The AiNi project started in 2007 when a group of combat robot enthusiasts (think Battlebots) and computer programmers met in Virginia to design a robot to win the ultimate combat robot prize ….. the coveted Giant Nut.

The concept , that was chosen for the robots design was a unique blend standard robot control via human operated remote control and well as a computerized system utilizing sensors and advanced servo mechanical override devices that would allow for computer override of movement and weapons control …. this redundant design (human control with computer override) was employed since sensors and computers can react much faster than even the fastest human reaction and in combat , as in racing , sometimes the difference a a few milliseconds and mean the difference between winning and losing.

While a competitive robot was about 60 % complete as of 2009, the funding provided by KSS (Kings Sales and Service) was not sufficient to fully develop an android appearing robot as well as developing the AI needed to run the machine.

With that, it was ultimately decided to apply all funding and effort into the development of Artificial Intelligence but with a twist …. Natural Intelligence …. Thus AiNi was born.