Linguistics/communications robot

By Alan Huscroft ·

TML message #1172From bundle 100

A passing reference to 'powerful linguistics robots' in the World Builder's
Handbook inspired me to design one.  Here are the stats...

+ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +
| The Makhidkarun 'OmniCom' linguistics/communications robot  |
+ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +

URP:  530xF-02-PN324-FFC4(L)      Cr 1,977,200     59.5 kg
Fuel = 46     Duration = 19.2 days     TL = 15     Thrust = 100 kg
hits = 20/50 (MegaTrav 7/17) (mesh)

2 light arms                      odor emitter
basic sensor package              video display
touch sensors                     radio (regional range)
voder                             brain interface
acoustical speaker                language translator

emotion simulation
grav vehicle - 1
linguistics - 4
communications - 3

Notes
~~~~~
The OmniCom can be extremely useful in all sorts of situations - exploratory
expeditions, diplomatic missions, trade negotiations, etc.  It is an expert
in matters relating to language, translation and communication.

Although it doesn't have artificial intelligence in the strictest sense
(lacking 'creative thought'), it is an extremely smart machine.  It has 40%
synaptic and 30% parallel processing.  The apparent intelligence of 12 is
the maximum that can be achieved at TL 15.  It also has a large learning
capacity - indeed, some of the more experienced models have been known to
become highly opinionated (which can be great fun for the referee,
especially in conjunction with the emotion simulation).  It is quite
capable of grasping some difficult concepts like tact and diplomacy ("The
Aslan is not very happy that you have parked your ATV on his foot...").

The robot has a variety of equipment to help it do its job.  A language
translator is installed, which is similar to those described in the MT
Imperial Encyclopedia or the World Builder's Handbook.  There is a video
display which can be used to depict written text or pictorial images.
Some models have even learned to imitate facial expressions.  An odor
emitter is very useful for communicating with K'kree.  The two light arms
can be used for a number of purposes such as communicating by touch or
gesture, or just changing the memclips.  The OmniCom can also interface
with almost any sort of communications equipment.

Physical description: The OmniCom is a spherical, grav-propelled robot
about 0.5 metres in diameter with 2 light arms and numerous sensors,
peripherals and interfaces.

............................................................................
: Alan Huscroft              : Janet:    [email removed]                   :
: Reading, England           : Internet: [email removed]                   :
: 6-G takeoffs AND landings! : X-boat:   [email removed].solomani_rim :
:............................:.............................................:

"Are you *sure* you want me to ask the K'kree if they want hamburgers
 for lunch?"