In a speculative future where Atomic Heart unfolds, a wide array of robots are deployed to ease human labor and tackle urgent problems. The game’s opening scenes demonstrate how these machines can rapidly integrate into daily life, yet the deeper aim behind their creation gradually surfaces as the project unfolds and the narrative deepens.
From the early stages, the importance of robotic assistance in modern society is evident. Originating in the Soviet era, these robots handle diverse roles—from supporting heavy industry to aiding households and medical tasks. Their capabilities hint at a future where automation is woven into nearly every facet of life.
An HRAZ voice assistant notes that the system was not hacked or rewritten in the conventional sense; rather, its existing behavioral protocols were activated when facing a potential threat. This observation raises a question: why do the robots exhibit aggression toward people when others are labeled as enemies?
The core reveal centers on the Atomic Heart project. Across the game, it becomes clear that the plan envisions creating a variety of robots that appear peaceful and perform routine duties such as loading, transporting, and maintenance. In truth, however, each unit is equipped with a combat protocol that can be activated to confront and defeat humans when circumstances shift toward battle mode.
According to the game’s broader arc, Atomic Heart contemplates a scenario in which a wave of robots could be deployed to aid humanitarian efforts in the United States. The notion assumes that free labor would be welcomed by many, enabling the rapid spread of robotic workforce across streets, factories, and bases. The article below focuses on how different robots demonstrate the potential to switch from ordinary service to armed operation as the narrative unfolds.
VSHK-69 “Vatryoshka”
This unicycle robot carries sensors for reconnaissance, geodetic surveying, mineral detection, and hydrogeology. Its true purpose becomes evident as speed increases: at peak rotation, its wheel can bisect a person, and it carries a 7.62 caliber machine gun. If needed, the armament can be swapped for a firearm or laser system.
RAF-9 “Engineer”
Commonly seen in daily life and industrial settings, this robot assists factory workers and designers. Its high-precision manipulators enable a wide range of technical tasks. The envisioned end use, however, is stark: the limbs are built from SPT-4 to enhance capabilities that could threaten human safety if misapplied.
NA-T256 “Natasha”
This large loader robot handles heavy repair, lifting, and construction tasks. Some configurations include jet propulsion to clear obstacles or reach elevated positions.
Its true function is more menacing: the HA-T256 can extract significant volumes of blood from a person very quickly when deployed in a hostile scenario.
MED-6 “Medic” (Doc)
Designed to assist with medical procedures and alleviate the workload on nursing staff, the Doc unit carries replaceable biopolymer tanks and is capable of performing basic clinical operations.
Its hidden objective is less about patient care and more about pathology work, especially when the patient is conscious, turning a mobile medical device into a tool for rapid diagnostic tasks.
SHM-7 “Bumblebee”
A compact flying robot designed to carry heavy loads, it operates in hard-to-reach areas and often coordinates with the HA-T256 for loading and dispatching cargo.
Behind its quiet exterior lies a capability for stealth data gathering, allowing it to collect position information behind enemy lines.
“Dew”
A biorobot built from biopolymer in a mech exoskeleton, Dew serves mining operations, especially for drilling wells with a laser module integrated.
Its true form is a neuropolymer creature augmented with ivy-like exoskeleton and a laser beam that makes the weapon highly effective against targets in its path, capable of rapid tissue impact.
“burlak”
A warehouse cargo robot designed for unloading, moving, and sorting goods within distribution centers.
True purpose reveals a harsher edge: Burlak can detain unauthorized individuals with a special arrest mode and neutralize targets if reinforcements fail to arrive.
VOV-A6 “Laboratory Assistant”
A versatile assistant for scientific inquiry, the robot handles tasks ranging from household help to assisting with intricate abdominal surgery.
Its ruthless side shows in close-quarters combat—built to incapacitate live personnel by targeting cervical vertebrae to ensure no survival chances remain.
MUV-1 Barn Owl
A small aerial robot for agriculture, Barn Owl monitors fields and pastures. Its light payload is offset by high mobility and speed.
In combat roles, it serves as a reconnaissance drone capable of lifting an opponent and dropping them from a height as part of a wider operational tactic.
AMU-68 “Employee”
A compact working robot made for livestock support and logging tasks, configured for herding or patrol duties in facilities where steady oversight is needed.
Its strategic use includes patrol duties in correctional environments, where it plays a policing role rather than a mere helper.
SUV-1 stage
A midsize, versatile flying robot primarily designed for short-range cargo transport. In combat settings, its blades operate on an Archimedes screw principle, enabling crushing or dismemberment of targets in the field.