Artificial Intelligence

The level of AIS represents the number IntegratedDataSets which a SmartSystem is able to access and manipulate. At 4AIS (see SmartSystems under Technology Overview), which requires T4, it has been consistently shown that access to enough resources causes something akin to true Self Awareness to form in computer systems. Level 3 systems, requiring T3, are extremely smart and are capable of passing Broad Spectrum Intelligence testing, but tend to lack the empathic and otherness awareness conceptualizations necessary to be labeled Self Aware. Still, they are very capable multitaskers and are only limited to their peripherals.
AI (4+AIS) is strictly prohibited in the Federacy as having an AI is tantamount to slavery - at least that’s the official party line. Any history or computer student will tell you that a 4AIS went rogue as cited in the AI Before Dawn Incident causing the loss of the 2 million person settlement Ahwe on Majestic 3. Anything “smarter” than Class 2AIS is illegal (with Class 2 being cost prohibitive for typical citizens).
Currently AI 4 is only possible through the use of T'evallion Crystals, which are highly restricted.
Also see Technology Overview and FASTER.