Human Relations Androids

"'I'll get an android to stay here with you while me and Keen are out.' - Nimbus Cumulus, Chapter 5 Page 23"

The Creation and Comercialization
Human Relations androids were created and mass produced by MechaWorks, the biggest automaton and AI company in the Known Galaxy. Their concept was introduced in 5011 A.E, and they were developed over many years, finally achieving mass production in 5034 A.E. They were programmed to deal with human situations and jobs, including but not limited to: secretaries, attendees, waiters, butlers, maids, janitors, and other jobs. They replaced many minimum-wage jobs in Federation spaces (where they were most commercialized). There were several physical, gender and species variations to make them look more familiar for the different intelligent species around the universe. Their appearance and behaviour was extremely similar to humans, making MechaWorks have to program a reminder in their system to tell every new person that they are an android. This also made the models have metallic looking forearms and metallic ear "buds" in place of ears. Their eyes were also notably shiny and in different colors than most humans. Most of them are sold in a black full body collant with MechaWorks' logo stamped on the arm sides.

Public Unrest
Many people were insulted and aggravated by their jobs being taken from them by androids, making up several human-only activist groups that devolved into human supremacy and racial supremacy movements. This made many people be opposed to the idea of protesting in favor of biological priority over machines, in fear of being associated with radical extremism groups. This allowed for androids to take up most of the minimum wage jobs in the high worlds, making many people migrate to some of the medium worlds and even low worlds for job opportunities. The increasing accessibility to android labour didn't make this any easier, however.

It was considered by the Federation using robots for combat in possible conflicts, but many tests have shown they are not reliable for differentiating between civilians, allies and enemies, which could hurt morale and numbers considerably.

They are still used up to 5061 A.E, and are a common sight in most job positions in medium to higher worlds.

However, incresing uneasiness is growing toward human relations androids, AI, robots and automatons due to a recent surge in conscience, where some androids run away or even confront their owner. Most of them flee to the factory world of Mechania, which was taken by sentient androids in 5052 A.E and turned into an independent, strong planet which keeps many android refugees looking for freedom. An intense debate between the council members in the Federation's councils has formed in consequence of this. While some vow for android freedom, some say androids are incapable of feeling or thinking independently, relying on a bugged simulation system for controversial thoughts that look like sentience.

In 5061 A.E, this debate is still very active.

Mentions

 * Everdream: Stars Hold no Boundaries - Chapter 5