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Protectrons are a platform of robot, and these specific models appear in Fallout 4 and its add-on Automatron.
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]
Characteristics[]
The humble Protectron is a capable combatant thanks to a combination of good armor plating, weapons, and special attacks. It is a capable ranged combatant, but suffers somewhat in melee combat. Its legs are the slowest of any pre-war robot type, and it has fairly weak arms.
- In combat, the police model of Protectron relies on strong melee attacks and a painful electric shock.
- 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.
- 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.
- The fire fighter model has a cryo gun (fire extinguisher).
With the Automatron DLC, a number of weapons are available based on the many different models of Protectron. Protectron weapons are relatively unique in that they are designed with "hand" armor, giving Protectrons slightly higher armor values than other robot types. Modified Protectrons have been seen with enhanced armor and military-grade laser weapons. However, the larger size of these weapons means they cannot use hand armor.
Special interactions[]
- The utility personality will warn of regulation requiring a hard hat at a job site. Putting one on will make the Protectron thank the player for complying.
- The subway Steward will approach the player and require they give a subway token or turn hostile. Once received it will thank the player for riding the subway.
Variants[]
- Protectron
- Protectron Steward
- Protectron Watcher
- Protectron Guardian
- Utility Protectron
- Fireman Protectron
- Medic Protectron
- Police Protectron
- Nukatron
- Nukatron Watcher
- Nukatron Guardian
- Nukatron Defender
- Nukatron Sentinel
- Galactron
- Galactron Watcher
- Galactron Guardian
- Galactron Defender
- Galactron Sentinel
Gallery[]
Bugs[]
The Subway Steward personality only gives less than a second to provide a subway token. Some timings may remove the subway token from inventory, yet still have the protectron as hostile.
Appearances[]
These Protectrons appear in Fallout 4 and its add-on Automatron.
References
- ↑ Fallout 4 loading screen hints: "The RobCo Protectron was constructed for a multitude of civil service applications, from security to firefighting."
- ↑ 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) - ↑ 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) - ↑ Protectron appearance across the series.
- ↑ 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."
- ↑ 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."
- ↑ Fallout 4 loading screen hints: "The firefighter model of Protectron is equipped with an internal cryo gun it can utilize in any combat situation."
- ↑ 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."
- ↑ Fallout 4 loading screen hints: "In combat, the police model of Protectron relies on strong melee attacks and a painful electric shock."
- ↑ 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."
- ↑ Protectron: "Loading Personality: RobCo R04 V9 "Office Helper"..."
(Protectron's dialogue (Fallout 3)) Note: OfficeRobotTalk - ↑ Protectron: "Running default office protocol...ERROR. Loading daily agenda...ERROR." et al"
(Protectron's dialogue (Fallout 3)) Note: OfficeRobotTalk - ↑ Protectron: "Loading Personality: RobCo RS3 V4.1.6 "Utility Helper"..."
(Protectron's dialogue (Fallout 3)) Note: UtilityRobotTalk - ↑ Protectron: "Receiving Sewer Maintenance Routine. Please Hold. Link Terminated."
(Protectron's dialogue (Fallout 3)) Note: UtilityRobotTalk - ↑ Protectron: "Critter of unusual size detected. Running Program: Extermination."
(Protectron's dialogue (Fallout 3)) Note: UtilityRobotTalk - ↑ Protectron: "Loading Personality: RobCo RX2 V1.16.4 "Vault Helper"..."
(Protectron's dialogue (Fallout 3)) Note: VaultRobotTalk - ↑ Protectron: "Remote start activated, loading Vault protocols. Please hold."
(Protectron's dialogue (Fallout 3)) Note: VaultRobotTalk - ↑ Protectron pod appearance and placement context.
- ↑ Protectron terminal
- ↑ 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" - ↑ 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" - ↑ 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" - ↑ 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" - ↑ 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" - ↑ 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" - ↑ 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"