Hexbots, also called Swarm Assemblers, are a family of repurposed, arc-welding, six-legged robots used by the Resources Development Administration and manufactured by Matanza Arms Corporation.[1]
Usage[]
Hexbots can use their electric arcs to weld metal. They have impressive maneuverability thanks to their leg structure, allowing them to climb vertical surfaces and move at impressive speeds. They can also transport supplies across the base by carrying them with one set of legs.[2] The hexbots can also be used for security purposes.
Avatar: Pandora Rising[]
The hexbots were a deployable Troop in Avatar: Pandora Rising on the RDA side. They used electrical attacks to slow enemy Movement and Attack Speed, and when critically injured, self-destructed with a plasma burst that briefly stunned surrounding ground enemies. Hexbots were an effective troop at defending against enemy pushes and stopping them in their tracks.[3]
Variants[]
As aforementioned, the Hexbots are actually a group of hexapedal construction UGVs. Variants includes:
Hexbot Light[]
The Hexbot Light is the smallest and most numerous variant of the Hexbot family. This mini swarm of assemblers packs powerful functionality into a small package.[4]
Their small size means they are rarely called upon to carry parts, rather the Hexbot Light instead is used as a super-speed finisher. It focuses on wielding, grinding, riveting and even painting - and what it lacks in size, it makes up for in efficiency.[4]
Quick feet and high-priority access to the swarm control protocol keep this small machine from getting crushed by bigger ones.[4]
The Hexbot Light is equipped with a modular attachment points which allow quick swaps of tools and effectors in a very efficient manner.[4]
It is easily identifiable by its brown-orange colouration on its hull.
Hexbot Heavy[]
The Hexbot Heavy is the mainstay workhorse of the assembler fleet. It is a multirole swarm assembler around the size of a large dog and is able to carry medium-sized materials and perform nearly all weld and fastening functions.[4]
It is equally at home on the ground or climbing on the side of structures and is able to work without any delay or disruption from any awkward angles. This is thanked in part of its insectile gripping toes and suction devices which gives the robot a strong grip on any surfaces.[4] Its limbs are also carefully weatherised to function in mud and other rough conditions.[4]
Other than this, the Heavy variant sports cameras and other sensors on its 'head' to keep the bot aware of its dynamic environment and workmates, alongside different tools and effectors at different ends of the vehicle which allows it for multitasking capabilities.[4]
It also possess a hidden fan on its 'abdomen' to keep its internal batteries cool within its rugged metal shell.[4]
Construction Material Hauler Support Bot[]
Construction Material Hauler Support Bot is the carrier of the family, equivalent to that of a horse, it is larger and bulkier than the more common Light and Heavy Hexbot variants.
It functions by keeping the construction team equipped with fresh materials and parts, such as pipes and fittings, struts and panels, utility components, and myriad fasteners to put them together[4]
A busy worksite usually demands several of these haulers, each swarmed by many smaller assemblers hungry for parts needed to complete their next tasks.[4]
The Construction Material Hauler Support Bot is armed with a suction grip frame to handle heavy sheet materials, and an adaptable flatbed which keeps a tight hold on construction materials on any work angle.[4]
Big Quad[]
The QX-19 Block3 Big Quad is the largest assembler in the CON-DEV stable. Unlike its smaller brethren, the Big Quad as its name implies, walks on four legs, with its third pair of limbs being repurposed as a heavy lifting device. The Big Quad is the size of a dump truck and is co-developed between Matanza Arms Corporation and FDM Heavy Equipment.[4]
Its two powerful arms and grippers have enough power of handling large building components and placing them precisely so smaller assemblers can weld or fasten them into place.[4] The limbs are also carefully weatherised to function in mud and other rough conditions, and when conditions are especially muddy, the arms are fitted with a protective sleeving.[4] An oversize battery pack allows the Big Quad to operate for 48 hours continuously before needing to recharge, and to serve as an emergency charging station for smaller bots.[4]
Its thick legs have shock absorbing feet with heavy rubber pads and slip sensors to ensure maximum stability.[4] This is supported by heavy electric motors which are directly integrated into the limb system to ensure an efficient locomotive stride.[4]
The Big Quad is protected by a heavy gauge crash bar which protects its vulnerable systems against potential worksite collisions.[4] It is also equipped with a depth-sensing camera which gives the bot a real-time 3D model of its frontal work zone[4]. Alongside a set of primary stereo camera assemblies which is similar to that seen on a CON-DEV Bulldozer.[4]
Like an older sibling it carries the heavies loads and keeps an eye on the others.[4]
Trivia[]
- The hexbots in the teaser trailer for Avatar: The Way of Water have a noticeably different design from those in Avatar: Pandora Rising. The tops of the bots are smaller, thinner, and overall less bulky, giving them a more quadrupedal stance. The apparatus for generating electrical arcs are also thinner and more flexible.
References[]
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