Protectron (Fallout: New Vegas)

Protectrons are pre-War robots encountered in the Mojave Wasteland and Big Mountain in 2281.

Background
As their name suggests, the Protectron series of robot was devised primarily for protection and security operations of offices mostly, though their secondary programming is very modular and can be modified to make the Protectron perform many functions, such as acting as greeters, ticket collectors, bartenders, or even functioning as celebrity or historical figure impersonators. They were created by the RobCo corporation.

Many protectrons in various areas have been programmed differently. In Fallout 3, the protectrons within the Nuka-Cola Factory, for example, mention that they are operating under the authority of the Nuka-Cola Corporation as they attack you, with the words "Nuka-Cola!" being dubbed in from an exterior source. Other protectrons have even been supplied with sophisticated personalities, such as Button Gwinnett in Fallout 3 or the Primm Slim in Fallout: New Vegas, but these are the exception rather than the rule.

A protectron with the basic personality loaded on it can execute 'sequences', lists of tasks to complete, such as patrolling an area for intruders. Some sequences may have been added by RobCo, whereas others were written by robotics technicians at locations where they are used. When not in use, a protectron unit is stored in a base pod, which charges its battery. The protectron is connected to its base pod via radio uplink, and the pod is in turn connected to a control terminal or a computer system. Protectrons can be customized via software upgrades to perform specific functions, even outside their purpose. Such is the case with Fisto, a pre-War security bot who can be repurposed for sexual pursuits.

There is also a special type of the protectron named Protect-O-Bot, which can be found in the REPCONN Headquarters museum, with wheels rather than normal legs, a dynamo accelerator, and a more car-type design.

Characteristics
Protectrons have about the same amount of health as an average human combatant. Their metal bodies provide them with a decent amount of armor protection, a DT of 8, equal to a suit of metal armor in poor condition. They are equipped with a series of three built-in laser emitters, mounted in their right and left "hands" as well as the glowing dome atop their head. Unlike humans, protectrons do not take extra damage from headshots, although with certain perks, such as Sniper, a headshot will eliminate them faster. They are also slower than a human combatant.

Like all robots, protectrons are much rarer in the Mojave Wasteland than in the Capital Wasteland. They are not found wandering the Wasteland at random, and are only encountered protecting a handful of intact pre-War facilities.

Locations

 * A handful of protectrons can be found guarding a chamber in the basement of the HELIOS One control tower, just in front of the elevator leading up to the mainframe deck.
 * Depending on the player's level, some Protectrons may be part of the robotic execution force inside the Vault 11 sacrificial chamber.
 * Protectrons guard Mr. House's secret bunker under The Fort. They can be deactivated by hacking a hard locked Terminal.
 * A few protectrons guard the inside of the H&H Tools Factory.