Lore

The difference between Synthetics, Cyborgs and Hybrids in Alien: Earth

Last Updated: August 20, 2025

FX's Alien: Earth TV series introduced new technologies to the Alien franchise lore. The familiar Synthetic Androids which featured in each Alien film are still present in this prequel series, but the show also expands on this technology by introducing Cyborgs and Hybrids to the mix. This article outlines the primary differences between the three classifications and what their unique traits are between them.

What are Synthetics / Androids?

Synthetic / Andoirds are purely artificial persons - a robotic body controlled by a potent artificial intelligence. This A.I. is programmed by the company which employs them. Our first introduction to Synthetic Androids within the Alien timeline would have been prior to the Weyland Industries Prometheus mission - with the creation of David 8. The USCSS Maginot mission in Alien: Earth took 65 years to complete - Prometheus mission took place 30 years from when Alien: Earth takes place - which means the creation of David / employment of David took place 35 years after the USCSS Maginot left Weyland-Yutani on its mission. This suggests Andoirds are the technological successor to Cyborg technologies.

Alien: Earth Synthetics

Traits

Improved Strength
Completely autonomous
No biological aspects
Controlled by computer programming
Highly intelligent
Can interface with computers
Doesn't age

Weaknesses

Limited by mission objectives
Should not be able to think for themselves
Lack of morality
Rampancy can occur after long enough time without maintenance

Synthetics / Androids in Alien: Earth

Kirsh

Alien: Earth Synthetics

What are Cyborgs?

Cyborgs are a completely different and albeit dated form of technology. Unlike Androids, the Cyborg is a blending of both organic and inorganic materials - mostly Human with robotic appendages and a computer interface. The Cyborg shares some traits with its Android cousins - it can interface with computers, it can store data on the brain, it can manipulate technology and does have improved capabilities.

While the Cyborg is essentially an enhancement of the Human body and mind, it's only limitations, ironically are due to its Human base. Cyborgs are vulnerable to anything a Human is vulnerable to. In Episode 3 of Alien: Earth Morrow is shown to activate the Alien eggs - his Human signature is enough to warrant the Facehugger to attack - suggesting a Cyborg could in theory be impregnated by a Xenomorph.

Alien: Earth Cyborgs

Traits

Half man / Half machine
Human body augmented by robotic technology
Brain interface capable of interacting with other technologies
Utility appendages (Torch, Knife, etc... executable from arm)
Improved strength
Prolonged ageing

Weaknesses

Human body vulnerabilities
Susceptible to Xenomorph implantation
Human memories can affect mission efficiency

Cyborgs in Alien: Earth

Morrow

Alien: Earth Cyborgs

What are Hybrids?

Hybrids are exactly as the name suggests - a blending of both Android and Cyborg. Prodigy corp are the pioneers of this new technology - one they think will outperform the Android and Cyborg technologies in the future. The Hybrids are designed to be an evolution; a merging of the best aspects of both Synths and Cyborgs, with none or at least very few of the limitations they present. The only drawback to their capabilities in the show - their minds are controlled by those of children.

While Androids feature an entirely exclusive A.I. program to govern them and Cyborgs utilize a Human brain paired with A.I. assistance, the Hybrids are a bizarre pairing of Human consciousness inside a computer interface - no A.I. - but no organic Brain matter either. The Hybrids are purely synthetic in physical stature, but completely Human in mental capacity and thought. Unlike Cyborgs, the Hybrids are not susceptible to Xenomorph implantation, thanks to their inorganic bodies.

Alien: Earth Hybrids