[UT] So, what is the maximum skill level for NAI, LAI, SAI?

[Langy]

Originally Posted by munin

This is the best answer so far.

Using the suggested maximum of (TL-7)×5, you get Attr+0 (VH) to Attr+3 (E) at TL9 (10 points), and Attr+4 (VH) to Attr+7 (E) at TL12 (25 points) for skills programmed into the AI.

However, the AI could still learn and improve its pre-programmed skill, up to the normal limits of a regular human mind. That's just part of being of sufficient complexity to run a mind.

I wish that had been (TL-7)x4 instead of x5. Would fit the skill-costs progression a lot better, and only be 1 skill level lower even at TL12.

[Anthony]

The problem with basing skill limits on IQ is that the standard way to build a dedicated computer is for it to have a really high skill level at one thing, and be otherwise dumb as a rock. Something like Deep Blue probably has Chess-20 and a general IQ of about 2, and your average expert system is going to have a skill of 10-14 in what it does and otherwise be grossly stupid.

[Joseph Paul]

Does the UT automed follow the chip slot rule? It implies an IQ of 12 to get Surgery 13 at TL9 and an IQ of 16 to get Surgery 19 at TL12.

It makes me a little annoyed that applying a rule for augmenting human capabilities to AI in general results in AIs being bright to brilliant across the spectrum when all you really needed was for them to be very good at a specific set of skills. Since using the chip slot rule ends up too narrowly defining AIs I think that it is not a good rule to use for a generic treatment of AIs.

[Langy]

Originally Posted by Joseph Paul

Does the UT automed follow the chip slot rule? It implies an IQ of 12 to get Surgery 13 at TL9 and an IQ of 16 to get Surgery 19 at TL12.

It makes me a little annoyed that applying a rule for augmenting human capabilities to AI in general results in AIs being bright to brilliant across the spectrum when all you really needed was for them to be very good at a specific set of skills. Since using the chip slot rule ends up too narrowly defining AIs I think that it is not a good rule to use for a generic treatment of AIs.

I think it's perfectly fine for defining the maximum possible skill of an AI at a certain TL - you just need to also say that lower IQ AIs than the max for that complexity have the same maximum skill level.

[Fred Brackin]

Originally Posted by Joseph Paul

Does the UT automed follow the chip slot rule? .

I strongly suspect that automed skill levels follow the progression set in Space 1e.

There was quite a bit of clever tranlation of legacy material in UT 4e but I don't think very much was done de novo for 4e.