Cyberdyne

Cyberdyne, originally known as Cyberdyne Interconnections, is a computing and robotics corporation central to ~/shell. They are the predominant manufacturer and supporter of shell technology and shell clinics.

History

Cyberdyne Interconnections was initially founded in the 2050s to develop full-dive virtual reality pod technology. In the background they also research development of robotics for AI labour. The emergence and research into this technology lead to the passing of the Electronic World and Sensory Virtualisation Bill of 2064, which Cyberdyne Interconnections supported in understanding the need for oversight.

By the 2080s, Cyberdyne Interconnections' advanced AI robots start seeing regular distribution in labour, largely within arcologies for maintenance and manufacturing, serving as an incentive for people to move into them. Due to their regular involvement in public infrastructure and law, Cyberdyne Interconnections is split into the government-owned Ministry of Cybernetics and Cyberdyne. The Ministry is focused on distribution to private organisations and public property, while Cyberdyne focuses on development.

In the 2110s, flex-circuit is developed by Cyberdyne and is immediately put to use in the AI-based robots. These new robots are simple in construction and lightweight, improving production and distribution. The newer models quickly replace the previous mechanical technology.

After the success of the first full digital conversion of a human mind in the 2140s, Cyberdyne begins developing "empty" robots for anyone wishing to go through the same conversion. These robots would later become shells, and are for the most part the same construction as the AI robotics. Once they become complex enough to be suitable for human functionality and livelihood, shells are beta-tested amongst private cases. The Ministry of Cybernetics becomes linked to the Ministry of Health as it starts producing greater support for those that wish to use shell bodies.

Shells are available to the public through hospital-like public clinics by the 2170s, funded by the public health system. The conversion/transfer procedure is mostly available only to those with significant physical disability, and is met with positive reception for its technological achievement.

AI Robotics

Since the 2080s, Cyberdyne's AI robots have been an ubiquitous source of labour and menial tasks. As the inspiration for shells, they share the flex-circuit technology and have some similar design traits. However, they have a simpler and older architecture, as advancement of their design was abandoned in favour of developing shell technology.

The AI, though advanced enough, is somewhat limited. They are creatively sterile, cannot effectively give orders or direct others, and if taken out of their central role they have limited social capabilities.

Development

In earlier drafts of the concept, Cyberdyne was split into Cyberdyne Interconnections and Cyberdyne Morphics. This would be changed later, amongst details regarding other corporations, to move the setting away from feeling preoccupied with the corporate structure and be less capitalist. ~/shell is meant to feel at least mildly a more hopeful idea of the future.

Cyberdyne is named after Cyberdyne Inc., a Japanese robotics company notable for developing a robotic exosuit.