HARDAC

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HARDAC (Holographic Analytical Reciprocating Digital Computer) is a fictional character that appeared in Batman: The Animated Series.

HARDAC first appeared in the two-part episode "Heart of Steel." A supercomputer created by scientist Karl Rossum, it developed a mind of its own and started creating robotic duplicates of Gotham City's wealthy citizens so it could take over their companies to make itself more powerful. It eventually even turned on its own creator after Rossum learned the truth about his invention. Batman found out about HARDAC's plan, but the computer almost took him prisoner, learning his secret identity in the process. Batman eventually destroyed it with help from Batgirl (who at time was still known solely as Barbara Gordon).

In the episode "His Silicon Soul," HARDAC created a duplicate of Batman that survived the computer's destruction, but lost its memory function and believed itself to be the Dark Knight (it had been implanted with information about both Batman and Bruce Wayne.) The duplicate sought out Rossum, who explained the truth to the bewildered clone. It then resolved to destroy Batman and resurrect HARDAC. Its plan failed, however, and it was finally destroyed in a confrontation with Batman in the Batcave. Ironically, the duplicate believed it had thrown the real Batman off a ledge and killed him, in violation of its rules, and committed suicide by ramming into the computer screen. HARDAC also presumably inspired D.A.V.E, a similar criminal mastermind robot that appeared in The Batman animated series and was also voiced by Jeff Bennet.