R2-M Macromech Droid

The R2-M Macromech Droid was an astromech created by Industrial Automaton.

Appearance
The R2-M unit has a bulkier frame than normal astromechs, and is slightly bigger than an R2 unit. It comes with various tools and manipulator arms.

History
The R2-M Macromech was created by Industrial Automaton to fill the need of armies for a gunner and repair unit. Learning from the failure of their PG-5 Gunnery Droid, Industrial Automaton created a modified version to better fit the needs of the Empire. The R2-M units were given advanced communication modules, and were slightly smaller than the PG-5 unit. They also had enhanced systems allowing them to take control of a starship's offensive and defensive systems as well as increasing its combat motivator and personality matrix. The R2-M was a success, and many were found in Imperial garrisons around the galaxy. A few years later, Industrial Automaton put the R2-M unit on the open market. The droid had a modest success with mercenaries, local governments, and pirates.

Trivia

 * The R2-M unit is based on an unidentified astromech droid nicknamed "Mama R2 Unit", from Star Wars Droids.

Source
The Ultimate Guide to Droids