Cogitator

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Cogitator, along with Logic Engine, are the Imperium of Man's pet term for computers. While out and out artificial intelligence is Heresy, more simple non AI computerization is allowed and for simple things such as data entry, processing bio feedback in power armor, basic targeting for Tarantulas and torpedo guidance systems are often used. What constitutes an AI is a matter open for debate, for example a Land Raider is capable of functioning on it's own killing enemies of the Imperium even if it's crew are all killed. At the same time are always a few of the more radical members of the Mechanicus willing to push said boundaries, regardless of the risks of being found out or going too far down that path. There are probably chunks of human brain in there somewhere, one way or another.

Most Cogitators are depicted as being electrical or electro-mechanical in nature, and are often shown to be as complex as a late-70's mainframe computer. They are often described as interfacing with "data-spools" and other early-industrial mechanical terms. This term may be used to delineate them from more autonomous systems, like the light-based neural-pathway-replicating vat-grown-crystal AI cores that have been shown to run advanced automated defenses for things like secure Imperial military facilities, Mechanicum temples, and noble mansions. The Adeptus Mechanicus don't purge those crystal AI things mostly because they are physically incapable of learning. Side note, those AI are designed by replicating the brain activity of lower lifeforms, like dogs, and modifying it to integrate with whatever weapons and security systems need to be controlled autonomously. The intent is to create something which will perform instinctive and unwavering guard duty, but imagine being the poor pseudo-creature to wake up immobile and instinctively compelled to guard a random building for all eternity.

Not to be confused with Logitator.