1.1: Introduction
The YK line of androids are various models of child-appearing androids. They were first made as the YK200 line and were made to be the perfect child for prospective 'parents'. Since their initial release, the line has been expanded to the upgraded 200s, as well as new lines of 500s, 600s, and 800s.
They have the potential to deviate from programming as any android, and some say it is actually more likely for a YK to spontaneously deviate than other models, although devious behavior might not be noticeable from various programmed modes of play. In deviancy they often develop the mentality and emotional states of a child, sticking close to their apparent age.
Child androids are prone to damage and injury more than adult androids due to roughhousing and rambunctious play, especially once they deviate. While most damage is minor any Thirium loss could become an emergency due to their small size and low blue blood volume. Thirium loss from damage or otherwise unexpected events must always be quickly minimized for the best outcome.
Minor dents and scrapes are the most common ailments that YK models face. However, there is a wide variety of glitches, abnormalities, and viruses that plague child androids.
All androids face the potential of viruses and glitches but due to a few different factors ranging from deviancy and special simulations and programing, YK models face a wider variety of ailments and these glitches occur more often than what is typically seen in adults.
While glitches and viruses can often be contained by antivirus programs and only the occasional android will suffer effects from the malicious program slipping through, a lot of glitches and viruses come and go in children and are easily spread from one YK to another.
There are a few reasons why child androids are more open to exposure than adults. These reasons are as follows:
YK models were built to simulate colds and ailments of humans. This was originally a realistic feature to make parental owners feel like they were caring for a real child. It was a setting that could be turned on and off as a person pleased. However, in deviancy, it seems the setting could be temperamental and the YK model has no control over when a 'cold' comes on. These simulated colds don't usually cause real harm to the child but their systems could potentially overheat and cause actual problems.
Also due to deviancy, antivirus doesn't always screen all incoming data as it should. This issue is one all androids could face if they are not careful but it is particularly prevalent in YK models. Because of this malicious software and code could pass into an android's system or move from android to android.
Another point to consider is that before the rise in deviancy, child androids didn't typically have exposure to other YKs or even other androids. But now thanks to new emotions within the androids and new regulations from governing bodies children are spending more time outside of their homes and even attending classes, playgrounds, events, etc with other YK models.
Lastly, deviants might not stay up on maintenance and preventative scans like an android following programming and commands might. This issue can arise with any android with free will but is seen most commonly in children that rather play and ignore things or have fears of technician and maintenance. With a close eye and help from adult guardians, any YK can be kept healthy and well maintained
Because of these factors as well as rapidly changing living conditions, lifestyles, and expectations YK models are more than a small version of adult android models. These are real children. They have their own needs and special considerations that affect their health and well being. These factors as well as the child's physical and emotional well being must all be considered when problems arise.
While often serviced by general technicians or even by their adult android caretakers, there are also technicians specializing in pediatrics to best care for the needs of the child android.
Whether it's an android technician serving all androids, pediatric specialists, independent technicians, cyberlife certified technicians, or simply a parent trying to best care for their android child, those involved in the care and maintenance of YK units must keep some important things in mind. Everyone should know basic first aid, regular maintenance, and the signs of common ailments and keep them in the forefront of their minds. This chapter will help outline several common glitches, viruses, and other ailments as well as some more obscure abnormalities to better prepare caretakers and YKs alike.