The hype surrounding artificial intelligence was actually quite similar to that of nuclear fusion. Both represented monumental scientific hurdles that had remained unsolved for decades, or even centuries, giving them a distinct "modern scam" reputation among skeptics.
The only difference was that nuclear fusion was an energy issue, the absolute lifeblood of civilization and something the Federation had to solve, no matter the cost.
The existential impact of artificial intelligence, however, was much smaller. Even if humanity failed to develop it, it wouldn't threaten their survival. Ironically, successfully developing it was what could cause catastrophic problems.
Humans were truly an ambitious species. Long before they understood the underlying mechanics of reality, they were already dreaming of creating artificial life, envisioning both carbon-based biological creations and mechanical, synthetic consciousness.
