The first Mister Handy was introduced to the robotics market in 2037 by General Atomics International, as a general-purpose construction and maintenance unit. Used widely on both the American and Mexican markets (especially after the Mexico City earthquake of 2042), it was a rugged, reliable design. So reliable that it only received one major hardware update in 2039, to eliminate a bug causing interference in the operation of the multiple arms. The Calpower 238B nuclear power unit and self-maintenance modes were key to its success, ensuring each robot's longevity. To minimize maintenance overhead, each Mr. Handy was designed to perform its nuclear fuel replacement and radiation cleansing. Each unit could carry out maintenance and repairs on other units (it could not carry it out on itself).[1]
However, as rugged and reliable as the original Mr. Handy was, it was still a design rooted in the technology of the 2030s, with a compact computer brain that was incapable of learning or executing complex tasks without extensive programming. By the 2070s, it was an automaton surrounded by more advanced designs utilizing cutting edge neural networks. In order to maintain their market share, General Atomics entered into a joint venture with RobCo Industries, combining its talent with General Atomics' experience in robotics.[1][2][3] The resulting model was a sleek, elegant design capable of self-programming and initiative, more than making up for halving the number of arms to just three. Despite its sophistication, it was also cost-effective, making it the perfect domestic servant robot.[4][5] The success of this model resulted in the development of several additional models, including dedicated medical and military versions.[6] Sometime before the Great War, General Atomics International and RobCo wanted to upgrade their Mister Handy line by adding an additional hand alongside additional features.[7][8]
Characteristics
This particular model of Mister Handy has a chromed coating instead of having a more common white coloration as seen in previous iterations of Fallout. It also appears to have the more human sounding voice module from Fallout 3, rather than the more robotic voice from Fallout: New Vegas.
Gameplay attributes
Like feral ghouls and other robots in the Commonwealth, the limbs of Mister Handies can fall off or otherwise break when they take damage. This is also true for Mister Gutsies. Codsworth and Curie are immune to this mechanic due to their status as companions. Mister Handies can sometimes spawn in a state of disrepair, with one or more of their limbs missing.
Mister Handies have a variety of weapon configurations, typically utilizing buzzsaws and flamethrowers. Like other robots, if all of a Mister Handy's means of attack are disabled, it will initiate its self destruct and charge its enemy.
The Mister Handy wrecker is a hostile version of the Mister Handy. Usually seen fighting together with Rust Devils this robot can be a dangerous foe if paired with other robots.
Mr Frothy is a unique, Nuka-Cola inspired variant of Mister Handy located in Nuka-World. Its torso is specially altered to be cubic and is painted red with the words "Nuka Cola" written on front, in its usual font. At the end of each of its arms is a red fan, which were used in conjunction with pressurized tanks in Mr Frothy's torso to spray guests with Nuka-Cola before the war. The raiders in Nuka-Town USA can sometimes be heard commenting on this. In 2287, the spray deals direct damage in addition to radiation damage to its targets.
A version of Mr. Handy used by the Gunners. It is frequently found in Gunners bases and outposts. Alongside poison and radiation resistance, the gunner Mr. Handy also has 25 points of frost and fire resistance.
↑Tour guide: "Now for the highlight of our tour! Due to a generous donation from RobCo, this next exhibit showcases the wondrous world of - robots! Around you are the incredible Eyebot, the fearsome Sentry Bot, and the always-helpful Mr. Handy. That helpfulness runs through our whole line!" (Tour guide's dialogue)
↑Fallout 4 loading screens: "Created by General Atomics International as a domestic servant robot, Mister Handy is equipped with tools that can be used as weapons, if the need arises."
↑Fallout 76 loading screens: "The pride of General Atomics International, the Mister Handy was designed as the ultimate domestic servant. If needed, however, his various attachments can be used for defense."
↑Variants in Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, and Fallout 4.
