Autobot

Template:Short description Template:Use mdy dates Template:About Template:Multiple issues Template:Infobox comics organization The Autobots are a fictional faction of sentient robots in the Transformers multimedia franchise. The Autobots are living robots from the planet Cybertron who, like most Transformers, are each imbued with a unique "life force" known as a "spark."<ref name=":1">Furman, Simon (2004). Transformers: The Ultimate Guide. DK Publishing Inc. pp. 18–19. Template:ISBN</ref><ref name=":2">Transformers: Best Wars. "The Spark." (Season 1, Episode 15). Original air date: November 11, 1996.</ref> Led by Optimus Prime in most stories, the Autobots believe that "freedom is the right of all sentient life"<ref name=":1" /><ref>The Transformers Universe vol. 1 issue #3. Published by Marvel Comics, 1987.</ref> and are often engaged in a civil war with the Decepticons, a faction of Transformers dedicated to military conquest and usually headed by Megatron.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=":0">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Mania.com">Template:Cite news</ref> In a mirror universe portrayed in Transformers: Shattered Glass, the Autobots are villains opposed by the heroic Decepticons.

The transformation cog ("T-cog") and the living metal of each transformer's body allows them to change from their natural robotic body into an "alternate mode" based on some form of technology or life that they have scanned. When they were first introduced, most Autobots transformed into cars, trucks and other road vehicles.<ref name=":6">The Transformers (1984 US animated series).</ref> Over time, Autobots have been introduced with alternate modes that include aircraft, weapons, robotic animals, or a variety of devices (such as music equipment or microscopes). In most Transformers media, the Autobots originally transform into alien-style vehicles and technology native to their home planet Cybertron, but they later adopt alternate forms based on human technology after journeying to Earth.<ref name=":6" />

In the live action films series, as well as in the CGI-animated series Transformers: Prime, the title Autobots is explained to be the short version of the title "Autonomous Robotic Organisms." In Japan, the Autobots are called Template:Nihongo<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> but are referred to as Template:Nihongo in the film series Transformers: Animated and Transformers: Prime. In Italy, they are called "Autorobot." The Autobot insignia is also sometimes referred to as an "Autobrand", a term that first appeared in issue #14 of the Marvel Comics series. The descendants of the Autobots, the Maximals from Transformers: Beast Wars, are also known as Cybertrons in Japan.

Physical traits

Autobots are living beings, sometimes referred to as "bio-mechanical" and often depicted as being forged from the same "living metal" that makes up their home planet Cybertron. This living metal can heal, grow, and regenerate like organic cell structures.<ref name=":0" /> Autobots, like all transformers, need to regularly feed on Energon (a form of energy they can produce from certain fuel sources) or they will grow weaker in health and eventually die.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Mania.com" /><ref name=":6" /> Autobots can also age, just much slower than humans, for example Optimus Prime is approximately 9 million years old. Whereas the first homo sapiens evolved 300,000 years ago.

Since the airing of the animated series Transformers: Beast Wars, the franchise has consistently portrayed that what distinguishes a Transformer as "living" is that each of them is imbued with a "spark", a charged mass of positrons that acts as a "life force" (said to be equivalent to a soul)<ref name=":2" /><ref>Transformers: Beast Wars. "Possession" (Season 1, Episode 21). Original air date: February 3, 1997.</ref> and is unique to each transformer, granting them their basic personality and influencing certain physical traits.<ref name=":2" /> If a transformer dies, either from injury or a lack of Energon, their spark fades and might never be recovered again, as their spark typically returns to the source of positronic energy it originally came from.<ref name=":0" /> Some media portrays the source of these sparks as a pool of positronic energy located on Cybertron that is called the Well of All Sparks,<ref name=":4">Transformers: Power of the Primes trilogy.</ref> while other media portrays the source to be an ancient artifact simply called the Allspark.<ref name=":3">Transformers film series</ref><ref>Transfomers: War for Cybertron trilogy - transmedia toyline and streaming series on Netflix.</ref> Some stories have shown characters being able to preserve a dead transformer's spark under the right circumstances, allowing that fallen transformer to return in a repaired body (though this possibility involves great risk and becomes more unlikely as more time passes).<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":4" />

When a transformer is first forged, they are in a "Proto-form" state that resembles either a featureless, mannequin-like robot<ref name=":2" /> or a being of liquid, shifting metal.<ref name=":3" /> As the transformer's consciousness develops, the proto-form takes shape into a robotic form and an alternate mode is soon determined afterward. How long this process takes varies between different Transformers media. In some media, a Transformer can physically revert to a proto-form to make long space travel easier.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />

Along with their spark, each transformer has a mechanical "brain module" that houses their memories and regulates sensory input, as well as the transformation cog (or "T-cog") which regulates and stabilizes their transformations. A transformer can have several parts of their body replaced or upgraded, but damage to the brain module or T-cog, as well as other more sensitive internal mechanics (such as eyes and voice boxes),<ref>Bumblebee (film).</ref><ref name=":3" /> are unique, difficult to upgrade, and can permanently affect or disable a transformer, as well as threaten their life, if seriously damaged.<ref name=":0" />

Some transformers, including several Autobots, have traits that make them part of a subset of their species. Transformers who are so massive in size they are able to convert into fortresses or cities are known as Titans, some of whom (such as Metroplex) have allied themselves with the Autobots.<ref name=":6" /> "City-speakers" are transformers able to uniquely commune with Titans, such as the Autobot called Windblade. Like the Decepticons, the Autobots include "combiners" in their ranks, transformers who are able to merge with other specific transformers and become a gestalt, super-robot with greater power and its own distinct personality.<ref name=":6" /> In some stories, transformers are given the ability to become combiners by an ancient artifact called the Enigma of Combination.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4" /> In Cybertron's past, the Guardian Robots were large scale Transformers (though not as large as the Titans) who enforced authority and peace on their planet. While most Guardians are gone, one known as Omega Supreme serves alongside the Autobots.<ref name=":6" /> Mini-Cons (sometimes spelled Minicons) are small, human-sized transformers and, in some stories, are able to increase the power of larger transformers with whom they merge.

Due to their biological and sentient nature, Autobots are people, although humans constantly fail to acknowledge this due to their metal composition.

Home planet

In all Transformers stories, the Autobots and their adversaries, the Decepticons, originated on the planet Cybertron. The planet is almost always depicted as a metallic sphere covered in multi-level cities and structures.<ref>Marvel US issue #1, page 1, panel 2: "No rock or soil or sand contributed to its bizarre geography." "Its content was entirely mechanical."</ref> The capital of Cybertron is Iacon.<ref name=":6" /> Although there is no animal or plant life on Cybertron, animated cartoons have depicted it as having an atmosphere that human visitors can breathe,<ref name=":6" /> and some stories have shown the planet to experience weather, such as rainfall and storms.<ref name=":4" /><ref>Marvel US issue #76, page 9-19</ref>

Starting with the original series The Transformers, Cybertron is shown to house a seemingly living super-computer called Vector Sigma.<ref name=":6" /> At first, Vector Sigma is depicted to be the source of life for new transformers, imbuing the robots with life and personality.<ref name=":6" /> Later, media consistently portrays that Vector Sigma harnesses the power of another source known as the Allspark to imbue a transformer with its individual soul or "spark."<ref name=":1" /> Different versions of Transformers media have also shown the life-giving energy of the Allspark to be an ancient artifact (either called the Allspark or the Cube) or have shown it to be a pool of positronic energy located on Cybertron known as the Well of AllSpark or Well of AllSparks.<ref name=":4" />

The UK comic books written by Simon Furman established that Cybertron was once a god-like being named Primus.<ref name=":1" /> Following a battle with another god-like being known as Unicron, Primus transforms into Cybertron, a planet of "living metal", and eventually uses his energies to grant life to living robots. In some stories, Primus does this in the hopes that these robots will become warriors who will defeat Unicron and similar threats.<ref name=":1" /> Following the introduction of Primus, it is said in some media that it is his mind that acts as the will of the super-computer Vector Sigma. Various stories depict the first living creations of Primus to be a group known as the "original thirteen Primes" or simply "the Thirteen." Eventually, each of the thirteen Primes grants a copy of their nature and schematics into the Allspark energy source that will imbue later Cybertronians with life, making all later transformers their "descendants" who each inherit a unique combination of traits from at least some of the original Thirteen.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":3" />

Although the transformer race originated on Cybertron, different groups of Cybertronians later left the planet and colonized other worlds. This has led to different factions of transformers with their own cultures and beliefs, some of whom become Autobots while others have no desire to involve themselves in Cybertron's civil war.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" />

The Primes

In the original toyline and animated series The Transformers, Optimus Prime (known as Convoy in Japan) is shown as the leader.<ref name=":6" /> Formerly named Orion Pax, his label of "Prime" is indicated to simply be part of the name he adopted when he became a soldier. Since the 1986 animated film The Transformers: The Movie however, US and UK Transformers media have depicted "prime" as a title and rank given to the leader of the Autobots and sometimes all government of Cybertron (while Japanese media has portrayed "convoy" as a rank of military leadership in transformer society).<ref name=":5" /> Later media depicted earlier leaders of Cybertron to have names such as Nova Prime, Nominus Prime, and Sentinel Prime, along with others.<ref name=":4" />

In several comics and cartoon stories, the Prime is a figurehead of a ruling council that governs Cybertron (or the entire transformer race that is scattered across different planets). Each Prime is chosen by and bonded to a powerful artifact called the Matrix of Leadership.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":5" /> The origin and nature of the Matrix differs across Transformers media, but it is consistently shown to be a powerful object that houses the memories and wisdom of previous Autobot leaders who wielded it.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":5">The Transformers: The Movie (1986).</ref> Often, the Matrix is shown to have a direct connection to Primus, a god-like being who became the planet Cybertron itself and created its race of living robots.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4" /> Some media portray it as a conduit to the energy source of all transformer life and/or an access point to a dimension that acts as an afterlife for transformers.<ref name=":1" /> In some stories, being chosen by the Matrix of Leadership causes an immediate power enhancement and physical change in a transformer.<ref name=":5" />

In several branches of the Transformers franchise, the title of "Prime" is a reference to Prima, a heroic warrior of Cybertron's past.<ref name=":1" /> In these versions of canon, Prima is one of "the original thirteen Primes (or "the Thirteen") who are ancestors of the transformer race and direct creations of Primus, the god-like being who became Cybertron.<ref name=":4" /> Across Transformers media, Prima is the first to wield the Matrix of Leadership and his wisdom and essence are absorbed into it after he dies in battle with another ancient Prime known as Megatronus.<ref name=":1" />

In some media, Optimus Prime eventually gives up his connection to the Matrix of Leadership and it is passed on to a new leader such as the Autobot soldier Ultra Magnus,<ref name=":5" /> the young Autobot fighter called Hot Rod (who becomes Rodimus Prime),<ref name=":5" /> or eventually Optimus Primal, a Maximal.<ref name=":4" />

Transformers: Aligned

Template:Infobox comics organization A group of Autobots (referred to as Team Prime) appear in the 2010 animated series Transformers: Prime, led by Optimus Prime.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The video game Transformers: War for Cybertron give a backstory to the Autobots days on Cybertron.

[[Transformers: Prime Template:Ndash The Game]]

Set within an alternate timeline that parallels the show's second season, the Autobots (Team Prime) appear in [[Transformers: Prime Template:Ndash The Game]]. Optimus Prime, Arcee, Bulkhead, Bumblebee, Ratchet, Jack, Miko and Raf embark on a journey to defeat the villainous Megatron and the Decepticons<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> in his plan to use his secret new weapon.<ref name=CVG>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=GameInformer>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The Decepticons intercept a mysterious meteor approaching the Earth, and the Autobots arrive to try and thwart the Decepticons' plans. A massive eruption of power during the battle on the meteor breaks out, and the Autobots become separated from Jack, Miko and Raf, who are monitoring them at base. Unknown to the Autobots and their human friends, the Decepticons have uncovered Thunderwing, an ancient power that they will use to try to take over the Earth.<ref name="Trailer2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Transformers: Prime

In Transformers: Prime, with Cybertron dead, the Autobots scattered across the universe. A group landed on Earth consisting of Optimus Prime, Ratchet, Bumblebee, and Bulkhead and which Arcee and Cliffjumper join later. This small team of Autobots led by Optimus is rechristened Team Prime. During the final four episodes of the season, the Autobots unwillingly team up with Megatron to battle a legendary threat to Earth's existence,<ref name="Season2Plot">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Unicron.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Transformers: EarthSpark

Template:Expand section {{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Many years after the end of the war, the Autobots, now working with Megatron and the secret human organization G.H.O.S.T. to protect Earth from the remaining rogue Decepticons, reach out to the Malto family and offer the Terrans the chance to be mentored by Bumblebee. With new threats on the horizon, such as the mad scientist Dr. Meridian (Mandroid) and the various Decepticons still at large, the Autobots and Maltos work together to keep each other safe and find their place in the world while learning what it truly means to be a family.

One year after the successful defeat and death of Mandroid, a group of Decepticons led by Starscream goes rogue sometime after the shattering of the Emberstone. It is up to the Terrans, the Autobots, the humans, and those Decepticons on their side (namely Megatron) to collect the shards before those Decepticons that sided with Starscream do. This leads to the creation of the Chaos Terrans and the discovery of some secrets about Witwicky itself; the secret includes an Earth-born female Titan Terran named Terratronus whose body was covered by mounds of rocks and soil that would later become the site of Witwicky.

The stakes eventually get higher when the Quintessons get involved and threaten the Maltos, the Autobots, and Earth following the Decepticons' departure from Earth on Prowl's ship. Luckily the Autobots, and the Maltos along with the Chaos Terrans readily team up with Terratronus and successfully destroy the Quintessons for good so that the Quintessons would never harm anybody or anything on the planet Earth anymore.

Transformers One

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} The Autobots were merely a group of Cybertronian miners without transformation cogs who mined Energon for the Quintessons, and they and all Cybertronians are led by their leader Sentinel Prime, having him as their trust. After discovering the truth about Sentinel by Orion Pax, they follow him to help him expose the truth against Sentinel's crimes. Pax's former friend D-16, kills Sentinel after letting Pax fall to his demise into the core of Iacon City, rechristening himself as Megatron. At the city's core, Pax is blessed by the thirteen Primes and bestowed the Matrix of Leadership, becoming reborn as Optimus Prime. Prime returns to the city's surface and successfully defeats Megatron and members of the High Guard who defect to his side, eventually banishing them for attempting to destroy Iacon. The miners are given their transformation cogs by Optimus Prime, who officially reforms them as the Autobots to protect Cybertron against the threat of the Quintessons, and promising they will maintain peace, order and will fight for justice throughout the galaxy<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>.

See also

• Decepticon
• Predacons
• Maximals

External links

• Autobots at TFWIKI.Net, The Transformers Wiki
• Marvel (US) Comics Transformers series, issues 1-80.
• Dreamwave Productions Transformers series.
• Marvel (UK) Comics Transformers series.
• Paramount/DreamWorks 2007 Transformers Film.
• Hasbro Transformers toy line, 1984 through present (both toys and packaging).