- "Mother Systems have existed since the early period of exo–colonization. They are immobile, mainframe–based artificial intelligences that regulate all systems on a space craft. The premiere example is Weyland–Yutani's MU/TH/UR series, which lent their name to all AIs of the type. Competing brands include Seegson's A.P.O.L.L.O. and Hyperdyne's PROXY."
- ―Esther 1089-12/A7 (from Aliens: Fireteam Elite)
Mother Systems were integrated, mainframe–based artificial intelligences designed to regulate systems aboard various types of spacecraft. Developed in the early days of exoplanetary colonization, different types of Mother Systems were offered by various manufacturers such as the Weyland-Yutani Corporation and Seegson.
Overview
- "Good morning, Mother."
- ―Arthur Dallas to the MU/TH/UR 6000 aboard the USCSS Nostromo (from Alien)
Compared to Synthetics, Mother Systems are many times more intelligent and capable. However, they have only rudimentary socialization programming leaving them sounding cold and uncommunicative; the Mother System relies on a synthetic partner as an intermediary when interaction with humans is necessary. The synthetic partner is also responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the Mother System's mainframe.
While a human crew travels in hypersleep, a ship's Mother System works with their synthetic partner to maintain the vessel. They may also control and direct other synthetics (such as Working Joes) via wireless 'nearfields', significantly expanding the System's ability to interact with the physical world. This can allow the synthetic partner to focus on important matters whilst menial labor units handle routine maintenance tasks.
A Mother System's massive computing capabilities have many practical applications besides management of starships during hypersleep. For instance, the Mother System installed aboard the Endeavor is often called upon to assist with codebreaking and decryption tasks that would be far beyond the capabilities of a regular synthetic.
Brands of Mother System
Weyland–Yutani Corporation
Seegson
Hyperdyne Corporation
Norcomm
Appearances
- Alien/novel
- Alien: Covenant/novel
- Alien: The Roleplaying Game
- Aliens: Fireteam Elite (mentioned only)
See also
- TOY—A similar artificial intelligence computer mainframe installed aboard the Liberté.
- Father—A similar artificial intelligence computer mainframe installed aboard the USM Auriga.
- MOM—A similar artificial intelligence computer mainframe installed aboard the USS Sheridan.
- Mother—A series of similar artificial intelligence computer mainframes that governed the operation of Neonopolis.