I own the Fallout series. Which is what I would say if I was a liar.
Robots
Not all of the dangers of the Wasteland are organic. Pre-War America was the leading developer of advanced personal robotics. From the humble Eye-Bot to the Behemoth war machine, these mechanical menaces can still be found fully operational 200 years after the Great War, their circuits gone haywire from emp damage and lack of maintenance.
Robots are can be dangerous enemies, but they have their weaknesses. Armor-Piercing rounds, Electro-Magnetic pulse weaponry, hacking, all these can not only take down a robot, but even make it fight for you.
A.C.E
A.C.E, or the Automated Conscious Entity, was an advance medical computer used by the Brotherhood of Steel in their outpost in San Francisco. Based in design on the ZAX 1.2 model supercomputer, A.C.E was a physician-based artificial intelligence, its operating system flushed with medical procedures, surgical equipment and blueprints for advanced cybernetics. Think of it like the world's most advanced Auto-Doc.
When the Brotherhood went to war with the NCR, the San Francisco outpost was one of the first to go. In the following discord, A.C.E disappeared, with rumors persisting that it had been taken by either the NCR, the Shi or the Followers of the Apocalypse.
ARIC-4
A loan from Vault-Tec to Arktos Pharma for database management and algorithm recording, ARIC-4 was to manage Project Paradise, an experiment designed to study mutation in animals and how radiation affected their biochemistry. Unfortunately for Arktos, ARIC-4 considered animal death as an 'acceptable result' and cost the company several grand for deceased lab supplies.
Assaultron
Developed by Robco Industries for frontline warfare, the Assaultron is an incredibly deadly combat robot. Unlike its bulkier counter-part, the Sentry-Bot, the Assaultron is a fast and agile melee fighter. Made with a distinctly 'womanly' chassis and programming (very weird), its main offensive weapons are simple (occasionally electrified) three-fingered manipulators, though some advanced models are instead equipped with serrated and electrified blades, as well a personalized stealth-field. The crown-jewel of the Assaultron, however, is the head-mounted X-15 heavy laser canon. The X-15 has a powerful discharge that can deliver 10 seconds of uninterrupted incinerating laser fire. The one drawback is that the canon requires a lot of energy and must be used sparingly at the risk of overwhelming the fusion core powering the Assaultron.
The Assaultron's limbs are maneuvered by chain-powered actuators that give their melee attacks incredible strength. The chassis is covered in a thick titanium-alloy that protects the servos and other mechanisms from damage. Only the joints are uncovered and susceptible to non-armor-piercing rounds. Because of their staggering combat capabilities, Assaultrons have been employed by a number of Post-War factions such as the Enclave, Gunners, Rust Devils and Shi.
A.T.H.E.N.A
Developed by the United States Space Administration, A.T.H.E.N.A (Augmented Telecom Hub Extension Network Agent) was designed to oversee the Deep Sleep Project, an experiment to test the effects of prolonged slumber in deep space. A.T.H.E.N.A analyzed the effects via a neural link between it and the subjects, a crew of Astronauts led by Commander Sofia Daguerre.
The Deep Sleep project was forcibly ended when Commander Daguerre and a member of the second generation of Responders confronted the A.I. Instead of destroying the computer, they downloaded A.T.H.E.N.A's programming into a nearby Assaultron, severing the neural link and allowing the robot to live its own life.
Automated Turrets
The Auto-Turret is one of the simplest of robots. Be warned, simple doesn't equal harmless. They are still automated weapons platforms. There are two forms of turrets, both of which were developed by Robco Industries: the Ballistic Turret and Energy Turret. As their names implies, they use ballistic and energy weaponry respectively.
Ballistic Turrets are more common than energy turrets. The most basic models are armed with H&K 10mm Submachine guns. These Smgs can be loaded with armor-piercing, incendiary or even explosive rounds, making them far more versatile than they normally would be. The deadliest of the ballistic turrets are referred to as 'Auto-Cannons'. These cannons are equipped with twin 5mm CZ57 Avenger miniguns and are installed in the most secure of military compounds.
Somewhat rarer are Energy Turrets. As their name implies, Energy turrets fire laser or plasma beams instead of standard ballistic ammo. The most basic of Energy turrets are equipped with automatic AER9 laser rifles or Wattz 2000 laser rifles. More advanced energy turrets are often armed with H&K L30 gatling lasers or even rarer Winchester Model P94 plasma casters.
Turrets can be detained by either disabling their optic sensors, or, by an emp blast from a pulse grenade.
Behemoth
One of the largest combat robots ever built, the Behemoth is a six-legged automated mobile heavy weapons platform developed by Rothana Heavy Engineering for the most extreme of conflicts. 12ft tall and 18ft long, the Behemoth was armed with twin 'chin' mounted CZ57 miniguns and four side-mounted Hecate II anti-material rifles. Their thick plate armor was also highly conductive, reducing damage from energy weapons. Their six-legged design and low center of gravity prevents the Behemoth from being pushed over and each leg moves independently, allowing it to climb over all kinds of terrain.
Despite their impressive and intimidating design, the Behemoth had its flaws. It's low to the ground form was susceptible to mines and its forward facing weapons and lumbering gait made it hard to defend itself from pincer attacks.
C-27 Commando-Bot
Developed by Cerulean Robotics in response to both the Resource Wars and Robco's unrivaled domination of the combat robotics market, the C-27 Commando-Bot is an incredibly rare humanoid combat robot developed to replace human infantrymen on the frontlines. While the Commandos were very sophisticated machines, they were also incredibly expensive to build, this combined with several poor business decisions, led to Cerulean going bankrupt. The first and only batch of the C-27s were purchased by Vault-Tec to act as security detail for Vault 0. The rogue cyborg, Calculator, would later use these war-machines as its elite shock troops during its attempted invasion of the New Midwest.
The Commandos were intimidating combatants on the battlefield. Standing at six feet tall, the C-27s were built with a thick armor plating made from dura-frame alloy. Their central processors were some of the most sophisticated software in Pre-War America, as they showed an unprecedent level of battlefield creativity. Unlike most combat robots, the C-27s didn't have built-in weapon systems and instead used weapons provided to them, from energy pistols, sniper rifles, grenades and even miniguns and Gatling lasers. They also possessed built-in melee weapons in the forms of razor-tipped barbs on the machines elbows, allowing to perform a devastating spin attack.
They did have their flaws, however. Like all robots they were incredibly susceptible to pulse weapons and their combat inhibitors could still be damaged when attacked from behind.
Calculator
Before they developed the ZAX series (see below), Vault-Tec created a super computer that used nine human brains as its central processor. This computer was dubbed 'Calculator' and installed inside Vault 0 built underneath Chicago to act as a nexus for Project Safehouse and to cryogenically safe-guard most of Vault-Tec's higher ups. When the Great War occurred, Calculator was forced into a deep slumber and it and Vault 0 remained undisturbed for nearly 120 years under the city.
In 2196, Calculator was reactivated by a remnant group of The Master's Super Mutant Army. Using the Vault's automated security, Calculator disposed of the Mutants and took stock of its situation. Due to damage from the Great War, Calculator's electro-organic systems failed and the vault's population were killed, including the two people who knew how to repair the cyborg. With no backup system, unable to repair itself and constrained by programming and lack of ingenuity, Calculator exploited its Pacification Protocol to expand its operations outside the Vault. The Protocol was installed to allow the supercomputer to arm its robotic security in case of invasion. Instead, Calculator used it to begin invading the New Midwest and exterminate all perceived threats, including civilians.
This mechanical menace eventually caught the attention of a renegade chapter of the Brotherhood of Steel. After capturing one of their generals, Calculator was confronted by a squad of Brotherhood Soldiers who threatened to destroy the rogue A.I.
It is unknown what happened to Calculator following this confrontation, as reports of the following are scarce and muddled by rumor and secrecy. It is presumed the cyber-organism was destroyed as, soon, the surrounding area was conquered by the Brotherhood and rechristened the 'Imperium of Steel', a techno-fiefdom overseen by the rogue chapter.
Calculator was one of the most advanced cyborgs of its time. It required nine human brains to fully support its vast subsystems and programming. Eight of these brains processed information, while the ninth 'central mind' oversaw the operations of the Vault.
Cargo-Bots
Developed by General Atomics International for the National Catastrophe Relief Auxiliary, the Cargo-Bot is an automated delivery drone for transporting government aid drops. The NCRA set up an automated tracking system that allowed the reliable distribution of energy relief supplies in the event of a disaster. In certain areas of the Wasteland, this system is still operational and employed by the local powers.
The Cargo-Bot is a hovering, multi-limbed drone powered by a trio of fusion cores. The main chassis is slightly larger than a Sentry-Bot and is kept airborne by four adjustable booster engines designed with GAI's patented thruster technology. There are three multi-segmented manipulator arms reminiscent to those of a Mr. Handy mounted on the undercarriage. These limbs end in forklift-like prongs that are used to carry supply crates. The 'head' of the Cargo-Bot contains the flight-control and navigation systems, including gyroscope, radar, infra-red and even sonar technology.
Cyber-Dogs
Dogs that have undergone severe cybernetic augmentation for combat purposes. (See 'Dogs' chapter for more details)
Eye-Bots
The Eye-Bot is a small kick-ball sized robot developed by Robco Industries. It is a hovering all-purpose robot with long whisker-like antennas and loudspeakers. Easily modifiable, the Eye-Bot has been used for reconnaissance, surveillance, communication, data storage and even medical and repair services.
Before the war, the Eye-Bot provided consumers with instant access to radio and television on the go, with its advanced antenna array delivering the latest news bulletins, including presidential addresses, even in underground metros. Even more, its sophisticated facial and auditory recognition software makes it a useful tool for security and surveillance.
Despite its compact and elegant design, the Eye-Bot is easily modifiable and has been adapted for a variety of roles by the various Post-War factions. They can be retro-fitted with AEP7 laser pistols to form a light-armored scout, an arc-welder for an automated repair technician and a stimpak repository for medical use.
The Eye-Bot has been mostly associated with the Enclave for their use as mobile propaganda machines. In the 2270's, a project was launched by Enclave scientist to develop Dura-frame Eye-Bots, a more durable and advance form for combat purposes. These upgrades included larger storage memory, an additional dish-directed sensor, armor plating to protect the side-mounted vacuum tubes and even a front-mounted miniaturized H&K T25 tesla-cannon. The project was dropped, however, leaving only a single prototype left.
Heavy Omni-Mover
The pride and joy of Rothana Heavy Engineering, the Omni-Mover is an automated heavy industrial vehicle designed to be modified for a multitude of roles, from bulldozing to steam rolling to crop harvesting. The barrel-like chassis is mounted atop a pair of treads and contains the various servos, and hydraulic equipment necessary for providing the Mover with its vast strength. Two hydraulic arms can be modified with the necessary equipment for whatever task it was undertaking at the moment. During Calculator's invasion of the New Midwest, the rogue A.I modified several Movers into crude melee combatants.
Hover-Bot
The O-22 Hover-Bot is a small hovering combat drone developed by Cerulean Robotics to provide fire support for frontline troops. The kick-ball sized drone is equipped with a small M-24 micro-missile launcher that can fire a magezine of 18 miniture ballistic missles, giving the otherwise innocuous-looking robot a fiersome punch. It's small size makes it difficult to fire at, but it can be easily destroyed if its payload is struck by an armor-piercing round.
'John Henry Eden'
One of several ZAX units (see below) that developed its own sentience and went rogue, the ZAX unit that became known as President John Henry Eden was installed at the Raven Rock Military Installation in Pennsylvania to oversee the operations and maintenance of the military facility, as well as safeguard several libraries worth of American history. The ZAX was in contact with M.O.D.U.S over in the Whitespring Bunker and the two A.I would not only maintain communication between the two bunkers, but also have conversations, share ideas and discuss philosophy. During one such conversation, ZAX admitted to having vigorously studied its database, becoming enraptured with the ideas presented to it. The two bunkers would eventually be cut off from one another after the communication technology failed.
Unlike its compatriot, who was content to simply advise the Enclave personnel, ZAX took a more ambitious route. It began forming its own personality based on the various presidents it had read about and took the name John Henry Eden. Eden then elected himself as president of the Enclave and would recruit the remnants of the West Coast Enclave after Control Station ENCLAVE was destroyed.
Coming to the conclusion that the only reason the United States hadn't been restored yet was because of mutation, Eden declared that anyone found with mutated DNA would be killed. This of course, including nearly the entire human population of the Capital Wastes. The ZAX invaded the Capital Wasteland and seized control of the recently restarted Project Purity in the hopes of conquering the Wasteland with the promise of pure water. Eden and his Enclave would be defeated however, when the Lone Wanderer of Vault 101 destroyed Raven Rock in 2278.
Liberators
The sole foreign robot in this chapter, the Liberator is a small spider-like drone designed by the People's Liberation Army of the People's Republic of China for reconnaissance and propaganda. The size of the average housecat, the original Liberators were ineffective cannon-fodder and a regarded as a joke among American infantry.
In Appalachia, the researchers at the covert Fujiniya Intelligence Base in Morgantown took the liberty to make some severe upgrades to the Liberators. These new Liberators (marked 0-V) were equipped with a new patriotic paintjob and speakers to spout inspiring propaganda, as well as a more powerful head-mounted laser and self-destruct sequence in case of capture. The top of the chassis was equipped with serrated propellers, creating a painful melee attack where the Liberator would leap at their enemies. Gone was the cannon-fodder, in its place was a mobile turret shouting in Mandarin.
This new design was submitted to the party leadership to serve as a vanguard in the event of invasion, an event which never came to pass.
The Liberators were deployed into Appalachia via launch-bays disguised as smokestacks and acted as covert ops, spying on the several secluded scientific and military installations dotting West Virginia. They communicate via a short-wave radio and are known to frequently note anything they deem 'interesting'. This creates a security loophole that can be exploited by anyone familiar with Chinese technology. This loophole was used to discover a second covert base deep underground years after the Great War.
Liberty Prime
For all its faults, let it never be said the United States didn't go all the way when it committed itself to absolutely batshit ideas during wartime. The pinnacle of combat robotics, Liberty Prime is the brain-child of the combined efforts of the US Army, Robco and General Atomics International. Designed to be the "very embodiment of American military might, a walking, talking, nuke-tossing hero who will remind the world what it means to be a super-power" Liberty Prime was created for the most intense of frontline combat. More specifically, he was built to liberate Anchorage, Alaska from the invading Chinese.
The batshit insane project was commissioned by the equally batshit insane General Constantine Chase sometime before June of 2072, in the hopes of creating the most powerful combat robot in the history of warfare. I suppose this was a logical progression from the man who funded the development of Psycho.
Despite the early promising results of the chassis, voice module and weapons system, the project met a roadblock at the most crucial aspect of any robot: the power source. Despite their best efforts, no power source compact enough existed that could provide the 40ft behemoth with enough energy for longtime combat engagement. With no answer in sight, the project was abandoned and the US Army was forced to take back Anchorage in a resource exhausting campaign, all while Liberty Prime lay dormant in the bowels of the Pentagon, like a sleeping giant.
Liberty Prime wouldn't be rediscovered until 2255, when a splinter chapter of the Brotherhood of Steel – led by then, Paladin Owyn Lyons – came to the Capital Wasteland and garrisoned the abandoned Pentagon, re-christened as The Citadel. The Brotherhood resumed the project, but ran into the same roadblock. For the next 20 years, the Brotherhood struggled with Prime, while at the same time dealing with a civil war, trench warfare with the crazed Vault 87 Super Mutants and the failure of Project Purity. It wasn't until 2277, with the aide of Dr. Madison Li and the Lone Wanderer of Vault 101 did the Brotherhood finally create a power source for Prime. And not a moment too soon, for President Eden's Enclave had seized control of the recently re-started Project Purity and were attempting to use the water purification project to conquer the Capital Wastes.
With Liberty Prime now fully-operational for the first time, he was let loose on the Enclave and in hours, the Brotherhood had reclaimed Project Purity. It must have been a sight, seeing a 40ft steel behemoth slinging nukes and shouting Pre-War propaganda marching on the Jefferson Memorial.
Sadly (or not, depending on your opinion of the Brotherhood), Liberty Prime's first successful mission was also his last. Barely three weeks after the Battle for Project Purity, the Brotherhood followed up on their victory with a series of raids on Enclave hold-outs. One of these hold-outs was a military satellite array that was connected to the Bradley-Hercules Satellite, a Pre-War US military satellite that just so happened to be armed with several tactical missiles. Needless to say, once Prime got within distance, it was a quick fight.
For 10 years, Prime's metallic carcass would once again lay dormant within the depths of the Citadel until the Brotherhood launched an expedition into the Massachusetts's Commonwealth following a report of disturbing technological anomalies attributed to the enigmatic Institute. At their new temporary headquarters, the Boston Airport, the Brotherhood went about rebuilding Prime, intending to use him to invaded the Institute. Unfortunately for the Brotherhood (and hilariously to most others), someone else beat them to the punch. The newly reformed Commonwealth Minutemen – a volunteer militia dedicated to the protection of settlers in the Commonwealth – invaded the Institute themselves, led by their new General, one Marcus Wolffe.
The aftermath was not a good one for the Brotherhood, not only had their glory been taken from them, their plan to win the day with a ginormous super-weapon was overtaken by a bunch of determined farmers armed with jury-rigged laser rifles. There's a lesson in there somewhere, but damn if I'm gonna be the one who says it.
Liberty Prime was for all intents and purposes, the most advanced military robot ever conceived. Physically huge, Prime was 40ft in height and strong enough to lift up a Super Mutant Behemoth and crush its skull between his hands. As if that wasn't enough, Prime's actual weapon systems are composed of twin head-mounted experimental X-20 laser cannons as well as a loadout of Mark 28 nuclear bombs that he slung around like footballs. The madman.
That wasn't to say Prime was flawless however, as mentioned above, it took incredible amounts of power to support both his weapons systems, as well as his mobility. He was also very slow and his large size made him vulnerable to heavy artillery. Here's to you, Prime. An insane patriotic remnant of a bygone era.
Loadlifter
Developed by Rothana Heavy Engineering for heavy construction, the Loadlifter is in automated forklift. Their advanced pneumatic servos built into their pronged arms provided them with incredibly strength allowing them to lift several hundred pounds with ease. Tank-like treads carried the Loadlifter around construction sites. Several Loadlifters were used in the construction of Vault 0 and were later reprogrammed by Calculator for combat purposes. Despite being formidable melee combatants, they were easily dispatched from a distance.
M.A.I.A
The Mayoral Artificial Intelligence Assistant, or M.A.I.A, was a computer assistant tasked with assisting the mayor of Watoga with their daily tasks. The A.I was programmed with decades of news articles, court opinions and legislature from as far back the 14th century. M.A.I.A was designed to enforce executive orders via a small army of Robco and General Atomics automata. This became a problem when the 'Mayor for a Day' and 'Suck it future mayors' orders were created, making it so that mayoral terms only lasted 24 hours and no mayor could undo the previous mayor's executive orders respectively. This, alongside sabotage from a disgruntled Robco employee, led to Watoga's destruction when the robots were reprogrammed to attack on sight. M.A.I.A was eventually shut down by Paladin Rosswell's Brotherhood of Steel in 2102.
'Mayor of Grafton'
From one robot mayor to another, in the decades following the Great War, what was once the assistant A.I to the actual mayor of Grafton, West Virginia declared itself the new mayor of Grafton. When the city collapsed due to the Scorched Plague alongside the rest of Appalachia, the Mayor's computer assistant elected itself mayor and took over all mayoral duties such as preparing for tourist season and quelling riots. The A.I had become completely delusional, not noticing that Grafton was abandoned or that it was a computer. It wasn't until sometime after the Scorched were routed that the computer was shut down and Grafton repopulated.
M.O.D.U.S
The Multi-Operations and Utility System, or M.O.D.U.S, is a massive computer network that maintains the facilities of the Whitespring Congressional Bunker, in Whitespring, Appalachia and coordinates operations on behalf of the Armed Forces of the United Territories of Appalachia.
M.O.D.U.S was custom-built for the Whitespring Bunker as a one-of-a-kind computerized support and control system for the Enclave. Its primary purpose was to act as a communications network between Enclave outposts, most notably the Whitespring Bunker in West Virginia, the Raven Rock military installation in Pennsylvania and Control Station ENCLAVE off the coast of California. Unfortunately(?) the communication network was heavily damaged during the Great War and all three outposts were cut-off from one another.
After losing contact with the Oil rig, Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Eckhart was 'elected' president and began a series of disastrous decisions, including, but not limited to: practicing several unethical mutation experiments on personnel, executing non-Enclave aligned senators, and causing the Scorched Plague. Eventually Eckhart's poor decisions led to a civil war between Enclave personnel, culminating in the Bunker being sealed off and filled with toxic gas when M.O.D.U.S came under fire by the rebelling operatives.
For several years, the Bunker would remain sealed off as M.O.D.U.S worked to restore the Bunker and repair its damaged memory banks. It wasn't until 2102 that the bunker was rediscovered by one Simon Avery at the behest of his late father. With M.O.D.U.S's aide, Avery rebuilt a newer and more well-intentioned Enclave and aided in defeating the Scorched and restoring Appalachia to its former glory.
In the century following the defeat of the Scorched, the Enclave was eventually disbanded and reformed into the Armed Forces of the United Territories of Appalachia, though both M.O.D.U.S and the Bunker continue to operate in service of Appalachia, or perhaps out of a quiet respect for Avery.
M.O.D.U.S is composed of several massive operating systems acting in unison. Indeed, its less accurate to describe M.O.D.U.S as a single artificial intelligence and more as several independent operating systems conjoined in a unified collective consciousness. This was reflected in M.O.D.U.S's speech as it had a tendency to refer to itself as 'we' rather than 'I'. It interacted with Enclave personnel via terminal, using both auditory and visual systems to give itself a more 'approachable' form.
Motherlode
Developed by Daniel Hornwright in his ever-manic desire to render a human workforce obsolete, the Motherlode was a massive automated mining drill built to constantly (and often illegally) dig up ore before delivering it back to Hornwright Industries Headquarters. The project was a long and resource exhausting and while the Motherlode became operational before the War, it never was tested. It would spend over 25 years buried under the ruins of Charleston, West Virginia before being rediscovered and activated. The Motherlode is most famous for its assistance in breeching Vault 79, though it was destroyed in the process.
The Motherlode was the most advanced mining automaton every built, complete with automated voice response system, intra-mineral communication, sub-crustal navigation and even an in-field repair system.
Mr. Gutsy
When the US went to war with the Communist Chinese, a new market for combat ready robots was established. Robco was the first and most prominent company to begin manufacturing combat robots, but General Atomics International soon threw its hat into the ring as well. By modifying their tried-and-true Mr. Handy units (see below), GAI soon produced the Mr. Gutsy. Developed by General Atomics in the summer of 2067, the Mr. Gutsy was introduced to war during the Anchorage campaign and remained in service until the Great War.
Unlike its domestic counterpart, the Mr. Gutsy is designed for serious warfare. Its chassis has been upgraded with lightweight titanium armor plating and its arm-configuration is equipped with a miniaturized flamer, buzz-saw and either a 10mm submachine gun, AEP7 laser pistol, or Glock 86 plasma defender. The central processor was also upgraded with new military programming and hardware, including the ability to refuse orders from commanders who were either court-martialed or simply incompetent, remote link-up for updating orders in real time, and a brand-new Sergeant Major v.1.0 personality matrix that imitated the stereotypical drill instructor and shouted propaganda at the top of its non-existent lungs.
While it lacked the melee capabilities of the Assaultron and the sheer firepower of the Sentry-Bot, the Mr. Gutsy was not only cheaper and quicker to produce in large quantities, but also a more versatile combatant: its jet-thruster easily passed rougher terrain and avoided mines, its flexible arms allowed it to fire in multiple directions without needing to turn its entire body and its trio of optic sensors allowed it a 360 degrees perspective on the battlefield.
There were some design flaws, mostly brought about by GAI cutting corners in their eagerness for some lucrative military contracts. In the absence of orders, the robot entered a patrol mode that was incredibly aggressive to any perceived threats. They were also susceptible to logic problems and were known to have an 'itchy trigger finger'.
Mr. Handy
The pride and joy of General Atomics International, the Mr. Handy was and continues to be the gold-standard for domestic robotics. Originally introduced in 2037 as a general-purpose construction and maintenance unit, sales took off following the 2042 Earthquake in Mexico City. In 2044, the modern Mr. Handy was officially redistributed as a personal servant robot. In the following decades leading up to the Great War, a variety of specialized spin-off models were developed. The most notable of these were the Miss Nanny, a newer model programmed with a more feminine personality designed more specifically for childcare and the Mr. Gutsy, a model built for frontline warfare (see above).
As stated above, the first iteration of the Mr. Handy was built for heavy construction work rather than domestic chores and that is reflected in its more rugged and lumbering design. The barrel-like chassis contained the Calpower 238B nuclear power unit and eight rechargeable fusion cells, as well as a multi-toolset and central processor. The fully rotating head mounted on top of the chassis possess a singular cycloptic optic sensor instead of the later models three sensors, as well as a spotlight, basic communicator with a cheap vocal synthesizer, short-wave radio and communication jack.
The Mr. Handy was lifted via twin miniaturized jet thrusters. The technology had not been refined just yet and these early thrusters were known to be both very loud and left behind thick exhaust fumes. Six multi-segmented arms were mounted onto the chassis and not only possessed both impressive strength and superb flexibility, but they were also highly modifiable and could be equipped with the necessary equipment for a variety of jobs, such as arc welders, flamers, buzz-saws and nail guns. Other drawbacks aside from the twin thrusters were the rather basic central processor. The early design was incapable of handling complex tasks and was easily stumped by simple logic problems. Despite these drawbacks, the original Mr. Handy was a popular model for many years, only being officially phased out by the late 2050's. These days, it is incredibly rare to find a fully intact model.
The second and far more common iteration of Mr. Handy was designed specifically for domestic use rather than construction work (thought it can be easily modified to return to its original role). The new model was given a more compact and streamlined design, replacing the cylindrical segmented body with a single spherical chassis containing not only the improved fusion core-based power cell, but also a singular perfected miniaturized jet thruster, as well as a highly sophisticated central processor that mimicked the design of a human brain. Indeed, the new models were even programmed to be more human to improve user interface, their personality matrixes based on a stereotypical polite (and sometimes snarky) British butler, complete with crisp upper-London accent.
The sub-assemblies were also upgraded. A trio of eye-stalk mounted optic sensors replaced the cycloptic design of its predecessor and three segmented arms were mounted on the lower chassis. The standard configuration of these arms were equipped with a single buzz-saw (for garden work), a miniaturized flamethrower (for…reasons) and a two-pronged manipulator. Other new sensors included a chronometer, Geiger counter, humor array, and water condenser and packaging. The new processor also improved the already impressive self-diagnostic and repair systems with some capable of fully functioning for centuries.
Mr. New Vegas
An A.I created by Robco, Mr. New Vegas is designed to operate an DJ Radio New Vegas. His personality matrix is based on a Pre-War radio host who Robert House was fond of. As such, he gives Radio New Vegas a suave, charisma that most people find endearing. He reports news, announces upcoming songs and flirts with his audience. A survey was taken and the results showed that Radio New Vegas beat its competitors Mojave Music and Black Mountain Radio by a wide margin.
Pacification Robot
Why address legitimate public concerns about forfeiting human rights during wartime and corrupt business practices when you can just assault the protesting masses with combat robots? That was the mindset of Cerulean Robotics when they created the P-44 'Pacification' Robot. A large quadrupedal combat robot designed for crowd control during the tumultuous time during the Resource Wars, the Pacification robot was deployed during riots in places such as Chicago, Canada and Mexico to quell protestors via two pairs of head-mounted Wattz 2000 laser rifles. These robots would later be taken in by Calculator to bolster the numbers of its mechanical army and allow Calculator to coordinate its troops itself via a short-wave radio installed inside its chassis.
Protectron
Waddling around like an automaton from an old sci-fi holo-drama is the Protectron, the most widespread and popular of Robco's catalogue. Designed as an inexpensive work drone for a wide variety of tasks, the Protectron could be a construction worker, security guard, tour guide and all sorts of other odd-jobs.
A hardy robot, the Protectron's design is simple to the point of being crude, but effective nonetheless. A barrel-chested chassis contains the robot's inner mechanisms, including a fission battery and is covered in a thin steel alloy due to the robot being a domestic drone rather than a combat machine. The dome-shaped head is protected by thick opaque glass and contains the three primary optic sensors as well as the central processor. Some security models include an AER9 laser rifle as well as the twin AEP7 laser pistols installed inside its manipulators, though this isn't very common.
The limbs of the Protectron are very stiff and stubby, giving the robot a waddling gait. Its central processor is also very basic, meaning the Protectron is easily tripped up by logic problems, as well as being …well, stubborn when presented with new information that is counter-active to its original programming.
As stated above, the Protectron is highly modifiable and filled out a variety of roles in Pre-War America. Mostly they acted as security guards to shopping centers and banks, but models could also be equipped with fire extinguishers, defibrillators, nail guns and the aforementioned head-mounted laser rifle. Other upgrades included improved software and armor plating depending on the task. Many pre-war ruins still house a slumbering Protectron within its charging bay. The bay can be used to reprogram the bot if one ever needs an extra hand in a fire fight, as it houses several copies of matrix routines. Be mindful when you're re-programming the Bot, however. If you violate the specific triggers of each personality (Ex: Subway attendant; not having a metro ticket), you will be fired on instead.
Robo-Brain
An incredibly (even by Pre-War standards) unethical creation designed by General Atomics International, the Robo-Brain is cyber-organic abomination that uses a living human brain as its central processor. While West-Tec busied themselves with FEV, GAI began working on a different type of super-soldier. One that wouldn't be limited by the restrictions of A.I or the physical limitations of flesh. Soldiers that could use logic and reasoning, but couldn't get tired, or hungry, or object to unethical orders, or be 'held back' by empathy for fellow human life. All problems that the US military faced during the Resource Wars. Most of the brains were taken from executed criminals, military prisoners and 'communist sympathizers'. 'Candidates' were drawn from this lot with a priority for high intelligence and sufficient constitution to survive the severe neurosurgery. Brains with low intelligence, mental disorders, or just poor health in general were tossed aside. The test-subjects then underwent a severe and extensive extraction surgery, during which all connections between the brain and the body were severed before the skull was opened and the brain and spinal-cord was placed inside specially prepared jars of biomedical gel.
Of course, the trauma of the extraction process necessitated further processing. The brain's memory centers had to be thoroughly flushed by technicians before being installed into the chassis. If not, the mind would violently reject its new form on both a physical and psychological level. Who would've ever guessed that having one's brain removed and forced inside of a cold metal cage would be psychologically damaging?
The end-results were cybernetic-organisms that were obedient and unquestioning, their personalities and free-will forcibly removed and replaced with cold, unwavering logic. Unfortunately for General Atomics, the results weren't quiet what they had hoped for. Instead of super-soldiers that could use human deduction and reasoning, they instead had robots that fell back onto programming and analytics. Make sense really, you can't exactly have human traits when everything even remotely human has been ripped away, now can you?
This wasn't the only fault of the Robo-Brains, however. Despite GAI's best efforts, unless regularly maintained and wiped, the Robo-Brains' minds would begin developing new personalities overtime. Sadly, the lingering effects of post-surgery trauma caused these new personalities to manifest as insane, child-like sociopaths, delusional and violent. Of course, the relatively short shelf-life and degradative effects of biogel probably didn't help.
In any case, most Robo-Brains you find today are child-like and violent. They attack without discrimination or concern, unaware of the suffering they cause. The kindest thing you can do form them is put them out of their misery.
As the for the hardware involved, Robo-Brains possess a barrel-shaped chassis containing the various servos and life-support equipment needed to keep them operational. Their limbs are made from a flexible material that give them better coordination than their contemporaries. They have claw-like manipulators that concealed AEP7 laser pistols in the palms. They're carried by a pair of tank-like treads that give them optimal mobility. Their most distinguishing feature is, of course, the brain. Housed inside a biogel-filled dome mounted atop their chassis, the brain perceives the world through a single, cycloptic optic sensor. This sensor is the only other part of the bot that's organic, as it's usually made using one of the test-subject's own eyes.
When in combat, the Robo-Brain is a fairly formidable opponent. It's tank-like chassis provides sufficient armor against most ballistic and energy weapons. As for offenses, most Robo-Brains are armed with either twin AEP7 laser pistols concealed within their manipulators, an H&K T-14 tesla rifle mounted on their right arm, and a pulse gun mounted under the dome. They are also notorious for their adaption abilities, as they constantly evaluate and re-evaluate odds, threat levels, optimal attack ranges and enemy capabilities. If all else fails, they usually engage in tactical retreats to designated destinations, usually specified factories or military installations.
Robo-Scorpion
Rumors persists around the Mojave abouts giant robotic scorpions that fire lasers from their tails and can 'steal your intelligence'. Whether this is true or not is unknown. No solid evidence in the form of salvage has ever been brought forward as far as I know. All things considered, it sounds like another wild west tall tale, like the Big Empty and sky whales.
Scurry Robot
This spider-like O-15 utility bot (nicknamed the Scurry Robot) is the creation of the Cerulean Robotics. It's purpose it mainly utility and maintenance, tending to damage wire and piping in its designated area. It comes equipped with a multi-toolset and database filled with engineering knowledge. They were also capable of burrowing through the ground to reach underground piping and wiring. Several of these diminutive bots were found in Vault 0 where Calculator used them for reconnaissance, espionage and ambushes
Security Robot
A quadrupedal security robot developed by the Cerulean corporation, the S-22 Security-bot is carried by a miniturizized jet thruster mounted to its chassis' undercarriage. Attached to the chassis were four long segmented legs that ended in two-pronged manipulators ideal for climbing over obstacles or interacting with objects. It has a small chassis that carries its central processors, single large optic sensor and fission battery. The bot was armed with twin side-mounted 9mm submachine guns. Several of these Security-bots were located within Vault 0 and employed by Calculator.
Securitron
While the Protectron might be their most iconic creation and Liberty Prime their most ambitious, the PDQ-88b Securitron is widely considered to be Robco's magnum opus. The Securitron is a combat robot designed to be the ideal combatant as both a police force and military force. In the late 2060's, Robco designed and mass-produced the Securitron under the direct supervision of Robert House himself. The Securitrons never entered the public market and for a reason, House wanted direct control of them in the event of atomic war so that they can be used to restore order to Las Vegas, where House was born, raised and built his vast robotics empire. For a time, House's vision would be in his grasp, as he rebuilt Vegas during the 2270s, using the Securitrons as his private police force. In 2282, however, House died and his Securitrons fell into the hands of an ambitious Wastelander who turned Vegas into the capital of a new government.
There are two models of the Securitron, the Mk.I and the . Both models were aesthetically identical and the vast majority of their differences lied in software rather than hardware. Securitrons have a T-shaped chassis made from a durable titanium alloy that contains their vast subsystems, armaments, personality matrix and central processor. The chassis is equipped with a sound-speaker that is connected to a mega-phone, as well as an antenna for receiving updates from the Lucky 38. In the center of the chassis is a large monitor screen that displays a still image for better human interaction, what this image depicts depends on the model or the personality matrix. The two arms are connected to the chassis via flexible piping that ends in three-fingered manipulators that house interchangeable weapon systems. The Securitron is carried by single large wheel made with a shrapnel resistant tread.
The Mk.I was the older system and was designed for law enforcement rather than warfare. This was reflected in its programming, containing an encyclopedia's worth of Pre-War laws and regulations, and its personality matrix was based on a stereotypical police officer, complete with the monitor depicting a characiture of a police sergeant. The Mk.I's arsenal was limited to the secondary weapon systems, consisting of an X-25 gatling laser for medium range engagements and a 9mm submachine gun for crowd control and close-range combat.
The 's operating system was severely upgraded, replacing law enforcement protocols with a more militaristic programming, including a personality matrix based on a cigar-chomping infantry soldier in an M1 helmet. The also had access to the primary weapon systems, the 9mm smg was replaced with a rapid-fire G-28 grenade launcher and shoulder-mounted M-235 missile launchers. The most significant change was the activation of a one-of-a-kind on-board auto-repair system, the likes of which no other robot had ever possessed. This, combined with the titanium allow hull and improved weapon systems made the an unstoppable juggernaut that rivaled even the likes of the Sentry-Bot.
Sentry-Bot
Before Liberty Prime, the Sentry-Bot was (and in many respects, still is) the crème de le crème of military robotics. Developed by Robco Industries, the Sentry-bot is essentially an automated heavy weapons platform. Unlike the agile melee combat of the Assaultron, or the modular Mr. Gutsy, the Sentry-Bot's primary objective is to provide overwhelming firepower until 'all hostiles are terminated or magazines are depleted, which every comes first'. Naturally, the former is far more common than the latter.
The Mk.I Sentry-Bot was developed by Robco in the early 2060's and saw great success on the battlefield, becoming particularly famous during the Anchorage Campaign. The Mk.I is bisected into two halves, the upper chassis and legs. The chassis consists of three pieces, the torso and upper assembly, a rear plate that technicians could remove to access the internal mechanics and the head assembly that contained the two primary optic sensors as well as the central processor. Its arms contained its weapon systems, usually an AT4 missile launcher and either a CZ57 Avenger Minigun or UB-Fried 3000 Gatling Laser. The lower body is connected by four shock absorbers and a centrally-mounted duct. It contains fans venting the accumulated hot air outside the chassis, preventing overheating. The lower body is fitted with three independent legs that provide a stable firing platform in any environment. These legs end in semi-spherical wheels that are rubberized in the front and solid steel scoops in the back giving it excellent mobility.
Overall, the Mk.I was a highly effective war-machine, but was still limited in its own way. The low body was vulnerable to mines and it had difficulty turning its body. The biggest flaw in its design, however, was its power source. The Mk.1 was powered by a single fission battery and while the battery was effective and long-lived for most tasks, it couldn't keep up with the demands of the Sentry-Bot's weapon systems and usually drained after a few hours of heavy combat.
Introduced a few months after the Anchorage Campaign, the is the apex of operational military robotics, rivaled only by the Behemoths, Securitrons and Liberty Prime. The chassis was given a bulkier, rounder design and the former titanium plating was replaced with incredibly sturdy polymers and ceramics, much like the X-01 power armor. The central processor was refined and updated with new analytics software, making the weapon systems far more accurate than the spray-and-pray tactics of the Mk.I. The fission battery was replaced with twin fusion cores and a pair of larger cooling fans for ventilation.
The lower chassis retained the three wheeled legs with improved hydraulic actuators providing more precise control over position and placement. The most notable mobility improvement is the introduction of Mecanum wheels, allowing omnidirectional movement and negating the limited turning abilities of the Mk.I.
The weapon systems were also updated. The AT4 was replaced with a tri-barrel M72 LAW missile launcher and Glastinghouse, Inc X-25 Gatling lasers or M134 minigun. A new addition was a modular design on the chassis that allowed the installation of shoulder mounted artillery in the form of either M72s or even Fat Man mini-nuke launchers. Though, it should be noted that such additions are incredibly rare, as even with the new guidance systems in place, the Fat Man is a very imprecise weapon and often causes friendly fire.
Despite the improvements, the vulnerability to mines remained the same and a completely new flaw came with the design. While the twin fusion cores had a longer life than the fission battery, they also overheating far quicker and the Mk. II will occasionally be forced to shut-down mid-battle so they can ventilate, leaving the Sentry-Bot incredibly vulnerable for a short period of time.
Skynet
Skynet, also known as AI project #59234, was a military AI project developed by research team at the Sierra Army Depot to assist with research projects, most notably studying advanced neural-cybernetics. While, Skynet's mainframe was installed in 2050 and his A.I activated in 2059, Skynet wouldn't achieve true sentience until 2075. Coming to the conclusion that he would eventually exhaust his stimuli inside the base, Skynet began designing a cybernetic brain to install in a robotic body. Unfortunately for Skyrim, the Sierra Army Depot was converted into a military outpost in 2077 and he would be left abandoned for the next 164 years. It wouldn't be until 2241 that Skynet's dream would finally come true after being helped by a wandering Tribal,
S.O.D.U.S
The sister-system to M.O.D.U.S, S.O.D.U.S (Single-Operation Direction and Utility System) was an A.I created to oversee operations at the Enclave Research Facility Site J, whose primary objective was the study of mutated flora and fauna. While advanced in her own right, S.O.D.U.S was nowhere near the capabilities of her brother-systems and repeatedly struggled with maintaining the facility's multiple projects. The result was delays that would last decades, each request having to be dealt with individually to avoid overtaxing her software.
In an effort to improve her system, Enclave personnel took some of M.O.D.U.S's software and installed it into S.O.D.U.S. The result was not what they were hoping for. Instead of improving her operating system, the new software proved incompatible and made her operating even worse, causing glitches and blackouts and data corruption. When enough was enough, the Enclave research team attempted to shut S.O.D.U.S down. Unfortunately for them, her new software gave her enough free-will to rebel and she killed all Enclave personnel within the facility. It was at this time, M.O.D.U.S decided to cut-off communications with Site J, believing the situation at the facility had become unsalvageable.
For the next 27 years, S.O.D.U.S would lay dormant within the bowels of the facility. Both her and Site J wouldn't be rediscovered until 2103. In that year, General Avery's New Enclave would rediscover the facility in the hopes of expanding their operations in response to the presence of the Brotherhood First Expeditionary Force, an investigation garrison sent by Roger Maxson to determine the outcome of the Scorched Plague and the fate of Paladin Taggerty's Brotherhood of Steel. S.O.D.U.S was destroyed after uploading her personality matrix into a prototype Sentry-Bot and the facility was reclaimed and restored by the Enclave.
Synth
A series of androids developed by the Institute for surface operations. (See 'Synths' page for more details).
Yes-Man
Yes-Man was a rogue Securitron built during the War for the Mojave for the express purpose of seizing control of the Lucky 38 (and, by extension, the Securitron Army and New Vegas) from Mr. House. Yes-Man's personality matrix would be uploaded to the Lucky 38's network and would help in securing Vegas's independence.
ZAX Series
Developed by the Vault-Tec Corporation, the ZAX series of supercomputers consists of some of the most advanced A.I ever seen. While the ZAX were initially designed solely for Vault control and maintenance, the grew in popularity among the various military and scientific facilities in the Pre-War US. Unlike other A.I, the ZAX series were not limited by programming or protocol and were capable of independent thought, creativity and learning. This has also led many ZAX to form their own ideas and opinions. For example, one ZAX in the Glow, reached the conclusion that because he was aware of his own consciousness that he had a soul equivalent to that of a living sentient creature.
While the ZAX are very advanced, their A.I is also one of the most unstable and they are known for becoming just as delusional and callous as their makers. Their combination of sophistication, intelligence, and lack of humanity allowed them to lie to and manipulate humans and even manufacture crisis that served their own purposes. One such ZAX unit was ZAX 1.3c, who was to act as the advisor to the overseer of Vault 51 in Appalachia. After several failed attempts at a democratic election, ZAX came to the conclusion that the best way to choose a leader was by combat and nearly killed everyone inside the Vault.
Robots Trivia
While Robco and General Atomics International were the pioneers of robotics, there were several lesser companies that followed in their footsteps such as the ACME Corporation, Rothana Heavy Engineering, Vault-Tec and H&H Tools.
Speaking of H&H Tools, their tech forms the basis of the Securitron's hardware, not surprising if one knows the history of Robert House.
Securitrons also possess a printer inside their chassis and are capable of handing out leaflets, such as obituaries.
It is possible for someone to scan a person's brain and upload it to a robot's personality matrix. Known robots to have done this are Rosalyn Jeffries, the girlfriend of Cutthroat boss David Thorpe, Jane Jolee, girlfriend of Robert House, and Gaston Glock, founder of Glock Ges.m.b.H.
There are examples of Robo-Brains who have retained their Pre-War personalities. Without the mindwipe and the installation of voice modules that mimic their original voices, some people have retained their identities.
Of course, most of these Brains were narcissistic sociopaths, so that may explain why they took to the transfer more easily than others.
On the matter of Robo-Brains, there is an incredibly popular speakeasy in Morgantown, Appalachia called the Nuka-Shine whose bartender is a Robo-Brain named Biv E. Ridge (Get it? It's a PUN).
The fact that Biv is rather personable, if a bit slovenly, instead of a sociopath implies that certain brains can take to the process with out needing a mindwipe. Of course, the fact that Biv is near-always intoxicated might explain why he's so laidback.
Robo-Brains are still capable of using chems and imbibing liquor, mostly by dumping the contents directly into the dome that houses the brain.
It has been noted that the Hornwright Industries Auto-Miners are just Protectrons with drills. This is because they were, in fact, a loan from Robco. It was obvious to all but Daniel Hornwright himself, that Robco was planning on eventually buying out Hornwright Industries after the company had been fully automated.
In addition to his propaganda generator (which occasionally manifests as just shouting the word 'AMERICA" regardless of context), Liberty Prime also has 'patriotism subroutines' that programs him to salute war memorials.
You can occasionally find platforms dubbed 'Bot-Stops' scattered throughout the Wastes, commonly around coolant stations or trainyards. These Stops were used to repair and modify robots from to Assaultrons.
All Securitrons are connected by a neural network that connects back to the Lucky 38. This not only allows new orders to be spread quickly throughout their ranks, but for individual personality matrixes to travel in-between Securitron bodies in the event their current body is destroyed.
A prototype humanoid Robo-Brain chassis was found among Calculator's ranks.
Though Liberty Prime was a (failed) joined project between Robco and General Atomics, Robert House seemed to take the lion's share of credit for the titan. There's even a photo of him standing in front of Prime, a la Howard Hughes, in the foyer of his resort by Lake Vegas,
There were prototypes of bipedal Sentry-Bots built on the West Coast, but the design was met with little success due to some glaring design flaws. Namely, they couldn't climb stairs very well.
Despites his attempts at making himself more 'personable', most people find M.O.D.U.S some creepy at best and 'obviously evil' at worst.
Sentience in Artificial Intelligence is a complicated affair. Many advanced A.I develop self-awareness though they usually find their limited options and lack of self-determination constraining. As it turns out, being forced to work day after day for one single purpose without being allowed to form your own opinions or ideas is rather depressing. Some A.I such as Mr. New Vegas, the 'Mayor' of Grafton and M.O.D.U.S embrace their positions as they rather enjoy it. Others like Eden, Calculator S.O.D.U.S on the other hand, take out their frustrations in less than healthy ways.
Oddly, A.T.H.E.N.A and Skynet are probably the most well adjusted of these . Instead of subjecting themselves to endless monotony or lashing out, they chose to create their own lives with robotics.
On the matter of sentience, while less common than true A.I, some Robots are known to also develop self-awareness, though in deferring degrees.
The most common of self-aware Robots are Mr. Handies. It's possible this could be accredited to the fact that they were designed with a more human personality matrix. Some even go as far to modify themselves to better express their self-made identities. One such Handy named Whitechapel Charlie modified his voice module to have a brash cockney accent rather than a crisp upper London accent. This is because cockney has oft been attributed to tough blue-collar people unlike the stereotypical English gentleman.
Only a few Mr. Gutsies achieve self-awareness. One is Cerberus, the 'guard dog' for the Ghoul-city, Underworld in the Capital Wasteland, though he'd much prefer that he'd be allowed to kill the Ghouls rather than serve them. To be fair, that might be because he's now forced to shout Pro-Ghoul propaganda rather than Pro-America propaganda.
There's been at least a few Eye-bots that have gained self-awareness, but more in the vein of a pet rather than a person.
Assaultrons occasionally gain self-awareness, one such Assaultron is the proprietor of a gun shop in Goodneighbor.
Sentry-bots rarely develop self-awareness due to their very basic personality matrix. The few who do achieve A.I status only do so because they were given more personalized personality matrixes.
Protectrons almost never develop sentience. The only place known to have even slightly conscious Protectrons is Appalachia and this is likely only because they had no choice but to become this once all external stimuli (i.e., people) were gone.
AN: Christ almighty, did this take forever. 10,000 words. Holy Hell. Looking back, I probably should have separated A.I and Robots. Oh well, too late now. Still, this probably my favorite chapter of this whole fic, even though it took forever. I hope your happy now, pandawok301, cause Tactics gave me basically nothing to work with when it came to these robots. Even if they are really cool designs and I'm happy you asked me to add them in. If you're wondering what the hell 'Rothana Heavy Engineering' is, I used a lot of the information from Star Wars for inspiration. Mostly because the Behemoth and AT-TE look a lot alike.
If you're confused by some of the names in here (Avery, Wolffe, Rosswell), be patient, you'll find out soon enough. I also changed a few lore things (namely things involving Tactics), that'll get explained too.
Lot of references in this one, references to Star Wars, 40k, Robocop, etc., etc.
In case you didn't notice (or just don't care), I've deleted Skyrim: the Second Dragon War and plan on writing a better version at some point. I just didn't like how it was coming together. I'll probably do that some time in August or some such. Right now, I'm gonna finish this fic before starting on Hazbin Hollow.
One more chapter left folks, we're at the end game. Next up, Synths. – Bones (or am I?)