the Firefly Project

It's the fairly distant future.  Personal Home Companion Androids ('PACS' as they're referred to on the street) are a commonplace for a hefty price.  Because of the gouging price for the latest and greatest models, the practice of building your own or buying one that has been discarded is not unheard of at all.  Though, it is technically illegal.  There is a booming underground market for the purchasing of parts, new operating systems or entire PACS that one can't help but take advantage of.