Robobrain

Robobrains (military alphanumeric serial numbers RB-3928) are multi-purpose robots. Their memories and programs are stored inside an organic or partially organic brain, contained in a domed shell atop their chassis. They are considered superior to most robots, as human brains allow them a wider range of responses and functions. Their hands can operate 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 executed criminals. Many of these criminals were insane, so the resulting robobrains also tended to be unstable, despite complete reprogramming via the CODE technology. Some of these human-robobrains hybrids would try to kill themselves, apparently resenting being made into cyborgs.

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 the war against China, but their production 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 mesmetrons. 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.

Robobrain
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. Robobrains could be found in hi-tech locations such as Mariposa Military Base, the Glow, Sierra Army Depot and in the NCR.

Humanoid brain bot
The humanoid brain bot's brain is held inside of a hardened glass container at the top and suspended in pressurized bio med gel. This bot is equipped with a cannon on its left arm that a combination of a .50 machine gun and a missile launcher as well as a large claw on its right arm for close combat and is able to communicate verbally. The humanoid robotic suit is extremely resistant against almost any type of damage.

Think tank
A think tank is a special type of brain bot. It consists of a robotic sphere-shaped body housing a human brain with three monitors attached to the robot's chassis. The robotic body has three monitors protruding from the robot's chassis. Two of these monitors depict eyes and the other depicts a mouth. Like eyebots, think tanks levitate by means of an unknown propulsion system.

Notable robobrains

 * Masterbrain
 * Skynet
 * Toto
 * 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.

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.