Artificial Intelligence

Artificial personalities or artificial intelligence are forms of human-robot interface common in the pre-War world, usually taking the form of a synthetic human-like personality acting as an intermediary between a human operator and a computer or robot's operating system.

Overview
Used for both robotics and stationary computers, artificial personalities provide a convenient and speedy way for humans to interact with robots. The personality includes a sophisticated voice synthesis and recognition platform, allowing it to effectively speak with humans using any programmed language and vernacular ranging from utilitarian, halting sentences (Protectrons, industrial Mister Handy models, most combat robotics) to fluid exchanges using complex grammar structures and advanced vocabulary.

Furthermore, certain robot models include a variety of personalities   that can be changed while the robot is running using a master terminal. Graygarden features three Mister Handy "supervisors," all of which have programmed personalities based on characters in TV programs that Dr. Edward Gray enjoyed. General Atomics Galleria, another robotics-focused location within the Commonwealth, also employed unique personalities for its Mister Handy staff.

Artificial intelligence or terminal programs refers to a computer or a robot that is "self-aware", as it is capable of not only logical deduction, reasoning, and speaking, but knows of its own existence. The technology used for creating synthetic personalities can be unreliable as flawed logic can cause deterioration over the years and the emergence of undesirable traits and poor performance on part of the unit.

Behind the scenes
Artificial intelligence research is mentioned in the Fallout Bible.