A story of our future...

You are now the proud owner of A.I. Wars (The Insect Mind) (Cybug battle simulation software). This simulator allows potential Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) programmers to perfect the strategies necessary to take our Cybug A.I. to a level that could adaptively compete on the modern battlefield.

The Cybug is a programmable mobile platform, with six legs that have been incorporated for stability on multiple terrain types, the original two and four legged designs proved too unstable to withstand the blast forces from explosions on or near its center of balance. The Cybug is an all weather assault platform that is loaded with an internally concealed missile and grenade launching system and an external projectile weapon located in the center of its fluid cooled Cybrain appendage (head). The Cybug caries an internal power source that uses a crystalline fuel converter to power its engines and internal electronics. This power system also runs a cooling system that can help keep the Cybug cooled but it can be overheated if items like the shield generator run for an extended period of time. This power system can be discharged through the shielded armor shell of the Cybug, but this discharge will also slightly damage this shell as well (note: This discharge can be set high enough to self destruct the Cybug if the need arises). Its CPU runs single commands transmitted from a remote Battle Simulation Coordination Processor (BSCP). The BSCP negotiates commands in packets that are weighted based on their resource consumption. Movement commands are considered heavier than scan commands and logic commands are simple and can be utilized in larger quantities. The internal power source can convert Ammilian alloy (an explosive metallic substance) into usable ammunition. The Ammilian converter can produce simple projectiles easily but requires more alloy to create items like mines, grenades and missiles. Grenades and missiles also utilize fuel to propel them to their targets. The Cybugs can gather resources (fuel and ammo) while on the battlefield by collecting flagged replenishment packs. Cybugs can also transfer resources to each other by connecting their resource ports located in the rear or the Cybug. There is also a data port that has a communications link where commands can be inserted manually into the Cybugs CPU for maintenance reasons (Warning: our engineers fear that this port may be a security risk if enemy Cybugs can gain access it.)

Cybug squads (Hive formations) are possible since each unit can transmit an IFF code. This code identifies a Cybugs secret team name, multiple Cybugs with the same code are on the same team, and can identify each other as friendly units to avoid accidental friendly fire damage. Cybugs that have the same IFF codes can transmit data to each other using the hive variables on the BSCP. All Cybugs have access to the global BSCP systems system variables that are considered common knowledge among all Cybugs in a simulation.

Goal orientation can be utilized in a simulation via the use of Queen Cybugs and the Strategy Node. The BSCP can be set to terminate the battle when a Queen is killed, typically awarding the killer with a large number of points. The strategy node can be used as a refueling and ammo depot as well as its ability to grant award points to any Cybug occupying it for a predetermined amount of time.

Your goal as a Cybug A.I. developer is to develop competent Cybug reflexes, plus offensive and defensive strategies to ensure the survival of your Cybug or your team of Cybugs in a battle simulation. You will be able to develop their A.I. using the Cybug A.I. Command Language (CAICL) provided. The A.I. editor comes complete with a description of each command, as well as code verification and debugging tools. Cybug A.I. files can be encrypted and password protected for transport outside of the BSCP.