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Starfleet computers have always been presented as the traditional dumb computers.

Its really kind of stupid that Starfleet hasn't been shown to incorporate artificial intelligence, it would make heavy automation of ship systems much easier.

Realistically, there should be a minimum amount of crew on board with most systems automated, even in 23rd century starships.

I mean, we're already racing toward real AI computers, you'd think by the 23rd or 24th centuries Starfleet would have Halo-like AI's.

They clearly have the technology to produce AI, as Data and the Doctor demonstrate, so the distinct lack of them in starship main computers must be doctrinal. Probably because they don't want to run the risk of ending up with the thing singing Daisy.

Captain Seafort wrote:They clearly have the technology to produce AI, as Data and the Doctor demonstrate, so the distinct lack of them in starship main computers must be doctrinal. Probably because they don't want to run the risk of ending up with the thing singing Daisy.

Yeah, the crew gets driven insane by so many things already, they don't need a vital ship component being the cause !

That actually describes about 25% of all Trek episodes.

I assume that there was some sort of Butlerian bias at least since the M-5 debacle.

However, we've seen all sorts of inadvertent AI in TNG: exocomps, the E-D trying to spawn, etc.; not to mention the AI which the Cardassians had in the dreadnought weapon despite their supposed technological inferiotiry.

Too much trouble and potential for things to go pear-shaped, IMHO.

Wasn't the Prometheus able to operate with two clueless holograms in control? That would seem to imply SOME level of automation...

USSEnterprise wrote:Wasn't the Prometheus able to operate with two clueless holograms in control? That would seem to imply SOME level of automation...

The key point there is that the holograms were in command - we already know that the EMH programs have a degree of AI.

Mikey wrote:

USSEnterprise wrote:Wasn't the Prometheus able to operate with two clueless holograms in control? That would seem to imply SOME level of automation...

The key point there is that the holograms were in command - we already know that the EMH programs have a degree of AI.

Of course !

Why didn't I think of that ? EMH's obviously have highly advanced AI's, so I guess the answer is yes.

LaughingCheese wrote:

Mikey wrote:

USSEnterprise wrote:Wasn't the Prometheus able to operate with two clueless holograms in control? That would seem to imply SOME level of automation...

The key point there is that the holograms were in command - we already know that the EMH programs have a degree of AI.

Of course !

Why didn't I think of that ? EMH's obviously have highly advanced AI's, so I guess the answer is yes.

Glad I could help, but did you miss this:

Captain Seafort wrote:They clearly have the technology to produce AI, as Data and the Doctor demonstrate, so the distinct lack of them in starship main computers must be doctrinal. Probably because they don't want to run the risk of ending up with the thing singing Daisy.

Don't forget, Data or the Doctor going badshit because of some glitch is bad. Can you imagine what happens if a ships AI were to have such a problem? What kind of damage could a "crazy" E-D do with its weapons?

Mark wrote:Can you imagine what happens if a ships AI were to have such a problem?

Yep

What kind of damage could a "crazy" E-D do with its weapons?

This

Precisely. This is one area not pursing this bit of tech is a good idea.

Mark wrote:What kind of damage could a "crazy" E-D do with its weapons?

I imagine she could easily destroy an eighty year old D12 Bird of Prey.

Or eradicate a planetary civilization before running out of ammo