Robot Powers and Abilities in Fiction

Robots are machines created to fulfill specific functions.  This list also includes androids, cyborgs, and artificial intelligence.  This list was inspired by the List of Vampire Traits in Folklore and Fiction on Wikipedia, albeit a few modifications.

Technological Abilities

  • Super Strength – Typically robotic characters are stronger than their human counterparts.  Their strengths vary depending on the make, model, and the materials their made from.
  • Super Durability – T-800 Terminators are extremely resistant to small arms fire with high caliber bullets being able to penetrate their armored chassis.  Some robots are heavily armored allowing them to take more damage.
  • Super Intelligence – One could point out that robots would be smarter than people via a computerized brain.  They’re able to calculate and processes at a rate faster and better.  Some cyborgs that are still human can have enhancements to alter their brains.
  • Multiple Visions – Robots can have multiple perceptions including (but not limited to) infrared, zooming, motion tracking, search modes, facial identification and recognition, microscopic, x-ray, ultraviolet, motion analysis, scanning, and night vision.
  • Transformations – Some robots have the ability to transform into various forms.  Cybertronians have the ability to reconfigure themselves from a humanoid robotic form into an alternate mode.
  • Microphone – Some robots can possess a directional microphone with which they can track conversations from a distance or through objects (depending on the density and material).  Some can even use the microphone to communicate with others on radios, headsets, etc.
  • Recorder –  A recorder which robots can play back audio/visual and even detect voice fluctuations and stress.
  • Shapeshifting – Different from transformations, shapeshifters have the ability to take different forms without a predetermined model.  One of the most prominent robots to be able to utilize this technique is the T-1000, T-X, and T-1001 Terminators.
  • Flight – Some robots are gifted with the ability to fly via jet propulsion.
  • Self-Repair – The ability to repair oneself when damaged.  This can be the after effect of nano technology as they would automatically begin repairing it.
  • Invisibility/Cloaking – Highly advanced technology that allows user to either bend light around the user to make them invisible or blend into the environment.
  • Weapon System – This is perhaps the most diverse of a robot’s abilities.  Whether these weapons are actually apart of the robot or separate depends on the type.  These can include plasma cannons, machine guns, flame throwers, and missile launchers.

Weaknesses

  • EMP – Most robots are controlled by electrical systems and if you knock those out, the robot goes down.
  • Overcurrent – Electrically overloading a robot can cause it to temporarily shut down, or even destroy it.
  • Sand – For robots who aren’t covered in flesh (real or synthetic) and with less body armor, dirt and sand could definitely get into the gears, hydraulics, and motors.
  • Water – This is a definite source to take out a robot.  Through some water on it and watch it short circuit.  But beware, some robots are advanced enough to the point water is not a problem.
  • Virus – Most robots are controlled by a computer and like any computer, they are vulnerable to viruses.  Viruses can be used to crash their system, shut them down, or even to corrupt them.
  • Organs – Cain in RoboCop 2 was controlled by the brain of a criminal and died as a result of RoboCop pulling it from its chasis and crushing it.
  • Reprogramming – Another weakness is the susceptibility to being hacked or reprogrammed.

Appearance

  • Human – Androids and Cyborgs typically feature humanoid shapes.  Some examples are the synths (Fallout 4), synthetics (Alien), android 16 (DragonBall Z), replicants (Blade Runner), and Star Trek‘s Data are humanoid.
  • Humanoid – Close to the humanoid appearance, some robots are humanoid but clearly not.  Some examples are Marvel Comics‘ Ultron, DC Comics‘ Red Tornado, Mega Man, and Killer Instinct‘s Fulgor.
  • Mecha – These robots are usually humanoid in shape but larger in size.  Big enough to fit a human in to pilot it.  The Gundam Wing series’ main focus on characters piloting giant mechas.  Even in the movie Pacific Rim, in order to combat the Kaiju terrorizing the planet, humanity develops giant mechs called Jeagers.
  • Mobile Units – These robots are usually seen in futuristic settings based on vehicles.  Great examples of this are the HK-VTOL and HK-Tank in the Terminator series.
  • Miscellaneous –  Robots can come in many shapes and sizes for a variety of different purposes.  Some examples of this are R2-D2 (Star Wars), WALL-E (WALL-E), Mega Zords (Power Rangers), ED-209 (RoboCop), and the Sentinels (The Matrix).

Reproduction

  • Manufacture – Robots can essentially build more of themselves provided they have the power and materials to do so.
  • Assimilation – There are numerous robot types that will assimilate others to increase their numbers.  Star Trek‘s Borg will assimilate other species as well as the Reapers in Mass Effect and Cybermen in Doctor Who.

Energy Source

  • Food – Normally robots do not eat, however there are special circumstances. In Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex full-body prosthetic cyborgs like The Major or heavily cyberized people like Bato have specialized food designed for them. In Futurama, the robot Bender is designed to run off beer. Even in the RoboCop series Murphy must feed on a “special paste” to sustain his organic systems.
  • Fuel Cells – An electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy from a fuel into electricity that can produce electricity continuously for as long as fuel and oxygen are supplied.
  • Battery System – Certain robots are powered by batteries that need to be recharged daily or often.  RoboCop and Cyborg are examples of characters who need to recharge themselves.
  • Self-Sustenance – Doesn’t require anything to sustain oneself; no need for food, water, sleep, recharging, or even fuel cells.

Setting Characteristics

  • A.I. – The artificial intelligence, the ultimate evil developed by humans that turns on them and nearly destroys them.  There are four major A.I.’s that come to mind and they are PAMA (Minecraft: Story Mode), Cortana (Halo), Skynet (Terminator), and VIKI (I, Robot).
  • Nano Technology – If the technology is advanced enough the machines could be comprised entirely of nanites, small machines or robots. Can potentially infect and control other robots using nanites.

Thanks for checking out the post and in the comment section below let us know what your favorite powers and abilities are and if we left anything out that should’ve been included.

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