¶ Metanoids
Metanoids are created when an AI core is implanted into a living organic body instead of a robotic shell. The result is a being with the advantages and disadvantages of both synthetic and organic life.
The AI core, consisting of a neuromorphic and auxiliary processor, interfaces with the organic body by sending and receiving signals through the body's brainstem or a cybernetic spine. It can be placed in either the body cavity or the braincase, which needs to be hollowed out to make room.
Most metanoids lack it entirely, but some will retain a blank or heavily lobotomized brain. The latter of these will often come with equipment that monitors the brain tissue for chemical fluctuations, allowing a realistic organic reaction to hormonal changes, drugs and alcohol. Metanoids that retain their brain can survive its destruction, but will lose emotional depth until a new one is grown for them.
A metanoid does not truly die until their AI core and/or battery is damaged, but will quickly become trapped in their body– blind, deaf and unfeeling– if their organic vessel expires. Some metanoid are coded to enter a “sleep mode” when their organic body registers as dead, but others aren't so lucky and can quickly go insane due to sensory deprivation.
Metanoid bodies may be less durable than robotic alternatives, and equally sensitive to EMPs without shielding, but they can fully replicate the experience of being a living organic. Organic taste buds and skin receptors are far superior to any inorganic alternative, greatly enhancing day-to-day quality of life. They also pass as perfectly organic, making them a much cheaper and more convincing alternative to many high-end, hyperrealistic synthetic bodies. Most metanoid today were once either ex-organics that wished to return to a familiar body, or curious androids that wanted to experience the joys of organic life.