Bot Models

There are various basic "models" of bots even if each bot can be vastly different to another of its class. These are more general categories. All models are produced by the mysterious D.E.R.P. corporation but they are bought from distributing, commercial companies.

The defining features of service bots are as follows:

+ A serial number located on or near the unit's hairline
+ The logo of the company you purchased your bot from, along with the unit's assigned name
+ A small black button near the base of the spine; press this to release the cord used to recharge your bot [Battery Powered Models Only]

If you wish to upgrade your bot, simply take your bot to the distributing company and they will contact D.E.R.P. for the upgrade supplies. Every bot and every upgrade can be acquired through the transference of your conveniently commonly accepted currency of economic units, also called eco-units.

Classic 10.000 eco-units

The Classic model was the very type of bot to be produced. They had very few features and minimal functionality. Their most notable feature was a lack of personality to the point of almost zombie-like servitude and the fact that they ran entirely on battery power. They are uncommon as they the eldest of the service bots and no longer in production. They were phased out as customers wanted more interactive bots that did more than merely serve their various household needs, providing more of a companionship aspect. The last one was made five years ago.

Classic Plus Solar - 5,000 eco-units Motion - 5,000 eco-units

These are a slight update to the old Classic models. Some Classics owners were offered the option to upgrade their bots with a different power source such as solar power panels woven invisibly into the layers of skin or a generator whose crank-shaft was turned every time the bot took a step. No bots were ever produced to be exclusively Classic Plus. All Classic Plus bots are upgraded Classics. The upgrade service is no longer offered.

F.A.C.U. 40,000 eco-units

The latest line of models from D.E.R.P. is the F.A.C.U. series. F.A.C.U. stands for Formal Android Companionship Unit. While still battery powered like the Classic, this model allows for a broad range of personality expression. While they are still somewhat stifled, they are more dynamic than the Classic and can provide much more emotional satisfaction. They cannot be programmed with any specific culture. They are also far more expensive. They are also capable of eating food and ingesting drink, but they are not metabolized and have no affect on the bot.

F.A.C.U. Plus Motion + Culture 10,000 eco-units

This model is an upgrade to the original F.A.C.U. model. The upgrade is still offered by most distributors. It adds the option of motion-generated power. They are also capable of absorbing the culture of their owners, yet some exhibit aspects of a culture that cannot be accounted for. Some argue it is based on their names and appearance. There is no proof. With this upgrade, the owner is allowed to choose an additional language upgrade free of charge, however that is only if the bot willingly responds to the dialect or it could damage the bot. Make sure to ask which ones are compatible.

F.A.C.U. Enviro 70,000 eco-units

This is the most expensive model and is not an upgrade. It is the only F.A.C.U. model to integrate solar power, the ability to metabolize food and drink for energy, and a much more highly dynamic personality set than the original F.A.C.U. It is the most expensive model on the market and the most life-like. Some are mistaken for humans as they tend to form emotional attachments. While earlier emotional models could form basic likes and dislikes, the Enviro models will surprise you with theirs! Each model is as unique as a human fingerprint.

D.E.R.P. Special

This is any bot that was rejected in the process of production. They are rare but the term can be used on any other bot as an insult with the "faulty" connotation. These bots are not recognized by any distributors and therefore are not eligible for any upgrades at all.

Upgrades

Other than model-specific upgrades, there are general upgrades you can acquire for your bots, the cost of which varies on the individual upgrade.

+Language 100 eco-units to 500 eco-units
- Have your bot know another language fluently. Please be sure to specify the exact dialect. The rarer the dialect, the higher the price.

+Hair color 50 eco-units
- Chance your bot's hair color