The AI don't currently play this, and they'll never play it well.
Decent designs should be possible, and a good tech path is doable. They won't be able to build a good mix of ships, though. Shouldn't be total pushovers, but they won't have the tactics to win much, and they won't be able to repair.
This is still beta...
Start up a single player game, and try out the tech... design a few ships and have a go at the simulator...
Then hit me with the list of bugs
