Ablative generators were an advanced armor technology used by Starfleet. Shield emitters generated a nearly-impenetrable layer of armor around the hull of a ship so equipped.

In the alternate timeline, ablative generators were developed as an anti-Borg technology by Captain Janeway, invented sometime after 2378. In 2404, Admiral Janeway embarked on an illegal mission to change history by traveling back in time to help secure Voyager's safe return to the Alpha Quadrant sixteen years early.

After successfully traveling back in time to 2378, Admiral Janeway assisted Voyager's crew in manufacturing and installing the advanced armor technology aboard the ship.