Contemporary term in the Known Worlds for any artificially intelligent robot. Many golems were destroyed during the purges after the Fall, but some have survived into 4999.
Second Republic golems are usually TL 7-8. Contemporary golems are typically of of TL 6, if not lower in the case of unintelligent drones (which are also bundled under "golem"). Golem procreation is a crime frowned upon by the Ecclesiasthic Court and punishable by death. Few are manufactured, except a small number from the Supreme Order of Engineers. Members of major factions can get a license for golem ownership.
A few golems are known, for example the newly constructed bodyguard unit, The Protector. There is at least one golem brigade in operation on Stigmata.