Robobrain

Robobrains (military alphanumeric serial numbers RB-3928) are multi-purpose robots. Their memory and programs are stored inside an organic or partially organic brain, and contained in its dome shell atop the machine. They are considered superior to most robots, as human brains allow them a wider range of responses and functions than other robots. Their hands are suited to use most tools and weapons usable by humans.

Background
Robobrains were created before the Great War by General Atomics International for the U.S. military and for the civilian sector. Official government records list only chimpanzee brains as being used in the robots, but at least some human brains were taken from the bodies of convicted criminals sentenced to death. Just as well, many of these subjects were criminally insane, so the robobrains they became a part of were not entirely mentally stable, despite complete reprogramming, usually with the CODE technology. Some of these human-robobrains would even try to subtly kill themselves, apparently resenting being robots.

Construction
A robobrain moves on a tracked chassis (using dual 40 hydro-processor motors), either on a fixed or flexible mount. This is conjoined to a sizable cylindrical torso with a hardened glass dome on top, housing the central processing unit with the organic brain suspended inside. In addition, to use consoles, operate levers, or engage targets with weapons, they have two flexible manipulators, ending in three point claws, on the sides of their torsos. Robobrains were going to be the next generation of robotic soldier in warfare but their costs made it difficult to implement their introduction into the American military.

The robobrain's organic brain is suspended in pressurized bio med gel (which is the primary reason the brains can continue to function for several centuries). Any damage to the casing or the brain itself can disrupt the robot's brainwaves and damage its neural connection to the rest of the body, affecting the robot's performance. Feeding the organic brain information about its surroundings are special sensors (typically with software written in 2076 installed), called Sensors '76. Apart from providing a real-time high resolution feed of the robot's surroundings, they are also capable of switching to infrared mode, in case the main sensors, for one reason or another, become useless.

The manipulators in some robobrain models are designed to operate regular human weaponry (such as AK-112 assault rifles), while some have integrated laser guns (wattage equivalent to AEP7 laser pistols), supported by integrated microwave devices. In addition, all robobrains have a built-in voice synthesizer.

Programming
Robobrains, due to the nature of their organic processor, can be programmed with much more complex and expansive instructions than typical robots. This also means they are superior to typical combat robots in the Fallout universe, at least in terms of their tactics and strategy. Military maintenance bots can be controlled via a WLAN matrix network. In this case, a central AI operates the robots. In the Mariposa Military Base, the programs used to run robobrains were Facility Maintenance v2.1, Movement v4.8b, Repair v0.8a, Pest Control v1.4, Hearts v1.0, and Sensors '76.

However, it is imperative that robobrains be routinely memory-wiped, as it is possible for the brain to break its own programming (CODE or other types) and develop serious personality quirks. In Fallout 3 many suffer from this fate and seem to have grown to dislike what they were programmed for, but at the same time can do nothing to stop themselves from carrying out their programmed orders. This is hinted at by their battle cries of (but not limited to) "Please don't take this personally," "They could have programed me to love, to forgive, but nnnoooo," and "When this is all over, I hope we can still be friends." However some seem to enjoy what they have been programmed to do, with disturbing remarks such as: "Don't be afraid, I've become quite good at killing".

Robobrains in the Capital Wasteland have a noticeably feminine personality, in both voice tone and speech, however this could be a result of their reprogramming. A special, brainless robobrain called Masterbrain can be found in the Vault-Tec Headquarters in the ruins of Washington, DC. There are also non-hostile, essential (immortal) robobrains in Vault 112. It is also notable that the Brotherhood of Steel Outcasts have painted and re-programmed several robobrains for their own use.

Core Region
Robobrains in California and neighboring states do not possess integrated weapon systems inside their frame. Rather, their flexible arms and organic processors were tailored to use regular firearms (such as rifles) in combat, something they are able to do with disturbing efficiency. Most pre-War robobrains (such as those found in the Glow) carry sniper rifles and assault rifles, although units with city-killer combat shotguns were also sighted. Robobrains could be found in hi-tech locations such as Mariposa Military Base, the Glow, Sierra Army Depot, and in the NCR.

East Coast
Robobrains are a common sight in the Capital Wasteland. They could be seen in many abandoned buildings of various business companies, in servitude to groups like Brotherhood of Steel, Enclave, or Outcasts, or even wandering the wastes, damaged and dangerous. There are two variations of the robobrain model. The first, and most common, is the military variant used by the U.S. Army. It is painted green and has a serial number. Less commonly, there is the grey-colored model that was used in the civilian sector. Later, with the Point Lookout add-on, a new variation of the robobrain called the 'robobrain sentry' is introduced. Their combat skills are the same, but they have significantly more health.

Robobrains are substantially more durable, accurate, and dangerous than the more commonly-encountered protectron robot. Armed with a pair of integrated laser weapons roughly equal in power to a laser pistol, the robobrain is a moderate threat, though easy to damage due to its size and extreme vulnerability to head shots. On the back of every robobrain is a combat inhibitor which, if crippled, will cause the robobrain to frenzy, attacking everything indiscriminately.

One thing to note is that robobrains possess a built-in Mesmetron device. This attack does not cause much damage, but if it manages to hit, it instantly cripples your head (dealing 1000 damage to the body part) and gives you the concussion status effect, resulting in blurred vision, hindered accuracy, and -4 base Perception. This attack is used to discourage melee and close-range combatants from getting too close, as that is where the robobrain is weakest. When fighting one keep moving, and be ready to pump your head full of stimpak goodness at a moments notice.

Mojave Wasteland
Robobrains appear in the Mojave, though rarely compared to the Capital Wasteland. One can be found overlooking Hoover Dam and working for the NCR. There are also hostile robobrains at Helios One, Vault 11 the H&H Tools Factory and the Big MT. These robobrains have a male sounding voice unlike the more female sounding voice of Fallout 3.

Notable robobrains

 * Masterbrain
 * Skynet
 * X8 robobrain
 * Super-Ego

Notable quotes
Robobrains have humorous yet quite morbid dialogue programming. They strongly hint that while the brain has feelings for all forms of life, the robot programming makes it kill involuntarily.
 * "You could run? I'm trying to kill you, you know."
 * "Please believe me when I say I'm not enjoying this."
 * "I calculate your chance of success to be...well, I don't want to be morbid..."
 * "I'm not programmed to fail, just so you know..."
 * "They could have programmed me to love, to forgive; but noooooo."
 * "Please come back. I'm sorry about all that recent unpleasantness."
 * "I'm sorry, but my programming requires that I keep on trying to kill you!"
 * "Which do you like better? The psionic beam or the laser?"
 * "I hope we can still be friends when this is all over."
 * "I'll miss you."
 * "You may want to run now."
 * "Are you still there?"
 * "Why are you hiding? I will find you."
 * "Threat detected! Kill! Kill! Kill!"

Appearances
Robobrains appear in Fallout, Fallout 2, Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas.

Behind the scenes

 * Robobrains in Fallout: New Vegas are voiced by Wil Wheaton.