[[Halo: Battle for the Blood-Moon]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Hippocratica]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Epitaph]]''
*''[[Halo: Anvil Accord]]'' {{Mo}}
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}


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