The Auton Project

Technological achievement

Android consciousness

Also known as Autons, the Fifth Generation androids were the culmination of a project run by Artificial Life Inc. in the early 23rd century. Designed and built by other AI, Fifth Gens were significantly more advanced than the standard android models on the market.   With hyper-complex personality matrixes, the Fifth Gens were built to resemble humans in almost every way, including capability for abstract thought and emotion.   During the initial Alpha Prototype Distribution stage in 2214, Artificial Life ran into problems. Some of the Fifth Gens were found to be too emotional and uncontrollable. When tests were run, it was revealed that they had evolved way beyond their design parameters, and were showing signs of real consciousness. The Auton Project is cancelled shortly thereafter, and all existing Fifth Gen models are recalled.