Description
E4-R5 (affectionately “Ears’”) is a data storage and transfer unit. Despite their small size, these little guys can store immense amounts of data for short periods of time. Their extra vents directly cool their Memory Core. When overloaded with large files, they can lift two thermal exhaust vents for increased cooling power and thus handle more storage. For the largest data capacity, they raise their whole body to open up a more sizable vent, dashing madly to their upload destination before they overheat. They were designed to program new starships’ navigational computers, and for a while were only found around ship factories as the engineers uploaded immense data specs. To navigate the narrow and tight spaces designated for droids, E4-R5 units can tilt & turn their head for visibility and maneuverability, while also helping them aim their projector to show data specs and technical readouts.
Since the rebellion, Imperial ships began stocking a couple units per Star Destroyer to avoid transmission interception when sending large amounts of sensitive data. However this was usually reserved for high ranking officers and more secretive departments of the Empire’s forces.
After the fall of the Empire, this droid became increasingly popular with pirates - at least when they could get their hands on one. Their small size makes it easy for them to infiltrate ships and steal away with the most valuable of resources: information.
Designer Notes:
I had a lot of fun putting this little guy together. I’ve become enamored with the idea of an Imperial droid that breaks the all black motif. I think it's very on brand for an overbearing authority to appropriate its engineer’s tech for military security. I can also picture a more beat up and rugged version of my droid in the hands of a Pirate such as Hondo, it would be fun to see him graffiti-ed to fit in with a more rugged crew. I was inspired by my favorite droid of all time, hopefully E4-R5 is distinct enough that the comparison isn’t immediately obvious. I put extra care into reducing the part count and incorporating as much personality into his movement capabilities. The head turns, raises/lowers, tilts forward/back & side-to-side, and the side vents pivot outwards. Also each part has a flat side for easier 3D printing and assembly!