EDI

Origin

The artificial intelligence EDI was originally created by Cerberus and installed on the Normandy SR-2 to act as a guide and also the eyes and ears of the Illusive Man without any direct access to the ship's systems due to the potential dangers of having an unshackled AI on board. When interacting with EDI at this stage she would typically be represented by a soft female voice and sometimes a small holographic visual representation resembling an eye on top of a stalk made entirely out of blue light. At this point she would often be found squabbling about things with Joker who didn't like having an AI aboard assisting in his work.

At a later date when the Normandy travels to Mars in search of ways to help fight the reapers they end up chasing after and fighting a cybernetic woman called Eva Core who supposedly works for Cerberus, after she is defeated and her body stored on the Normandy, EDI secretly works on a way to transfer part of herself into the now dormant body, eventually she succeed's which enables her to join the crew physically in fighting the reaper's in her brand new humanoid body. While her body is fully aware and contains most of EDI's personality she simultaneously has the same degree of control of the Normandy as she did before. At this stage she also starts developing a romantic relationship with Joker.

Creation

EDI was created in 2010 by Bioware as a character for their popular RPG series Mass Effect. The character is voiced by actress Tricia Helfer. Incidentally the Canadian actress also well known for her role playing a Cylon, a famous AI race from the television show Battlestar Galactica. EDI is also partially inspired Maria from the science fiction classic Metropolis.

Character Evolution

An AI character, EDI explores many of the typical science fiction questions of what is life, and what is Artificial Intelligence. The character was introduced as the Normandy SR-2's AI, and its ability to interact with the rest of crew and team mates, would establish bonds and camaraderie. Not that surprising giving EDI's advanced intellect and abilities. However as a counter balance, many species in the Mass Effect universe would be suspicious and outright hostile to the idea of AI, given the galaxies turbulent past with AI and conflict. Characters like Quarian Tali, especially reserved about EDI's role and function with the ship.

Major Story Arcs

Mass Effect

Powers and Abilities

EDI is an advanced Artificial Intelligence, originally housed in a Cerberus built ship, the Normandy SR-2, EDI would also eventually possess a more 'conventional' humanoid frame, being able to simultaneously control the Normandy and the platform formerly known as Eva Core. EDI's robotic platform, allows for greater strength, durability, agility, and maneuverability than your average human.

Other Media

Video Games

Mass Effect 2

EDI is the AI of the ship, the Normandy.

Mass Effect 3

EDI played a larger and more significant role in Mass Effect 3, even obtained an individual platform (or body) to allow her to join Shepard and teammates on off ship missions and entertainment.