Non Newtonian Sludge

The planet is bombarded by radiation from its sun. The shower of high energy particles and high frequency photons damages the delicate circuits in complex computers. It also damages living creatures:

. . . just barley allowing humans to exist on the planet for a while.

This is why the natives live in the sludge baths. The sludge absorbs the radiation. But try to put a computer in the sludge and it will overheat. There is no way to suck in cool air like a normal Earth computer. Even specially designed sludge-cooled computers fail because the sludge is like cornstarch slurry. To cool properly we must move the sludge quickly through thin tubes. But moving it quickly maks the sludge harden and stop flowing.

Non Newtonian Sludge

The planet is bombarded by radiation from its sun. The shower of high energy particles and high frequency photons damages the delicate circuits in complex computers. Simple computers work for a while because the have fewer circuits, made chunky and less delicate.

The radiation also damages living creatures:

. . . just barley allowing humans to exist on the planet for a while.

This is why the natives live in the sludge baths. The sludge absorbs the radiation. Arnold had the right idea:

Not only does a layer of nutritious slurry make you invisible to the Predator. It protects you from radiation so you do not get horribly scalded or mutated. 

But try to put a computer in the sludge and it will overheat. There is no way to suck in cool air like a normal Earth computer. Even specially designed sludge-cooled computers fail because the sludge is like cornstarch slurry. It hardens when put under stress. To cool properly we must pump the sludge through thin tubes. But pumping it too hard makes the sludge solidify and crack the tubes in half.