Roboticization is the process by which an organic creature is converted into a robotic being. This is usually accomplished by a Roboticizer; the reversal of the process is simply called deroboticization.
History
Professor Charles the Hedgehog developed the process to save lives, particularly from life-threatening injuries or conditions. It took him some time to develop, and unfortunately was not viable in time to save the life of Nikki the Lynx. However, he was able to use it to save the life of Bunnie Rabbot, who suffered grave injuries during Dr. Eggman's takeover of Mobotropolis. Unfortunately, Eggman would later usurp the process for his own twisted ends, using it to turn Mobians into obedient slaves to serve him as laborers and troops. However, by some means the process appears to have been at some point rendered ineffective, though the possibility of it becoming viable again remained a source of fear for Eggman's underlings, such as Egg Boss Axel the Water Buffalo. Eggman lamented the loss of the process, though not without acknowledging its limitations. (SU: #73; SSD: #9; StH: #253, #259, #266)
The roboticization process
Effects
Roboticized beings-at least when made so by Eggman-lost all free will and independent thought, and became solely subservient to the evil doctor. While Eggman enjoyed the obedience displayed by these subjects, even he would admit that they were somewhat lacking in terms of original idea and personality.
Robians typically lose their free will, becoming almost mindless automatons; however, there have been cases in which Robian mental capabilities were restored while the bodies remained robotic. Usually this happens via magical objects, such as Power Rings or the Sword of Acorns. In some cases, the subject's original personality may break through through sheer force of will, though this is often rare and short-lived. In some cases, usually due to reprogramming, Robians may act on their own and even recall facts of their previous lives in order to allow them to better operate on their own; in these cases, their memories have often been altered or rewritten, resulting in a twisted shadow of the subject's true personality. A small device, known as the Neuro-Overrider, may allow one to undergo the process of roboticization without losing free will; however, some later-model roboticizers incorporate a program known as Brain Burn-Thru, designed to ensure the subject's total obedience. (StH: #39, #118)
Physically speaking, the process of Roboticization converts living tissue into machinery: all body parts are transformed into mechanical equivalents. Due to the transformation, Robians typically possess increased strength and other abilities. While most are employed for slave labor, some Robians have been specially created and/or modified for combat, as in the cases of Mecha Sonic and Mecha Sally. The effects of Roboticization were usually reversible only through the use of the same Roboticizer used to bring about the transformation. However, some exceptions exist, including Mecha Sonic's restoration to organic form through residual Power Ring energy and the advanced technology of the Bem De-Roboticizer. (CSE)
As an oddity, unwilling Overlanders who are roboticized become little more than functionless statues. However, a willing Overlander can be roboticized while retaining both mobility and free will. (StH: #100, #105)Known Subjects of Roboticization
- Bunnie Rabbot-D'Coolette (partial)
- Sonic the Hedgehog (modified, becoming Sonic Man)
Captured Mobians forced to undergo roboticization.
- Jules Hedgehog
- Sir Charles Hedgehog (later reversed)
- Bernadette Hedgehog (later reversed)
- Sally Acorn (twice-becoming Mecha Sally)
- Bunnie "Rabbot" D'Coolette (partial)
- Muttski (later reversed)
- Carl Condor
- Friar Buck (Later reversed)
- Universalamander
- Several members of the Lost Tribe of Echidnas
- Crystal-La (later reversed)
- Some Chameleons of Rainbow Valley
- Valdez the Chameleon
- Liza the Chameleon (later reversed)
- Several members of the Wolf Pack
- Lupe Wolf (later reversed)
- Lobo (later reversed)
- Marcos (later reversed)
- Maria Wolf (later reversed)
- Several Dragons
- The Original Freedom Fighters
- Fly Fly Freddy
- Armand D'Coolette (later reversed)
- Isabella Mongoose (later reversed)
- Fanny Dupin (later reversed)
- Hunn (later reversed)
- Rudyard (later reversed)
- The Destructix (becoming the Mecha Destructix)
- Sleuth "Doggy" Dawg (later reversed)
- Flying Frog (later reversed)
- Lightning Lynx (later reversed)
- Sergeant Simian (later reversed)
- Predator Hawk (later reversed)
- Drago Wolf(later reversed)
- All members of the Great Desert Dark Egg Legion
- Beauregard Rabbot (later reversed)
- Matilda the Armadillo (later reversed)
- Several Overlanders
- Dr. Ivo Robotnik/Dr. Eggman (the first one partially, the second one completely-later reversed in the case of the latter)
- Snively Robotnik (later reversed)
- Lady Agnes
- Colin Kintobor
- Nate Morgan
- Cheddermund
- The Roboticized Masters
- Sonic the Hedgehog (twice-becoming Mecha Sonic-later reversed)
- Miles "Tails" Prower (twice-first becoming Mecha Tails, later becoming Tails Man-later reversed)
- Knuckles the Echidna (three times-including once in an altered reality-becoming Mecha Knuckles on the first two occasions and Knuckles Man on the third-later reversed)
- Amy Rose (becoming Rose Woman-later reversed)
- Shadow the Hedgehog (becoming Shadow Man-later reversed)
- Silver the Hedgehog (becoming Silver Man-later reversed)
- Blaze the Cat (becoming Blaze Woman-later reversed)
- Espio the Chameleon (becoming Espio Man-later reversed)
- Vector the Crocodile (becoming Vector Man-later reversed)
- Charmy Bee (becoming Charmy Man-later reversed)
- Rouge the Bat (becoming Rouge Woman-later reversed)
Background Information
- The term was incorrectly referred to as "robotization" in StH #129. Some argue that this was the unique name of the Bem's process. However, Sonic refers to Dr. Robotnik's machine as the "Robotizor" instead of "Roboticizer", thus proving both terms were incorrectly spelled throughout the whole issue.
- Some uncertainty exists as to how much of Mobius' population was rendered immune to Roboticization by the Bem's efforts-many fans are of the opinion that the 50/50 ratio existed prior to the first Genesis Wave, while some feel that all Mobians were rendered immune and only half of them were made susceptible again.