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Why aren't they using drones and more automation?
(lemmy.world)
I know this is how people in the 80s and 90 imagined the future and a lot of concepts were probably too far fetched for them.
BUT... why arent they using drones to explore planets? why are there not more drone-spaceships? why does enterprise need a crew to begin with? Why is there so little automation? Why so few uses of AI in general?
I am saying this as a star trek the next generation person. I'd also expect them to have full video and sensory streams of any surface mission teams.
PIC touches a bit on this subject, spoilers ahead:
The first season has artificial intelligence and the attempts to (re)create a true artificial life form like Data as one of its main themes. Also an explanation why it isn’t and hasn’t really happened so far, anywhere in the quadrant(s).
There is also the stated reason that simply cataloging space with probes or so is not enough, mankind (and in extension, starfleet) consider in-person exploration much more rewarding and fulfilling, and a worthy occupation in itself.
As for data streams from their away teams, yeah that would certainly make sense. Even today's military is essentially fully online. Camera and audio feeds, gps access, depending on the soldier’s function full drone control suites, various other situational devices.