Robo-Hack

Robo-Hacks were automated taxis jointly designed and manufactured by GoCorp and Utilitech.

Description
Robo-hacks were literally modified passenger transports fitted with integrated droid modules. A common vehicle modified into a Robo-hack was the GoCorp/Utilitech Metrocab, a six meter long enclosed landspeeder which could transport up to four passengers and could attain speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour. Accommodations consisted of backseats for the passengers, a pair of speakers playing a broadcast and a snuff-pot for disposing of used cigarras. As in many cases, Robo-hacks often became worn and battered.



When passengers enter a robo-hack, they announce their destination in the direction of the large auditory sensor in the front wall. It is also equipped with a vocoder if further clarification is required. This is usually the extent of the conversation since few robo-hacks have personality programming. Upon arrival at destination, the passenger pays by slotting voucher into the data port or placing local currency into a change slot. If a passenger tries to exit the craft without paying their fees, some variants would seal both their doors and transport the violator to the nearest police station or would keep the violator inside until they paid their fares.

The robo-hack's front compartment is sealed and contains the droid's cognitive module and performance circuitry. All robo-hacks are linked to the main database of local roads and alleyways and are also equipped with a Central Learning Chip (CLC) which gives them the ability to learn and remember shortcuts based on the time of day and regular traffic patterns. Robo-hacks are also allowed to access municipal traffic control networks on most worlds for updates on weather conditions and accidents. Banks of sensors above its forward headlights provide situational tracking data for high-speed lane changing while a panoramic optical sensor in the back compartment serves as a rear view mirror.

History


When they were first introduced centuries before 0 BBY, they were often cornered and blown apart by petty thief gangs eager to get to the credits. In response, the later versions were covered armor plating designed to make them resistant to any form of small arms fire.

Since robo-hacks were more efficient than organic drivers and often cheaper to operate as well, they became a common sight on a wide range of worlds stretching from the Core Worlds to the Outer Rim. Some robo-hacks have also been known to take offworlders on the longest route to and from their destination to earn more money then it usually would.

Appearances

 * Ringers