Robot

A robot is a machine capable of autonomously completing tasks. Depending upon the robot, these tasks may be simple or complex, and may require little human intervention or complete oversight.

In the Fallout universe, robots had been constructed for many purposes, and many examples survived long enough to be a factor in the worlds of Fallout, Fallout 2, Fallout 3, and their spin-offs.

Robots had been constructed by pre-War society to fill all niches and occupations. From general-purpose utility droids to full-fledged military battle machines, robots could be found in almost any environment and function.

Programming
Typically, robots are equipped with a basic programming structure that dictates behavior and priorities. In most cases, these rules are effectively set in stone, and there's little the player can do to influence them. However, robots also develop personalities. Whether this is an intended feature present from manufacturing or the cumulative result of centuries of poorly-attended operation is unclear. Some robots, such as the Nuka-Cola shipping foreman appear to have rather harsh personalities present from their first days of activation, while others, such as the Protectron series seem to have little personality at all. At times, this personality gestalt seems to operate at odds with the fundamental core programming of the robot.

Notable examples of this disconnect include Cerberus, the Mr. Gutsy robotic soldier that patrols Underworld. Despite programming to protect the ghouls of the city, Cerberus nevertheless admits quite freely that it detests the ghouls and, were it not for his combat inhibitor, would likely kill them all. Sawbones, resident medic at the Citadel, has an unhealthy interest in pain driven by his personality, while his programming clearly states he is a medic.

Even robotic butlers show contrary streaks, although these aberrations are less likely to cause grievous bodily injury. The butler present in the player's home in Fallout 3 is often overheard saying with a cheery voice "How can I serve you master?" while muttering, sotto voce, "Not that I really want to" some seconds later.

Robots are often pressed into emergency duty outside their normal menu of skills, although this meets with varying degrees of success. A general-maintenance Mr. Handy will likely make a poor medic.

Dealing With Robots
While some robots in the Fallout wastelands are benign, most are following centuries-old programming -- or newer programming -- that classifies the player as a threat. To that end, effective anti-robot combat strategies are a must.

Most robots are highly resistant to damage from conventional weapons. Bullets do not generally affect robots as severely as they do their organic masters, and militarized robots can generally shrug off grenade shrapnel. However, like all electronics, robots are vulnerable to the effects of an EMP, making pulse weapons the ideal choice for disabling a robotic enemy.

Pulse grenades, pulse mines, and 12 Gauge EMP Shells are ideal for disabling a robot quickly, and though these munitions are typically expensive, they are much more efficient in a cost-for-effect frame of mind. Explosive weapons like missile launchers or miniature nuclear weapons are effective, but more costly to use against robots.

Players with sufficient Repair skills, or certain perks can disable inattentive robots, while players with sufficient Science skills can occasionally find control terminals that can shut down or reconfigure patrolling mechanical marauders.

List of Robots
''This general-purpose robot was built mainly for housekeeping and maintenance. Although not a combat robot, a Mr. Handy could still be an issue in combat.'' Seen in: Fallout, Fallout 2, Fallout 3
 * Mr. Handy

''A militarized version of the Mr. Handy, designed for use with the US Army and Marine Corps. A capable combatant.'' Seen in: Fallout 3
 * Mr. Gutsy

''A cyborged robot that made use of an organic brain as its main CPU, Robobrains have been found mated with animal and human brains. A less-capable combatant in Fallout 2, the Robobrain's military cousin was encountered in Fallout 3.'' Seen in: Fallout 2, Fallout 3
 * Robobrain

''Relatively benign, the Eyebot is designed mainly to spread radio-broadcast Enclave propaganda. Although armed with an electric stunner, these robots have no real combat strength.'' Seen in: Fallout 3
 * Eyebot

''This weak security robot uses an electric cattle prod to coerce disobedient persons back into submission. Sturdy but unsuited to real combat.'' Seen in: Fallout, Fallout 2
 * Floating Eye

''Sentry Bots are bruisers, no matter what form they take. Capable of both dishing out and taking tremendous punishment, Sentry Bots represent the pinnacle of military robotics.'' Seen in: Fallout 2, Fallout 3
 * Sentry Bot

A morphing gas pump equipped with a flamethrower, little is known about the Gasbot. Seen in: Van Buren
 * Gasbot

Designed primarily to handle the movement of radioactive waste, Agricola bots are heavily armored and durable. Seen in: Van Buren
 * Agricola robot

Massive, dog-like sentries, CRB-S units could be programmed to perform at varying levels of force to uphold law and order. Seen in: Van Buren
 * CRB-S

''Vaguely reminiscent of Robbie the Robot, Protectrons were common robots in and around the Capitol Wasteland. While many were tasked with building or Metro security, some military versions could be found roaming the wasteland. Of all the robots, only the Protectron series mounted the peculiar Mesmetron.'' Seen in: Fallout 3
 * Protectron

''Half dog, half robot, cyberdogs made for loyal companions, if not terribly adaptable. Cyberdogs were products of the Enclave.'' Seen in: Fallout 2
 * Cyberdog

The most human of all robots, androids could easily pass as normal humans under all but the most intense examinations. Seen in: Fallout 3
 * Android

Part mutant human, part machine, Frank Horrigan was both the head of the Secret Service of the Enclave and a cyborged force to be reckoned with. Seen in: Fallout 2
 * Big Bad Boss

A robotic foot soldier used by the Calculator, androids were neither durable nor powerful, but they were plentiful. Seen in: Fallout Tactics
 * Humanoid Robot

''Useful only as scouts, Hover Robots performed reconnaissance missions for the Calculator. Very weak, but considered disposable.'' Seen in: Fallout Tactics
 * Hover Robot

Large, humanoid robots, Security Robots were weaker than their larger cousins, but when it came to exerting power in the tight confines of a building, few robots could equal its abilities. Seen in: Fallout Tactics
 * Security Robot

Among the smallest of the Calculator's forces, the diminutive Scurry Bot patrolled tight confines and occasionally laid in ambush in difficult terrain. Seen in: Fallout Tactics
 * Scurry Robot

''Though armed with a massive flail that made this robot a killing machine in close combat, the Tank Track Robots were nevertheless large and ungainly. Coupled with the inability to launch a ranged attack, they were easily countered by a prepared force.'' Seen in: Fallout Tactics
 * Tank Track Robot

Essentially a robotic forklift, the Loadlifter's strength lay in its size and weight. Seen in: Fallout Tactics
 * Loadlifter Robot

The second-heaviest military robot in the Calculator's ranks, the Pacification Bot could launch a devastating ranged attack and required a great deal of punishment to put down. Seen in: Fallout Tactics
 * Pacification Robot

The undisputed heavyweight king of the Calculator's army, the Behemoth lived up to its name by being able to easily obliterate its foes and survive massive amounts of damage. Seen in: Fallout Tactics
 * Behemoth Robot

A robotic perk, Cyborg, makes an appearance in Fallout 3.

Robot