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“Attention. This is now a combat zone. You may suffer injury up to and including death if you stay in the area. This notice required by law.”— Protectron
One of the most widespread and popular models in RobCo Industries' catalogue, the Protectron was designed as an inexpensive work drone, capable of performing a wide variety of tasks from construction, through security, to office duties.[1] Produced from at least 2063, it's a compact, bipedal work drone with a pair of manipulators and integrated lasers for self-defense.[2] The large dome contains the primary optic sensors (usually three) and the central processing unit that contains the robot's synthetic personality. For ease of maintenance, the Protectron is typically powered by a fission battery.[3][4] As it was not intended for combat, at least not as a direct combatant, the Protectron only has a thin alloyed shell meant to protect its internal components from the environment and damage that could be sustained in the course of its duties. However, the internal temperature of certain Protectrons can reach up to 1000 degrees for cooking foods, giving them extreme internal heat resistance.[5] The head assembly is typically shielded by a semi-transparent or opaque dome from reinforced glass. Although various hardware modifications were introduced before the war to enhance its effectiveness.[6][7]
Apart from the standard body, RobCo also offered construction drones with a shielded, reinforced head, emergency light, and internal power tools like nailguns.[8] Firefighter models with an internal cryo gun for fire suppression and additional protection from fire and debris.[9] Medic units with built-in defibrillators and[10] reinforced police models with tasers, stronger servomotors, and armored heads.[11] Even factory models could be customized with a variety of software and synthetic personalities to enhance its performance. This ability to customize made it a popular choice for both the private and public sectors.[12] These included the R04 V9 "Office Helper" personality[13] with integrated office protocols and scheduling software,[14] RS3 V4.1.6 "Utility Helper"[15] with remote maintenance routine download capability[16] and pest extermination programs,[17] and the RX2 V1.16.4 "Vault Helper",[18] with all the necessary Vault protocols.[19] Protectrons usually came with a special pod, for storage, maintenance, and recharging,[20] and the Standard Protectron Control Interface v2.40 installed on terminals connected to the pod and responsible for controlling Protectrons slaved to it.[21]
The introduction of the Protectron harmfully affected the situation of workers in the United States.[22] Although companies would deny that the introduction of robotic workers was meant to replace human workers,[23] the reality was that any company where Protectrons or other robots were introduced would soon see mass layoffs.[24] In one particular instance, a Pittsburgh steel mill decided to lay off all of its workers[25] citing budget cuts and the need to shut the plant down. When the workers started an occupation strike that turned violent,[26] the company simply allowed the new Protectron fleet to enter the facility and gun down the striking workers.[27][28]
Characteristics[]
Protectrons advance slowly towards enemies, utilizing long range weapons. Normal Protectron hand lasers deal little energy damage, but if equipped with railway rifles that they use as nailguns, such as the utility Protectrons in the Appalachian Automated Launch System missile silo reactor chambers, the damage can be staggering, if not fatal. Protectrons can also have their regular energy weapons replaced with melee weapons based on their profession, or even have the energy weapons modified to act as flamethrowers or tasers.
When within melee range of their target, Protectrons will simply swing their arms at their target, smacking them, dealing physical damage. Protectrons equipped with Robobrain treads instead of normal legs will also be able to ram an enemy by charging at them for heavy damage by thrusting their arms forward into the target upon impact.
If their arms are destroyed, Protectrons are rendered unable to use their melee or ranged weaponry. They will attempt a final suicide attack with setting their internal power cores to go critical, with the explosion equal to that of a mini nuke. Legendary Protectrons will explode two times, with the second one taking more time to occur and being larger. Once dismantled, Protectrons can be looted for aluminum, steel, or lead scrap, along with fusion cells for energy weapons.
This modified construction Protectron from Beckley is seen only in the Conflicted Robot random encounter exclusive to the Ash Heap. It shouts slogans relating to anti-automation causes, despite its nature as a robot.
A red Protectron encountered in a missile silo. It is one of the section chiefs required to launch a nuke. It sports an Assaultron torso instead of the regular Protectron torso.
A red Protectron encountered in a missile silo. It is one of the section chiefs required to launch a nuke. It sports a Sentry Bot's upper body for its torso.
A red Protectron encountered in a missile silo. It is one of the section chiefs required to launch a nuke. It sports a Robobrain torso in place of the Protectron torso.
A red Protectron encountered in a missile silo. It is one of the section chiefs required to launch a nuke. It sports an Assaultron head in place of the Protectron head, and sometimes even charges the head laser, such as after taking damage.
Assis.Helps friends: Will help friends and allies.
Attack type (Attack damage)
Attack type (Attack damage)
Construction Protectron[]
These Protectrons can be found in and around Fort Atlas. They look like a regular utility Protectron and behave the same, and are equipped with either nailguns or claws.
These Protectrons act as part of the Wild West Showdown attraction at Nuka-World on Tour.
Eta Psi Protectron[]
A Protectron encountered in the basement of the Eta Psi House, introduced in the Wild Appalachiaupdate. They are passive to players passing through the fraternity/sorority house, especially during "Wasted on Nukashine".
Steel worker protectrons that have been reprogrammed by the Fanatics, sporting loader claws, a black paint scheme, robobrain treads, and is extremely durable in combat. Encountered in The Pitt at Fanatic bases.
Fanatic Protectron suicider[]
Protectrons with robobrain treads that has had its armor stripped off and has been rigged to explode on contact with hostiles.
Firefighter Protectron[]
Protectrons commonly found in fire stations and other areas where fires are common, such as the Charleston Fire Department.
General's Steakhouse Protectron[]
Unique Protectron, met during the Free Samples - General's Steak House random encounter. It has an internal temperature of 1000 degrees, allegedly "the perfect temperature for broiling steaks."[29]
Assis.Helps friends: Will help friends and allies.
Attack type (Attack damage)
Attack type (Attack damage)
Gilman lumberjack[]
“Chop wood. Chop wood. Chop wood. Lumberjack Protectron works all day and all night.”
A Protectron encountered at Gilman lumber mill whose primary directive is to cut down trees. It may dispense wood when the player character interacts with it. It has been programmed to fear losing its job to "cheap human labor.[30] The lumberjack Protectrons always sport Robobrain treads to better move around the lumber yard while doing their work, and are armed with either axes, saw blades, or adjustable clamping claws for hands.
A red Protectron encountered in a missile silo. It is one of the section chiefs required to launch a nuke. It sports the head and one eye of a Mister Handy in place of the Protectron torso and head.
These are special police protections programmed to work as prison guards at Eastern Regional Penitentiary, during Patrol Duty. Two can be found in cell block B.
Protectrons that have been reprogrammed () by the Rust Eagles, sporting armor made from scrap metal with a horned helmet over their heads. Encountered during Test Your Metal.
A red-painted variant found in the Ash Heap assigned to deal with striking workers rebelling against having their jobs taken over by automatons. Found in Beckley and at Relay tower HG-B7-09.
A Protectron with Robobrain treads, allowing Protectron watchers to move quicker than regular Protectron models. Can be encountered with the regular Protectron legs instead of the treads.
A hostile Protectron, marked with a Watoga emblem or painted to wear a suit, located in Watoga. They become non-hostile upon completion of Mayor for a Day, and only attack threats from outside the city, such as the occasional war band of super mutants along the city's northern perimeter.
Protectrons that have been reprogrammed () by the Rust Eagles, sporting jagged armor and a human skull over their head. Encountered during Test Your Metal.
Red Rocket Protectron[]
A friendly red and white Protectron found at the Red Rocket Mega Stop during Waste Not. It can also be one of the random Protectrons found during the Rusted Protectron random encounter. They have painted the "Drive in, fly out" slogan on the back of their casings.
Utility Protectrons can be found within Monongah Mine. This type can be distinguished by its yellow hazard color scheme with a light on their heads. In close range combat, it will attack its target with simple punches. If its target is outside of melee range, it will attack with one or two nail guns, rapidly firing spikes. Utility Protectrons are also found inside the Appalachian Automated Launch System missile silo reactor chambers.