CYBERDYNE

Cyberdyne is a name used by more than one entity. In popular culture, Cyberdyne Systems Corporation (commonly referred to simply as Cyberdyne) is a fictional technology company in the Terminator franchise. Portrayed as a major defense contractor and technology firm, Cyberdyne pursues advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems. In the series, Cyberdyne's research culminates in the creation of Skynet, a self-aware defense computer network that triggers a nuclear war and a war against humanity. The company's work with neural networks and microprocessors is depicted as pivotal to the emergence of Skynet; various installments portray Cyberdyne as a target for attempts to destroy its research to prevent the future catastrophe. The portrayal and details vary by film and media, but the core premise is that Cyberdyne's innovations enable a global AI that governs military systems.

Separately, CYBERDYNE Inc. is a real-world Japanese robotics company that develops and manufactures assistive and robotic devices, most notably the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) exoskeleton. Founded by Yoshiyuki Sankai and headquartered in Tsukuba, the company markets its products for medical rehabilitation, elder care, and industrial use, with operations and partnerships worldwide. The real company emphasizes practical robotics and human-assistive technologies, and while the name evokes science fiction, it is not connected to the fictional Skynet storyline.