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This is a lore summary, presenting intradiegetic or in-universe information about the subject. For game characteristics and similar data, consult the table on the right.
Game-specific articles
Fallout 3Protectron
Metro protectron
Nuka-Cola security
Factory protectron
FO: New VegasProtectron
Shipping worker
Sunset Sarsaparilla security
Protectron Mark series
Fallout 4Protectron
Protectron Guardian
Protectron Steward
Protectron Watcher
Police Protectron
Utility Protectron
Fallout 4: AMProtectron Devil
Fallout 76Auto-Miner
Protectron
Protectron Strikebreaker
 
Gametitle-FO3Gametitle-FNVGametitle-FO4Gametitle-fo4amGametitle-F76
Gametitle-FO3Gametitle-FNVGametitle-FO4Gametitle-fo4amGametitle-F76

The RobCo Protectron was constructed for a multitude of civil service applications, from security to firefighting.

Fallout 4 loading screen hints

RobCo Industries Protectron is robot model that appears in Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 4, and Fallout 76.

Background[]

One of the most widespread and popular models in RobCo Industries' catalog, 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] It's a compact, bipedal work drone with a pair of manipulators and integrated lasers for self-defense. The large dome contains the primary optic sensors (usually three)[2] 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] 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. The head assembly is typically shielded by a semi-transparent or opaque dome from reinforced glass, though various hardware modifications were introduced before the war to enhance its effectiveness.[4][5]

Numerous variants of the Protectron were available on the market, due to the its reliability and flexibility. Apart from the standard body, RobCo also offered construction drones with a shielded, reinforced head, emergency light, and internal power tools like nailguns,[6] firefighter models with an internal cryo gun for fire suppression and additional protection from fire and debris,[7] medic units with built-in defibrillators,[8] and reinforced police models with tasers, stronger servomotors, and armored head.[9] Even factory models could be customized with a variety of software and synthetic personalities to enhance its performance, making it a popular choice for both the private and public sectors.[10] These included the R04 V9 "Office Helper" personality[11] with integrated office protocols and scheduling software,[12] RS3 V4.1.6 "Utility Helper"[13] with remote maintenance routine download capability[14] and pest extermination programs,[15] and the RX2 V1.16.4 "Vault Helper",[16] with all the necessary Vault protocols.[17] Protectrons usually came with a special pod, for storage, maintenance, and recharging,[18] and the Standard Protectron Control Interface v2.40 installed on terminals connected to the pod and responsible for controlling Protectrons slaved to it.[19]

The introduction of the Protectron had a deleterious effect on the situation of workers in the United States. The efficiency and reliability of the Protectron made it a fantastic, tireless laborer[20] easily displacing blue-collar workers, even in industries not affected by the ongoing war. Although companies would deny that the introduction of robotic workers was meant to replace human workers,[21] the reality was that any company where Protectrons or other robots were introduced would soon see mass layoffs.[22] In one particular instance, a Pittsburgh steel mill decided to lay off all of its workers[23] citing budget cuts and the need to shut the plant down. When the workers started an occupation strike,[24] the company simply allowed the new Protectron fleet to enter the facility and gun down the striking workers down to the last man.[25][26]


Variants[]

In all of the games they appear in, Protectrons are the slowest and the weakest model of robot, easily outmaneuvered by any competent fighter. However, they are persistent and can provide an edge in a fight, even if just as a distraction.

Standard[]

EncProtectron03

The basic Protectron was marketed for a variety of commercial purposes, ranging from security to maintenance. The Protectron came in several main iterations: The standard version, and the Watcher and Guardian models, providing improved armor and weapons for security. Protectrons were also offered to the military, painted in olive drab and provided with individual serial numbers, to automate various tasks in the face of the manpower shortages at the end of the Sino-American War.

Examples include:

Steward[]

Protectron
Gameplay articles:

A distinct variant designed for use by Transit Authorities across the nation, the Protectron Steward (just Metro Protectron in D.C.) was outfitted with a sophisticated scanning system to detect paying customers and detain who tried to board trains without the corresponding metro ticket, subway token, or pass card.

Emergency[]

EncProtectronFireman01

RobCo produced a line of specialized models for use by emergency services, each outfitted with custom livery, firmware, and hardware matching their intended purpose:

Notably, all Protectron control terminals came with copies of all Protectron personalities.

Utility[]

Gameplay articles:
EncProtectronConstruction01
FactoryProtectron

The Utility line of robots was designed by RobCo to address shortages in cheap labor across the United States, allowing companies to replace human employees with robotic equivalents. Countless versions were created for the market, with great variation in terms of hardware, firmware, and appearance. Notable products include:

  • The construction variant, with hardened shell, protected dome, floodlights and a pair of loader arms. Some models include an internalized nailgun.
  • The factory Protectrons manufactured for Pittsburgh steel mills, to replace the increasingly rebellious workers with robots.
  • Shipping workers purchased by the Sunset Sarsaparilla company for the same purpose.

Nuka-World[]

Gameplay article:
DLC04EncNukatron01template
DLC04EncSpaceProtectron01Template

John-Caleb Bradberton ordered a series of heavily customized Protectrons for use at his theme park. They can be broadly separated into two types: Nukatrons and Galactrons.

  • Nukatrons are outfitted with a completely custom body, resembling the iconic Nuka-Cola vending machines. With a monitor mounted at the top displaying park rules and information videos, they were used for security purposes and visitor handling. As their variant names suggest, they were based off of the standard security line of Protectrons.
  • Galactrons were standard security Protectrons with a custom white and gold paintjob and enhanced laser weapons, ostensibly intended for use in the RobCo Battlezone gauntlet.

Both variants were a way to conceal military hardware in broad daylight, so that Bradberton could use the Nuka-World theme park to rebuild civilization. Unfortunately, he got ahead of himself in his plans and they never saw fruition.

Auto-Miner[]

Gameplay article:

Custom-produced by RobCo and Atomic Mining Services for the Hornwright Industrial Mining Company, the Auto-Miner line of Protectron allowed for mining in areas deemed unsafe for humans, as well as providing inexpensive tireless labor. Headed by an Auto-Foreman, the Auto-Miner looks very similar to the Utility Protectron's construction variant, with the notable exception of drill hands instead of loader arms.

Strikebreaker[]

Gameplay article:

Used by Hornwright Industrial Mining Company as part of their Strikebreaker line of robots, the Protectron Strikebreaker was meant to prevent strikes organized by the workers of Appalachia. Mostly used around areas workers struck at, the Protectron Strikebreaker was also used as home security at the Hornwright Estate.

Unlicensed variants[]

Big MT series[]

Protectron blue
Gameplay article:

A product of Big MT's attempt to reverse-engineer and improve on Robert House's Protectron model, the Protectrons were significantly more durable, but unreliable - much like the berserk and damaged Securitrons produced at the de-construction plant.

Rust Devils[]

Gameplay article:

Although Protectrons are the weakest of RobCo creations, they are plentiful, rugged, and stable. The talented Rust Devils have used their skill at customizing robots to create numerous improved versions, combining junk, bone, and heavy-duty weaponry to create modern day monsters:

Mechanist[]

Gameplay article:

Though she had access to higher grade robots, Isabel Cruz also selected the Protectron for experimentation, creating a number of variants basing on the standard Protectron chassis, affectionately termed "Junkbots".

Behind the scenes[]

The Protectron's design seems to be inspired by Robby the Robot, a robot that appeared in the 1950s Sci-Fi film The Forbidden Planet.

Gallery[]

References

  1. Fallout 4 loading screen hints: "The RobCo Protectron was constructed for a multitude of civil service applications, from security to firefighting."
  2. The Courier: "The display case is empty. The gun's missing."
    Primm Slim: "Have you gone loco, pardner? I can see the gun with my own three photo sensors from where I'm standing right now. [You hear strange sounds coming from Primm Slim. He may be trying to read a corrupted file, but it would take more science knowledge to be sure.]"
    (Primm Slim's dialogue)
  3. The Lone Wanderer: "Any clue where I can find a Fission Battery?"
    Butcher: "When we passed the maintenance room, I spied a deactivated Protectron inside. Just wrench open its access panel and you'll find it."
    (Butcher's dialogue)
  4. Protectron appearance across the series.
  5. Fallout: New Vegas loading screen hints: "The sturdy Protectron model of robot was created before the great war, and served as a security automaton in both the private and business sectors."
  6. Fallout 4 loading screen hints: "The construction model of Protectron was built to take damage. Some versions also come equipped with an internal nail gun, which they can utilize in combat."
  7. Fallout 4 loading screen hints: "The firefighter model of Protectron is equipped with an internal cryo gun it can utilize in any combat situation."
  8. Fallout 4 loading screen hints: "The medic model of Protectron was designed to use its hands as a defibrillator. In combat, it utilizes this ability as a painful shock attack."
  9. Fallout 4 loading screen hints: "In combat, the police model of Protectron relies on strong melee attacks and a painful electric shock."
  10. Fallout: New Vegas loading screen hints: "The sturdy Protectron model of robot was created before the great war, and served as a security automaton in both the private and business sectors."
  11. Protectron: "Loading Personality: RobCo R04 V9 "Office Helper"..."
    (Protectron's dialogue (Fallout 3)) Note: OfficeRobotTalk
  12. Protectron: "Running default office protocol...ERROR. Loading daily agenda...ERROR." et al"
    (Protectron's dialogue (Fallout 3)) Note: OfficeRobotTalk
  13. Protectron: "Loading Personality: RobCo RS3 V4.1.6 "Utility Helper"..."
    (Protectron's dialogue (Fallout 3)) Note: UtilityRobotTalk
  14. Protectron: "Receiving Sewer Maintenance Routine. Please Hold. Link Terminated."
    (Protectron's dialogue (Fallout 3)) Note: UtilityRobotTalk
  15. Protectron: "Critter of unusual size detected. Running Program: Extermination."
    (Protectron's dialogue (Fallout 3)) Note: UtilityRobotTalk
  16. Protectron: "Loading Personality: RobCo RX2 V1.16.4 "Vault Helper"..."
    (Protectron's dialogue (Fallout 3)) Note: VaultRobotTalk
  17. Protectron: "Remote start activated, loading Vault protocols. Please hold."
    (Protectron's dialogue (Fallout 3)) Note: VaultRobotTalk
  18. Protectron pod appearance and placement context.
  19. Protectron terminal
  20. Supply plant terminals; Terminal, Private Entry #2: "I've managed to delay a rather large shipment of Protectrons today. I told management that we've been having problems with the previous batch of robots and are not prepared for another batch anytime soon. This is complete bullshit of course, the robots work perfectly. They outperform our best worker by a factor of five. The men continue to lose morale day after day. Some blame me, but they don't understand that this is completely out of my hands. I am doing everything I can to help these men keep their jobs.
    Tom McMullin
    Supply Plant Supervisor"
  21. Supply plant terminals; Terminal, Regarding New Protectrons: "There have been several complaints in the past couple of weeks regarding the new Factory Protectrons installed throughout the plant. Some of you feel this is the first step in the long process of phasing out the human aspect of the plant. Please be assured that this is not our intention. The new Protectrons are here only to protect you, the workers. Also, please remember to carry your ID with you at all times. The Protectrons are programmed to make sure those present in the plant are valid employees.
    - Management"
  22. Supply plant terminals; Terminal, Private Entry #1: "I brought it up with Management today that the men down at the plant aren't taking the new shipment of robots lightly. They fear losing their jobs and I don't blame them. It's my job to make sure morale stays high no matter what happens. It's hard to look each man in the eye and tell him that he has nothing to worry about even though I very well know he'll be unemployed in less than a month. I don't know how long I can continue to lie to these men.
    Tom McMullin
    Supply Plant Supervisor"
  23. Supply plant terminals; Terminal, Private Entry #3: "Management made a surprise visit to the plant today. I guess they stopped believing what I've been telling them about the robots not performing to standards. They saw first hand the speed and efficiency of the robots. Unfortunately, they also caught two employees in the act of tearing apart a Protectron and smashing it with a sledgehammer. I was to blame of course. The men are starting to believe I'm working closely with the managers and helping them in every way possible to save my own skin.
    Tom McMullin
    Supply Plant Supervisor"
  24. Supply plant terminals; Terminal, Private Entry #4: "News broke out today over the loud speakers that everyone needs to vacate the plant by 1 PM. "Due to budget cuts, this plant is shutting down." The men knew at once there was no budget cut. They ultimately decided I was to blame, having seniority in this section of the plant. As soon as I heard the news, I grabbed my pistol and made for the exit. It was quickly barricaded. I turned around and ran into this utility closet and locked the door behind me. I'll stay in here until the men go home.
    Tom McMullin
    Supply Plant Supervisor"
  25. Supply plant terminals; Terminal, Private Entry #5: "The men won't leave. They're determined to wait until I come out. Probably going to give me one hell of a beating, that I'm sure of. I wish they understood how hard I worked for them, how I used every opportunity to delay the inevitable. They better get going though, it's almost 1 PM. The robots will be here in a half hour, sooner if management hears of what's happening.
    Tom McMullin
    Supply Plant Supervisor"
  26. Supply plant terminals; Terminal, Private Entry #6: "I begged them to leave before the robots got here. They laughed and said they'd take care of the robots, it's me they wanted. Then came the familiar rattle of a Protectron. That got their attention. I soon heard laughter, cursing, and screaming down the hall. I opened the door and stepped outside. A couple of the workers burst around the corner screaming for help. A red laser lashed out from down the hall and severed Tim's right arm in two. I panicked and ran back into the closet and shut the door. The men slammed into the door and begged me to open it. I didn't say a word, just sat stunned, listening to their screams of agony as the robot finished them off one by one. Then silence. I put my ear to the door and listened. I heard the clanking of Protectron feet down the hall. I grabbed my pistol and backed away from the door. No way am I opening this door for anyone or anything! Whoever reads this, let it be known that I did everything in my power to keep everyone's job at the plant. And let this be an example of how not to replace humans with machines.
    Tom McMullin
    Supply Plant Supervisor"
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