Campaign of the Month: January 2012
Star Trek Late Night
Droids were used in exploration and scouting roles as well, providing a cheap yet effective mobile sensor platform. Probe droids, often launched by the thousands, would use a one-shot propulsion system to reach the targeted area. Upon arrival, these droids would analyze the area with their powerful sensor arrays and send the results of the scan back to the droid’s creator. Droids of this type were used in many roles: military reconnaissance, deep space exploration, and mineral prospecting (primarily in asteroid fields). Other models were atmospheric-bound, relying on repulsorlift technology to move rapidly and traverse height differentials.
Most scout droids carried a similar core loadout — a multiple-spectrum photoreceptor, a magnetic imaging device, a thermal imager, and signals transmission equipment. Some models featured built-in weaponry, such as a blaster, or expansion slots that could be used for a variety of additional sensors or weapons. Some droids also included a self-destruct mechanism to prevent acquisition by others.
Because of their clearly defined role and the need to keep the cost per unit down, probe droids were given inexpensive processing units and relatively ‘dumb’ A.I. This resulted in a lack of flexibility and systemic errors when confronted with unknown circumstances not outlined in the computer’s parameters. These drawbacks aside, probe droids were very effective in their native role: providing inexpensive but broad sensor capability, regardless of climate, radiation levels, or hostile presence.
Notable Scout Droid Models
- DRK-1 Dark Eye probe droid
- Prowler 1000 exploration droid
- Spelunker probe droid
- Viper probe droid
Would you like to know more?