Manipulator

Manipulator or Manipulator Arm is a type of large, dexterous actuator which is a smaller and less sophisticated version of a 'Mech's arm and hand actuators. The device is more advanced than a robot arm found in a factory, which gives the user the ability to handle objects with better care than a clumsy gripper. There is a smaller version of the Manipulator, which is known simply as Basic Manipulator. This version of the device allows for the user to control the smaller manipulator more directly while using an Exoskeleton or a Battle Armor.



History
Like it's cousin the Salvage Arm, the Manipulator is ancient technology, with the technology first being developed circa the year 2000.

Capabilities
The arms can typically lift upwards of a hundred kilograms and an object as big as five meters. The Manipulator Arm is typically used in hazardous conditions, where the operator needs to be protected from things such as hazardous waste. It can also be used in an airless environment.

Construction Rules
Manipulators have Tech Rating of C and only be fitted to any type of Support Vehicle or Combat Vehicle. Up to two Manipulator arms may be mounted per location on any allowed vehicle with the exception of Rotors (VTOL Location). The Manipulator's weight is .01 tons.

Game Rules
The manipulator arm has no functional use in Total Warfare rules. Up to two Manipulator arms may be mounted per location on any allowed vehicle with the exception of Rotors (VTOL Location).