QUOTE (TBRMInsanity @ Aug 20 2009, 07:06 PM)

Augmentation alludes to something like this in the Biodrone section. A genetically altered clone can be created and a control rig can be implanted to make the clone a walking zombie (under the control of a rigger). The problem is that these replicates would be very expensive and only the Big 10 would have the resources and technology to create them. It would be easier to create an anthroform and trap an AI in it.
I think that there'd be some smaller, more specialized corps who could pull this off, too.
I mean, there's AA corps like UniOmni (or Monobe) who have the knowhow to create cyberzombies (or cyborgs, respectively).
I could imagine that there's also AA corps specialized in cybernetics and gengineering who have access to biodrones.
Proteus is a potential candidate for the application mentioned here, given how good they are at cloning augmented humans.
According to Augmentation, they've just graduated an entire class of genetweaked, fully vat-grown employees- i could imagine that they've modified some of the mentally less promising, but physically outstanding subjects for rigging if they have reverse-engineered biodrone technology.
The Big10 aren't generally the corps with the most advanced research teams, they're the ones who have the most diversified portfolio and the biggest influence on the market.
There's smaller, specialized corps who have very innovative R&D programs, but they're limited to a specific field.