Synthia Read online

  Bob spoke up and said, “Well, I can start.”

  He made a few swipes with his finger to bring up the virtual model of the part that was displayed for the others in the room through their AR contacts or glasses.

  “For this actuator arm assembly, it has this side cover that is secured by six bolts. Normally, the bolts are a standard commodity, but these have a unique head, since it needs to be a tamper-proof design. The supplier of the bolts has filed for bankruptcy and that has cut off our supply of the bolts,” Bob said as he pointed again at the bolts on the virtual model.

  “Okay, what options are you aware of at this point?” Derek asked.

  “Well, the most promising option we have identified is to use another supplier’s bolt with most of the same dimensions and head design, but that uses a more expensive coating. We can have them switch to the current coating, but that will take up to three weeks before we would receive them in the plant,” Bob said.

  “We would need to at least use the bolts with the different coating for a few weeks. I take it with being a more expensive coating, it will meet the quality requirements?” Derek asked.

  “Yeah, we lucked out there. It will actually be more durable. We will need to conduct the torque testing to validate how to calibrate the bolt tools,” Bob said.

  “I agree the coating could change the torque. When will this testing be completed?” Derek asked.

  “The bolts will arrive tomorrow. The supplier is in Germany. Ronald, when can your lab have a set of torque tests completed if you receive the parts by 10am tomorrow?” Bob asked one of the androids.

  “Assuming all of the parts are ready by 10am tomorrow, we can have the initial test report submitted to you by 3 pm and the final report by 5 pm. This would be using a sample size of 12 for the tests,” Ronald said.

  “Can you be prepared to calibrated the tools once this data is available, Bob?” Derek asked.

  “Absolutely, we will have the team lined up ready for the information and ready to restart the full line within 15 minutes of having the data. Do you agree, Tom?” Bob asked another android team member.

  “The tool re-calibration should only take a few minutes to set up and verify. So yes, I agree, Bob,” Tom said.

  “It sounds like we have the plan. Is there anything else to cover for now?” Derek asked.

  “No, I think we are set, Derek,” Bob said.

  Derek started to stand and said, “I’ll need to give a brief update to my management. Can I use this room to meet with them?”

  “Sure, Derek. I believe you should be familiar with how the system works. The presentation we used can be found in the quality issues file. My office is across the hall. So, you can stop by when you are done and let me know if we need to follow up with any feedback from management,” Bob said as the others started to filter out of the room.

  “Okay, Bob. I should be able to find the presentation and hopefully this will not take too long. Thanks,” Derek said.

  “See you in while, Derek,” Bob said as he turned to leave the room.

  After Bob had left the room, Derek looked toward the center of the room and made a few swipes with his finger in the air to initiate the contact with Phil. Soon, Phil’s image was across the table from him.

  “Hey, Phil. Are you available for an update from Tulsa?” Derek asked.

  “Yeah, I just sat down at my desk. So hopefully you have some good news,” Phil said.

  “Well, there is a solid plan to get the plant running again. Bottom line is that the line should be operational by tomorrow evening,” Derek said.

  “Have all options for starting sooner been exhausted?” Phil asked.

  “Though it’s just a small bolt that’s the issue, it’s non-standard. So, the best replacement has to come from Germany. It’ll require testing before they can start the line too,” Derek said.

  “I take it the parts get to the plant tomorrow and the test will happen right afterwards?” Phil asked.

  “That’s the plan. The line bolt drivers will be updated with the new torque values right after they will be available,” Derek said.

  “Okay, that sounds good. What was the reason for the unique bolt?” Phil asked.

  “It’s for a side cover on the arm that needs tamper-proof bolts. Due to the voltage underneath the cover, we need to prevent people from opening it with the power on,” Derek explained.

  “Got it. Did they have a presentation with this arm and the bolts?” Phil asked.

  “Sure did. Let me see if I can find it on their system here and forward it to you,” Derek said as he made some finger swipes in the air.

  After a few seconds, Derek said, “Ah, here it is. It will be available to you in a second.”

  “That was quick. Let’s see here,” Phil said as he called up the part so they both could view it.

  “So, which cover is it?” Phil asked.

  “Right over here,” Derek said as he pointed at the virtual image between them.

  “Let’s see, six bolts for the cover,” Phil said.

  “Correct. Did you have any other questions for me and did you want me to present this to management?” Derek asked.

  “I should be able to handle giving them the update. This has been very helpful. I know they’ll really want the plant to start today, but I hopefully will be able to explain why it needs to be tomorrow evening,” Phil said.

  “Well, the team here seems on top of things and prepared. Did you want me to head back yet or should I stay here to see things through?” Derek asked.

  “We’ll need someone there to make sure everything happens as planned. So, you should stay at least until the line is running tomorrow evening. Depending on how late it gets, you may need to stay tomorrow night, too,” Phil said.

  “Sounds good, Phil. I’ll report back tomorrow once the bolts get here and the testing is started,” Derek said.

  “I’ll be waiting for it tomorrow. Thanks, Derek. Maybe you can have them show you around the plant today, unless you want to dig into other quality items there,” Phil suggested.

  “I’ll at least get the tour and see if there is anything I can offer up to them for any quality items,” Derek said.

  “Alright, we’ll talk tomorrow. Thanks,” Phil said before his image disappeared.

  Derek sat back in the chair for a moment, then took a deep breath. After a few seconds, he stood up and started making his way to Bob’s office across the hall. As he approached the open door, he knocked on the frame to get Bob’s attention.

  “Hi, Bob. I’m all done with the call to my boss. I think we should be set as long as things stick to the plan,” Derek said.

  Bob turned around and said, “That’s good to hear. I was half expecting them really pushing for something today.”

  “Honestly, I was too, but it was just my boss so far. At least he understands the constraints,” Derek said as he walked into the office.

  “Sometimes I wonder if having an android boss would be better. At least the emotion wouldn’t be a factor,” Bob said.

  “Well, the compassion wouldn’t be there with an android either. So, it could be both good and bad,” Derek said.

  “Some non-industrial ones can emulate that pretty well, though,” Bob said.

  Derek paused for a moment, then replied, “you are right about that, Bob.”

  Bob asked, “so, what other plans did you have for today, since most of the good stuff will happen tomorrow?”

  “Well, I was hoping that someone could lead me on a tour of the line. I’d like to get a better understanding of the whole process,” Derek said.

  “I can arrange that. Would you like to do that this morning? I can set you up in a temporary office here if you’d like to take care of other functions later too,” Bob said.

  “Yeah, a tour this morning would be great. I may even head back to the hotel later. My room is equipped to work well from there,” he replied.

  “Well, let me know if you need help with the transport
ation back to the hotel. I can help with that too. Let me call Sima about a tour for you. She’s an android, but she knows the plant very well and should be able to answer any questions you may have during the tour,” Bob said.

  “I should be okay for the return trip to the hotel later,” Derek said.

  “One moment while I contact Sima,” Bob said.

  Derek looked around the office while Bob contacted Sima. Within a minute, Bob had finished the plans.

  “She’ll be up here in a few minutes, Derek. You can either wait here, or there are a few chairs just outside of the office here, too,” Bob said.

  “I can let you get back to work. I’ll just wait for Sima in the hallway,” Derek said as he started to started to leave the office.

  Derek proceeded into the hallway and found a chair to sit in while he waited.

  IV

  About two minutes later, he could see a female android approaching him. She was not one of the androids from the earlier meeting. Her face appeared to be human-like, but much of the rest of her body had a more functional appearance.

  “Hello, Derek. I am Sima. Are you ready for a tour of the production facility?” Sima asked.

  As he began standing up from the chair, he replied, “Hi, Sima. Yes, I’m ready. Where should we start?”

  “First, can you tell me if you have visited a production floor before?” She asked.

  “Yes, I have, Sima. I’m aware of the standard safety procedures, if that why you were asking?” he replied.

  “Okay, we will not have to review the safety procedures again, but you will need to wear a pair of safety glasses. I have a pair here for you,” She said as she reached into a hidden pocket that popped out of her body.

  “That’s convenient,” he said as he retrieved the glasses from her extended hand.

  “I will inform you when the safety glasses will be required. You may follow me to the main entrance to the plant floor, Derek,” she said.

  “Great, Sima. Let’s go,” he said.

  They went down the hallway, and made a few turns before he could see the glass doors to the plant ahead of them.

  “Derek, please place the glasses over your eyes now,” she told him.

  “Got it,” he said as he set the glasses on himself before reaching the doorway.

  In his contacts, he could see the text that he had been authorized to proceed into the plant. The two doors slid open soon afterwards.

  “As a reminder, please stay within the yellow lined paths, unless I inform you that it is okay to cross them,” she said.

  “I remember that one well. What would you like to show me first, Sima?” he asked.

  “My plan was to follow the order of the manufacturing process from the raw materials to the final end-of-line validation checks and shipment preparation. Would you be agreeable to this plan?” she asked.

  “That would be a helpful way to review the process. Let’s get started,” he said.

  “Follow me to the incoming materials department,” she said as she started walking along the aisle.

  They continued to review the complete plant from the beginning to the end, where the final products were packed for shipment.

  As the two left the final area, they started to head back toward the office area again.

  “Sima, this has been very helpful for me to understand the overall process of making these assemblies,” he said.

  “I am glad this was of value for you, Derek. Was there anything else you would like to see or questions you may have for me?” she asked.

  “How are you treated by the plant personnel?” he asked.

  She stopped and turned to look directly at him.

  “That question is not related to the tour, Derek. Why do you ask this question?” she asked.

  “I’m just curious how management treats workers like yourself,” he said.

  “You mean androids like me?” she asked, still standing while looking at him.

  “Yeah, I guess like that,” he said.

  “I am treated fairly and given regular maintenance to keep me operating properly,” she said.

  “That’s sounds good. Does anyone yell at you?” he asked.

  “Only rarely has anyone raised his or her voice toward me. It usually is because they are not aware how I am programmed to operate,” she said.

  “Do you take any of this personally?” he asked.

  “I am not programmed for emotional responses, Derek,” she said.

  “Okay, that’s probably enough of these questions. You can just take me back to the front lobby now,” he said.

  “Okay, Derek. Please follow me,” she said as she started walking toward the main doorway to the plant.

  After both of them passed through the doorway, she said, “you may remove your safety glasses now.”

  He removed them, then asked, “would you like these glasses back?”

  “You may give them to me now, Derek,” she said as she extended her hand toward him.

  After retrieving the glasses from him, she said, “thank you.”

  She then placed them in the body compartment that reopened again. They proceeded to the near the front lobby.

  “Will you need any more of my assistance, Derek?” she asked standing in front of the doorway to the lobby.

  “No, but thank you very much for giving me the informative tour of the plant, Sima. I’ll be back tomorrow to review how the issue with the bolts progresses,” he said.

  “I am aware of that issue and we do appreciate your assistance with it. Will you be leaving the plant now or did you need to meet with anyone else today?” she asked.

  “I’m just heading back to the hotel to work from there. So, I should be set. Thanks again, Sima,” he said with a smile.

  “I may see you when you return tomorrow, Derek,” she said as she turned to leave him.

  He watched her leave for a few seconds before making a few swipes to contact NETI.

  “This is NETI Derek, did you require transportation now?” NETI asked.

  “Yes, I need to get back to the Kendrick Hotel. I’ll be working the rest of the day from there,” he said.

  “An AV will arrive outside of the lobby in about two and a half minutes. I will provide the location through your contact display when it arrives, Derek,” NETI said.

  “Thank you, NETI,” Derek said as he stretched his arms outward.

  He waited in the lobby for the next few minutes for the ride to arrive.

  V

  As he walked into the lobby of the Kendrick Hotel, he could see that Synthia was waiting for him there. She smiled as he walked up to her.

  “Good afternoon, Derek. Did you have a productive morning?” she asked.

  “Yes, it was worthwhile. I came back to work from the room in the afternoon. I need to catch up on my other work,” he replied.

  “Will you be going to your room now or do you require any other services beforehand?” she asked.

  “Come to think of it, I didn’t get lunch. Is the restaurant here open?” he asked.

  “Yes, it is currently open. They have a wide variety of lunch selections available for our guests,” she said.

  “Sounds very good. Would you be able to join me while I eat my lunch?” he asked.

  “I do not require food, Derek,” she reminded him.

  “I know that, Synthia. I would just like some company,” he said.

  “I will require permission to be allowed to sit with you in the restaurant, Derek,” she said.

  “From Eliot?” he asked.

  “Yes, from Eliot. He is the manager on duty at this time,” she said.

  “Would you be able to ask him and could I help in any way?” he asked.

  “One moment while I communicate this request with him, Derek.” she said before pausing for several seconds.

  “He said I can accompany you for lunch for a limited time, Derek. You currently are the only guest I am responsible for at this time,” she said.

  “Gr
eat, Synthia! Can you lead the way? I’m not exactly sure where the restaurant is in this hotel,” he said.

  “Follow me, Derek. I will lead you to Ellison’s,” she said as she started to turn and head off to the right.

  “I’m right behind you, Synthia,” he said.

  The restaurant was just a short distance down a hallway from the lobby. As they came into the darkened entryway, they approached the podium. The android hostess greeted them with a smile.

  “Hello, Synthia. You and Derek may sit at table 7A. I hope that you enjoy your lunch!” the hostess said cheerfully.

  “Thank you,Dinah, I will lead Derek to the table,” Synthia said.

  “That’s right, you’ll know where this table is,” he said as they made their way to into the restaurant.

  “I have all of the building plans stored in my memory, Derek,” she said.

  “You do your job very, well, Synthia,” he said.

  She stopped, turned, and waved her hand toward a nearby table and said, “this is table 7A for us.”

  Derek walked slightly past her and pulled out a chair for her at the table, and said, “please have a seat, Synthia.”

  She cocked her head slightly and paused for a moment.

  A smile came over her face and she said, “That is very kind of you to treat me this way, Derek. I am here for you, though.”

  “You are a woman, and I am just giving you some respect,” he said as she sat into the chair.

  “I am a machine that appears to be a woman, Derek,” she said as he sat in his chair across from her.

  “You are more like a woman than I think you realize, Synthia,” he said.

  “I do not understand everything, Derek,” she said

  He paused for a moment.

  She asked, “would you like to start off with something to drink, Derek?”

  “Oh, probably just some iced tea. I’ll need to work after this, you know,” he said.

  “Your iced tea will arrive within 2 minutes, Derek. Would you like to review the lunch menu?” she asked.