droideka (destroyer droid)

• Appeared in:
  
  I
  II
  III
  IV
  V
  VI
  CW

• Species:
  Destroyer droid

• Size:
  1.83 meters

• Weapon:
  Laser cannons

• Affiliation:
  Trade Federation, Techno Union, Confederacy of Independent Systems

• Type:
  Destroyer droid

• Manufacturer:
  Colicoids

• 

From the Movies

Unlike the spindly battle droids, whose humanoid builds allow them a degree of versatility, droidekas are designed with one sole function in mind: the complete annihilation of their targets. The bronzen-armored combat automata has a frightening build, insectoid in its mix of curves and sharp angles. Slung at the end of heavy arms are immense twin blasters, which unleash destructive energy at a pounding pace. The destroyer droid can completely envelope itself in a globe of protective energy via its compact deflector shield generators.

Although slow and awkward on its three-legged gait, the droideka can transform into a much speedier shape. By curling into itself, the droideka can turn into a disk-shaped form, which can roll on smooth surfaces at impressive speeds.

The Trade Federation uses droidekas aboard its starships for security, as well as on ground during combat operations.

From the Expanded Universe

The bloodthirsty, cannibalistic insectoids of Colla IV designed the droideka in their own frightening image. The Colicoids crafted the destroyers as an answer to the design limitations of Baktoid Combat Automata's simple battle droids. The end result is an immensely powerful killer droid that is also very expensive. The credit-conscious Trade Federation was able to purchase several orders of droidekas by trading fifty barges full of exotic meats to the ravenous Colicoids.

Though the Colicoids would have preferred their destroyers to remain autonomous, the cowardly and parsimonious Neimoidians slaved the droids to their Central Control Computer, making them as mindless as their standard infantry battle droids.

Behind the Scenes

Throughout production, the droidekas were referred to as destroyer droids. It was not until post-production that the term "droideka" was introduced, and dialogue was altered to reflect this change. An early production nickname for a droideka was a "wheel droid."