Although they were considered one of the most advanced cyborgs ever created, Robobrains never reached full production status.[1] Persistent problems with aggression and violence even in properly CODE-conditioned robobrains,[2] Until its closure, SAD experimented with developing a new kind of cybernetic brain explicitly designed for use in Robobrains, while RB-2851 focused on manufacturing and iterating on existing solutions. Although the first brains were procured from primates (typically chimpanzees),[3] persistent equipment failure in brain extractors that were incapable of working at an industrial capacity,[4] and flaws in the immature technology used to manufacture Robobrain chassis resulted in a limited trial run. RB-2851 alone managed to complete three batches, with a further two planned. Each batch provided superior upgrades to the robot, including increased energy efficiency, maintaining brain longevity, improved visual cortex connections to enhance motor skills and perception, and tactical combat capabilities.[5][6][7][8][9]
Units deemed combat-capable were assigned on a provisional basis to select locations across the United States, for security and janitorial duties. These included the Sierra Army Depot, Mariposa Military Base, and the West Tek Research Facility on the West Coast and other locations in the East.[10][11] Some private companies closely affiliated with the government did receive a limited number of completed Robobrains for security purposes, like the Vault-Tec Corporation.[12]
Characteristics
Robobrains are a fairly common sight in the Capital Wasteland. They can be found in many abandoned buildings of business companies, in use by groups such as Lyons' Brotherhood of Steel, the Enclave, Brotherhood Outcasts, or even simply wandering the wastes. There are two variations of the robobrain model. The first, and most common, is the military variant used by the United States Army. It is painted green and has a serial number, they are more commonly used by various factions. Less common is the gray-colored model that was used in the civilian sector, these are more seen wandering the wasteland at random. Later, with the Point Lookoutadd-on, a new variation of the robobrain called the 'robobrain sentry' is introduced. Their combat skills are the same, but they have significantly more health.
Robobrains are substantially more durable, accurate, and dangerous than the more commonly encountered protectron. Armed with a pair of integrated lasers roughly equal in power to a laser pistol, the robobrain is a moderate threat, though easy to damage due to its size and extreme vulnerability to head shots. On the back of every robobrain is a combat inhibitor which, if crippled, will cause the robobrain to frenzy, attacking everything indiscriminately.
Another weapon that robobrains possess is a built-in Mesmetron. This attack does not cause much damage, but if it manages to hit, it instantly cripples your head (dealing 1000 damage to the body part) and gives you the concussion status effect, resulting in blurred vision, hindered accuracy, and -4 base Perception. This is used to discourage melee and close-ranged attacks, as that is where the robobrain is at its weakest.
Variants
Robobrain
An average robobrain that can be found wandering the wastes occasionally.
A robobrain comissioned for millitary use. As of 2277 some can be found wandering the wastes occasionally. All robobrains have the generic designation RB-3928.
The following is based on Fallout 3 cut content and has not been confirmed by canon sources.
There are textures for a Brotherhood of Steel robobrain in the game's files, but there are no matching robots in the G.E.C.K., unused or otherwise. Additionally, before Broken Steel, there are models and a G.E.C.K. entry for an Enclave robobrain, but no corresponding textures.
End of information based on Fallout 3 cut content.
↑The Sole Survivor: "Have you seen a robot with a brain like that before?" Ada: "No, but my old caravan discovered records about them while we were scavenging military facilities. According to my data banks, it's called the "Robobrain." It was considered one of the most technologically superior robots ever constructed, but the model never reached full production status." (Ada's dialogue)
↑The Sole Survivor: "Here you go, Ada. The final Radar Beacon. I'll need that head back when you're done." Ada: "Of course. Shouldn't take but a moment.There you go... still in one piece.I'm not sure why you want the head back. All we needed was its Radar Beacon.Besides, Robobrains are notorious for being... well, a real pain in the neck." The Sole Survivor: "What else do you know about them, Ada?" Ada: "Quite simply, it's the first time General Atomics produced a successful union between organic matter and robotics. The brain is used both as a control unit and a data storage unit which is far more efficient than using standard circuits.Unfortunately, there were a lot of programming issues with these robots which caused them to be a bit... shall we say, unhinged?Hopefully, this particular Robobrain will have some of the answers that we've been seeking." (Ada's dialogue)
↑Fallout 2 Official Strategies & Secrets p.33: "The Robobrain is a jack-of-all-trades robot. They have hands and are usually armed with assault rifles. The chimpanzee, or other primate, brain that was implemented into them makes them excellent guard robots. It's rumored that some were set up to accept human brains, but this has never been proven."
↑RB-2851 terminals; Brain Extraction Terminal, Div03-BE-0093: "Once again, thanks to equipment failures, we're getting pretty backed up in this department. The brain extractors were never made to operate at this capacity - I think they've been running around the clock for the last few weeks. We usually end up with a popped blade from slicing through a particularly tough skull, or the hydraulics in the pulling arm seize up when the spinal cord isn't fully severed and the brain is pulled too early. I hope that Ciroletti doesn't yell at us again - this really isn't our fault."
↑RB-2851 terminals; Robobrain Production Terminal. Batch 2: "Batch 2 *** DECOMMISSIONED *** Stimulation: PASSED Extraction: PASSED Analysis: PASSED Insertion: PASSED Assembly: COMPLETED Focus: Hardware updates and modifications to improve energy efficiency."
↑RB-2851 terminals; Robobrain Production Terminal. Batch 3: "Batch 3 *** DECOMMISSIONED *** Stimulation: PASSED Extraction: PASSED Analysis: PASSED Insertion: PASSED Assembly: COMPLETED Focus: Updates to preservation fluids to maintain longevity shown in Batch 1."
↑RB-2851 terminals; Robobrain Production Terminal, Batch 4: "Batch 4 Stimulation: PASSED Extraction: PASSED Analysis: PASSED Insertion: PASSED Assembly: IN PROGRESS Focus: Updated visual cortex connections for higher recognition. Hoping to remedy failings of Batch 3 where motor skills and spacial awareness was extremely poor."
↑RB-2851 terminals; Robobrain Production Terminal, Batch 5: "Batch 5 Stimulation: PASSED Extraction: IN PROGRESS Analysis: NA Insertion: NA Assembly: NA Focus: Updates to hardware and software to allow for smoother communication between brain and CPU. Addition of tactical combat capabilities."
