PDG Robotics

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by Gary Cliff – Georgie – BD Cerridwen

PDG Robotics is a fairly new and independent firm based on Pale in the Truane's Star system. They have a collection of robot designers and programmers that are excellent with artificial intelligence concepts. It is becoming well known throughout the frontier as the best of the upper echelon robot manufacturers. Here are two of their products.

PDG Engineering Control Model EC-5

PDG Engineering Control Model EC-5
Level 5
Base Cost 14,547 Cr
Body Type Anthropomorphic (humanoid)
Movement Type Standard Tracked
Limbs Two arms, two hands
IM/RS +8/80
Stamina 100
Attack 80
Damage by weapon or 2d10 punching
Programs Computer Link, Security Lock
Equipment Spare Type 1 Parabattery (for powering tools), Chrono-com, Toxy-rad gauge, Rocket Pack (KH), Anchor (100m of cable)

Description:
This is a large humanoid robot that is used in the engineering section of starships of all sizes. With its high level of function and computer link, it acts as an extension of the ship's own damage control and maintenance systems. It often directs teams of lower level robots in the tasks of repairing and maintaining the ship. It is capable of inspecting any system, readout, or part and determining the standard course of action required as well as prioritizing based of severity of the damage and importance of the damaged part. The EC-5 is found on board nearly all UPF capital ships and often acts as fighter crew chiefs on carriers, space stations, and spaceship construction centers. It was the competence of this robot that built PDG's reputation.

PDG Engineering Control Model EC-5(s)

PDG Engineering Control Model EC-5(s)
Level 6
Base Cost 29,907 Cr
Body Type Anthropomorphic (humanoid)
Movement Type Standard Tracked
Limbs Bound four arms and four hands - The arms look like two normal arms. The robot can split each arm/hand giving it four thinly framed arms and hands.
IM/RS +8/80
Stamina 100
Attack 90
Damage by weapon or 2d10 punching
Programs Computer Link, Security Lock, Attack/Defense
Equipment Spare Type 1 Parabattery (screens, jammer, and weapons), Skein Armor *, Chrono-com, Radiophone, Anti-Shock Implant, Holo-screen with camouflage, feedback loop, IR Goggles (FLIR), IR Jammer, Toxy-rad gauge, Albedo Screen, Rocket Pack w/ 10 bursts, Anchor (100m cable)
* Skein Armor is a special coating painted on the robot. It will absorb 1/2 damage from inertia based attacks up to 100 points at which time the paint is chipped away to provide protection.

Description:
This looks and operates like a standard level 5 starship engineering control robot that is typically used to direct lower level damage control and maintenance robots. Even initial scans of its programming will lead one to believe it is only level 5. It will mimic Level 5 capabilities at all times until a certain command is given it, or a certain set of predetermined circumstances require it to activate its advanced functions.

Boarding Action by Scarecrow donated to the Traveller Calendar at http://www.traveller3d.com/calendar/

The EC-5(s) has a hidden hardware imbedded flash ROM that houses its level 6 'robot brain' functions. The advanced functions allow the robot to take control of a ship's computer via the computer link (it must have the proper command codes, of course), and defend itself. Once activated, it will immediately log in to the computer and change all security codes to a randomly determined code and write the code to a internal removable flash drive. It will continue to modify the security codes every ten minutes until directed to stop by its recognized handler(s). It will try to maintain intermittent communications via the chronocom or radiophone with its handler(s) to receive instructions. For all practical purposes, the EC-5(s) can routinely operate the following computer programs via the computer link:

To defend itself and the ship in level 6 mode it can split each arm/hand giving it four thinly framed arms and hands which can be used to yield weapons and work consoles. It is typically armed with various small melee weapons and tangler grenades. As a further defensive measure, it has a built in holo-screen that it can use to hide nearly anywhere while it continues to control the ship via its computer link. Its first choice for combat tactics is ambush.

It has the capability to land small ships (HS3 or less) on planets (provided the ship is designed to do so) or park a ship in orbit around the nearest planet like object. When parking in orbit, its controller is usually planet side, so it will try to maintain a geosynchronous position at an altitude less then 1000km.

Very few of these are ever built, and they are not advertised. Most are sold to rich businessmen for use on their yachts to prevent hijackings or theft.