Hello, Engineers!
The next major update is Automatons (previously known as Grid AI). We want it to be the absolute best state possible for release!
To ensure a flawless release, we invite you, our Community, to help us test things out. That’s right, it’s time for another Beta test!
We know that you have been excited about this release and we want you to get involved and help us ensure that the Automatons update is one of our most impactful updates ever. We really appreciate all of the support you have shown us over this extended development period and now it’s time for you to get a better look at what we have been working on, and get your hands dirty!
This is a great opportunity to help shape a future update! Please join us in the Automatons Beta and don’t forget to leave feedback by filling out the provided questionnaire.
So, what can you find on the Automatons Beta Public Test Branch?
AI Blocks
The AI blocks give you the creative tools to completely change what a “grid” is and custom tailor your own automated creation. These tools can empower your creativity like never before! AI blocks have been added to the base game and allow the easy creation of truly autonomous drones.
This is only the beginning as we continue our exploration of the autonomous.
- AI Flight (Move) (1 block, S + L grid)
- Designed for flight control in both space and atmosphere.The Flight block enables complex behaviors in-flight as well as detailed control of how your grid will move in both space and atmosphere.
- AI Basic (Task) (1 block, S + L grid)
- An extended version of the Remote Control block that provides complex functions such as following the player, traveling to a “Home” destination, and of course Autopilot, as well as the original basic behaviors.
- AI Recorder (Task) (1 block, S + L grid)
- A precision flight path recorder. The recorder can not only log and follow a selection of waypoints, but it is also able to record and replay hotbar actions that trigger on waypoints.
- AI Defensive (Combat) (1 block, S + L grid)
- Allows for the easy automation of complex defensive behaviors such as when (and how) to flee combat, as well as what locations to fall back to. Additionally, the defensive AI can determine what weapons to use when returning fire, and how to identify a possible threat.
- AI Offensive (Combat) (1 block, S + L grid)
- The Offensive block is able to perform extremely complex tasks including target identification, targeting priority, and execution of complex attack patterns.
Each block comes in 1x1x1 size with both Large and Small grids variants. Players can build more than one of each Type block on a grid, to create extremely complex and nuanced drones and drone behaviors. Of each Type, only 1 block can be active at the same time.
- The Offensive block is able to perform extremely complex tasks including target identification, targeting priority, and execution of complex attack patterns.
The Event Controller
Event Controller (1 block, S + L grid)
Often requested in a myriad of different imagined forms, the concept of tracking a change in the state of one block, and taking an action based on that change, is something we have long wanted to tackle. We are very proud to deliver on this concept in what we feel is a comprehensive, but still easy to master, “Event Controller”.
The Event Controller can monitor various block states and trigger toolbar Actions when those values change. This can be used in conjunction with other automation blocks to create logic systems on grids.
The event controller is a powerhouse addition to existing Space Engineers mechanical blocks. The concept of action, reaction, may seem simple on the surface, but when coupled with existing SE solutions, it has the power to simplify the complex, or add much needed functionality to simplistic design.
Steam Public Test Branch Install Instructions:
- Head to your Steam Library and right-click on Space Engineers
- Select “Properties”
- From the menu popup, select “BETAS”
- You should now see the option to “Select the beta you would like to opt into:”
- From this menu, select “Automatons Beta”
Xbox Public Test Branch Install Instructions:
- You must own Space Engineers to participate
- You must be logged into your Microsoft/Xbox account to access the Automatons Beta
- If you already own Space Engineers, the Beta build can be found in “Owned games” as “SE demo”
Feedback Form
After you close the game, you can provide us your feedback on new AI features through our Feedback Form.
Thanks a lot for your feedback and help!
