Artificial intelligence

Legitimate intelligence and sentience on an artificially-produced, usually computational substrate
As distinguished from virtual intelligence
- Space between VI and AI is vague and ill-defined, often requiring extended research and interaction to distinguish between highly advanced VI and newborn AI (DS9 Novel: The Long Mirage)
Federation research into AI generally restricted for similar justifications as for genetic engineering bans
- Long-standing discomfort originating from artificially intelligent agents during World War III (ENT Novel: Live by the Code)
- General distaste at creating intelligent beings purely for the sake of creating them
Various negative interactions with foreign and malign artificial intelligences throughout 22nd and 23rd century solidified this perception, only waning during the mid-24th century (TNG Novel: Immortal Coil)

History

Early 2330s: The first successful positronic android, B-4, is developed by Doctor Noonien Soong. Later models Lore and Data are also developed over the coming years. (TNG: "Datalore"; Star Trek: Nemesis)
2340s: Artificial intelligence designed for interstellar observation and organization within the Cardassian Union begins development, led by Cren Veruda, leading Cardassian expert on the topic. (DS9 Novel: Mission Gamma: Lesser Evil)
- Progress interrupted 2347 following Veruda's defection to the Federation, but AI completed 2349 (DS9 Novel: Mission Gamma: Lesser Evil)
- Disabled by counteragent developed by Veruda that same year (DS9 Novel: Mission Gamma: Lesser Evil)
- Surviving portion reactivated at Uridi'si 2369, attempted to merge/dominate Borg Collective (DS9 Novel: Mission Gamma: Lesser Evil)
February 2366: Artificially intelligent nanite swarm inadvertently evolves as a result of enhancements implemented by Wesley Crusher (TNG: "Evolution")
c.2373: The Doctor, the EMH of the USS Voyager, transitions from VI to AI as a result of exposure to stimuli beyond the original scope of the program, including intensive social and interpersonal interactions and self-exploration. (VOY)