Automa-class star freighter

Automa star freighters, commonly known as Autominers, were automated ships employed by the Confederacy of Independent Systems to harness and transport resources in a hurry. They were seldom seen in combat, but rather used around secure locations that were used to manufacture battle droids. Autominers were capable of mining ore from asteroids automatically, and bringing the resources back to base for refinement and melting down. The liquid metal could then be shaped into the frame of droids and starfighters.

Despite the lack of usefulness in combat, Autominers played a crucial role in the Clone Wars. The Republic Army commonly attacked the ships to cut off crucial supply lines, which gave a superior tactical advantage despite the clones being outnumbered greatly by the easily manufactured droids.

When the leaders of the Confederacy of Independent Systems were executed by Darth Vader, the droids were shut down. Most were confiscated by the Empire and put into Imperial civilian service, while more effective freighters were constructed for the Imperial Navy.