Cybertronian Anatomy

[Sunstar]

Welcome to CMO Ratchet's Med Bay, on the beautiful Island Base of Diego Garcia. Be warned Ratchet is not a Mech to cross when he is angry, so please do as he says without preamble and you should stay relatively intact.

This section is for those of yo who are interested in working in the Medical Field here and has been deemed as essential knowledge by the CMO. Please pay attention since he may decide to test you on your knowledge at somepoint during your training.

Cybertronian Anatomy

Alternate mode: An alternate mode (commonly shortened to "altmode," "alt mode," or "alt-mode," also known as a "trans-form", a "transform" or a "changeform") is a term used to describe a Transformer's non-robot form, whether it be vehicle, animal, or otherwise. Various, more specific, terms can and have been unofficially used. Vehicle mode, gun mode, tank mode, etc.

Some Transformers don't have a humanoid form, so in those special cases, the altmode is perceived to be the mode which is more geared towards utility or disguise while their robot mode is the one geared more towards interaction with other Transformers.

When a Transformer takes on an alternate mode for the purpose of disguise, they are mimicking that form, they don't actually become what that form represents. They are "robots in disguise". To accomplish this, they physically alter their forms, and when necessary, use holograms to help maintain the disguise illusion, especially when battle damage might otherwise give them away.

When on Earth, a Transformer typically finds a wide variety of human vehicles matching their general body plan and size available to adopt as a disguise mode. Although there are many thousands of options available, certain specific models of vehicle, however, are very popular disguises, seeing repeated use across multiple individuals (The Major Twins).

Here is a list of popular Vehicle modes:

1 Cars and trucks

1.1 Chevy Camaro
1.2 Chevy Corvette
1.3 Corvette Indy
1.4 Desert racing buggy
1.5 Dodge Viper (Chrysler)
1.6 Ford Mustang
1.7 Lamborghini Countach
1.8 Lamborghini Diablo
1.9 Mazda RX
1.10 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
1.11 Porsche 928S
1.12 Porsche 959
1.13 Porsche 962
1.14 Volkswagen Beetle

2 Military vehicles

2.1 M1 Abrams
2.2 A-10 Thunderbolt II
2.3 AH-64 Apache copter
2.4 B-1B Lancer
2.5 Dassault Rafale
2.6 F-4 Phantom
2.7 F-14 Tomcat
2.8 F-15 Eagle
2.9 F-16 Fighting Falcon
2.10 F-22 Raptor
2.11 F-117A Nighthawk
2.12 V-22 Osprey

3 Miscellaneous

3.1 Concorde
3.2 Space Shuttle Orbiter

There are also a lot of Non-vehicle alt. modes that are used too: such as cellphones, boomboxes etc (Decepticon Frenzy and Autobot Blaster use these quite a bit.) So it is difficult to tell who is what at times, especially after Mission City when the Cubes energy sparked quite a few newer 'bots.

[Sunstar]

Well Ratchet has me updating this post again, so here we go with another bit of the Cybertronian Anatomy:

Anatomic euphemism

Transformers don't have organic squishy bits, so this is what they are refered to, a lot of anatomic euphemisms for assorted bits of human anatomy, especially the one you sit on.

Most are real mechanical or electronic terms, and also presumably real parts of Transformer anatomy.

1 Actuator
2 Afterburner
3 Bearing
4 Boron compressor
5 Command module
6 Crankcase
7 Diode
8 Drivetrain
9 Exhaust port
10 Fan belt
11 Fuel pump
12 Gearbox
13 Hard drive
14 Joystick
15 Lugnuts
16 Magna fuses
17 Manifold
18 Motherboard
19 Nodes
20 Piston rod
21 Reactor linkage
22 Skidplate
23 Solenoid
24 Strut
25 Tailpipe
26 Thruster
27 Transistor
28 Turbocharger

These will be covered more in depth at a later date after you begin your training with Ratchet.

[Sunstar]

Armor Plating

Though the spark is the life of the Transformer, they are still made up of circuits and processors that are vulnerable. And years of warfare have left those circuits and processors even more vulnerable. To protect them, armor-plating is placed over their structures to preserve their vital functions. Though the armor-plating is not invulnerable, and can succumb with enough weapons fire, the armor is still much more resilient than anything on Earth.

Asynchronous transfer adapter

A Transformer's asynchronous transfer adapter is located somewhere in the lower back region.
A long day of swinging a sword or an energon weapon can cause this particular piece of the anatomy to ache severely.

The asynchronous transfer adapter may be a part of the backbone infrastructure.

Auto gyro

An auto gyro is a component of Transformer anatomy that allows flight capable Transformers the ability to fly in their vehicle mode.

"Autogyro" is also the name of type of real vehicle, also referred to as a gyrocopter. It has a propeller at the front and on the top, but the top propeller which provides lift is not motorized; instead it is driven by aerodynamic forces once the craft is moving forward.

[Sunstar]

Backbone infrastructure

The backbone infrastructure is a component of Transformer physiology.
To suggest that one's backbone infrastructure is "yellow" is a way of calling into question his or her courage.

Components of the backbone infrastructure may include the asynchronous transfer adapter and backstrut.

Backstrut

A Transformer's back struts are essential to keeping them standing upright.
A cowardly or pacifistic Transformer is said to lack the backstrut to fight.

The backstrut is probably a part of the backbone infrastructure.

Battle Computer

A battle computer is a component of Transformer anatomy that governs their ability to fight in battle.

Prowl's battle computer was damaged in a fight against Soundwave and he was forced to find another computer, which happened to belong to Chip Chase.

[Sunstar]

Beast Mode

Beast mode is a term that is properly used to describe a Transformer's alternate mode when the alternate mode is of the form of an animal and has organic material integrated among the Transformer's mechanical form.

In taking on such beast modes, the Transformer did more than simply mimic the life form, he also took on some characteristics of the animal.

Blank’s

A blank is a protoform which lacks a spark. A blank represents two parts of the three-part protoform system, lacking only a motivating life-force.

Blanks are used to provide replacement bodies when a Transformer is so badly damaged they cannot be repaired; a complete transplant of the injured's spark core will bring a Blank to life, shaping it in accordance to their hard-coded design schematics.

Blanks appear to be a by-product of the protoform-creation process, as they are also identified as "duds."

Body-type

A body-type or model is the basic design of a Transformer's chassis. The design can be shared with other Transformers, either with or without individualizing customizations.

Individual body-types have identifying model numbers. For example, Bumblebee, Cliffjumper, and Bug Bite have all, inhabited a "C1186-P0019" of various colors. That model is reportedly popular with scouts.

Upgrading or refitting a Transformer from one body-type to another can be a lucrative black market business.

"Seeker" type

Acid Storm
Dirge
Ramjet
Rainmakers
Skywarp
Starscream
Sunstorm
Thundercracker
Thrust

"Scout" type

Bumblebee
Bumper
Carrera
Cliffjumper
Furao
Freeway
Glyph
Hubcap
Searchlight
Sedan
Tap-Out
Wasp

"Rescue" type

Autotrooper
Ironhide
Ratchet

Brain Module

A Transformer's mind and personality is housed in its brain module. The brain module is the size of a pea and located in the Transformer's head. Transplanting the brain module into another piece of machinery effectively transfers the Transformer into a new body.
They give off a distinctive odor, which can be detected by Transformers with sensitive enough olfactory sensors.

Shockwave built brain modules for each of the Constructicons. The modules had to be infused with life by the creation matrix. These modules were of a rectangular design.

[Sunstar]

Burning Justice

For lack of a better term, burning justice refers to the mysterious power conveyed on some Transformers by positive psychic reinforcement—that is, by belief, either from the subject's own self-confidence and righteous indignation, or the championing power of an adoring crowd cheering them on, or some other ambient psychic effect.

The actual mechanism by which the beliefs are transmitted and converted into energy are unclear, and are often inconsistent between circumstances. Far from a simple emotional state, when a Transformer is endowed with "burning justice", they often show undeniable physical alterations—e.g., color changes, physical growth of new weapon attachments, or abilities they possess at no other time—which in turn can include powers that are all but miraculous, such as repairing grievous bodily injury, raising the dead, or temporarily suspending the laws of thermodynamics.

Chin

A chin is the lowest part of the jaw on creatures with mouths. Transformers have had chins since as long as they've had faces. Why is something of a mystery, since Transformers do not technically need mouths (and some don't have one).

One must also ask why certain bots have such large chins when they don't actually need them. Humanization? Experiences with mammalian life-forms? Required for socially acceptable stroking when deep in thought? Only Primus knows the truth.

Circuits

Circuits are an essential part of the anatomy of mechanical beings, especially Transformers. They regulate a diverse range of functions, not all of which are equally applicable in differing eras of Cybertronian history. However, they all share a common nemesis.

1 Circuit types

1.1 Bio-circuits
1.2 Brain circuits
1.3 Chameleon circuits
1.4 Conflict circuits
1.5 Electro circuits
1.6 Logic circuits
1.7 Memory circuits
1.8 Oral circuits
1.9 Reason circuits
1.10 Security circuits
1.11 Servo circuits
1.12 Shielding circuitry
1.13 Transform circuits
1.14 Truth circuits

Bio-circuits

The function of bio-circuits is not explicitly stated, though by context it can be inferred that they are vital to a Transformer's continued functioning.

Brain circuits

Brain circuits are sometimes known as cerebro-circuits.
Brain circuits are vital circuits which maintain a Transformer's intelligence as well as a part of their personality.

Chameleon circuits

Chameleon circuits are advanced circuitry that allows a Transformer to better disguise themselves from detection by others. Soundwave's various symbiots possess chameleon circuitry to better avoid detection by the Autobots. Ravage possesses special "umbra" chameleon circuits that allow him to blend into the shadows

Conflict circuits

Apparently the part of a Transformer's brain that decides how to respond to a challenge.

Electro circuits

The electro circuits are a component within Transformer anatomy, but their purpose is unclear. Anti-electrons attack such circuits and cause severe glitches to occur in a Transformer.

Logic circuits

Logic circuits are a component of Transformer anatomy that is charged with intelligence and reasoning out confusing situations.

Implying that another Transformer has no logic circuits is a common (mild) slur on their character.

Memory circuits

Memory circuits are a component of Transformer anatomy that allows access to memories. They can be bypassed in order to make a Transformer "forget" certain things, such as who their enemies are.

Oral circuits

A Transformer's oral circuits are related to vocalization.
Bumblebee was described as having had his "vocal processor" damaged in a battle with the Decepticons, rendering him unable to communicate with other species, though still able to communicate over inter-Autobot frequencies.

Ratchet had been having trouble fixing them ever since.

It is unknown how, if at all, the vocal processor and oral circuits are related. They may coexist, or they may be different devices which serve the same purpose.

Reason circuits

Reason circuits are a component of Transformer anatomy that governs their capacity to reason. They are evidently distinct from logic circuits.

After being hit by a missile from Rumble, Red Alert became increasingly paranoid (far more so even than usual) due to damage made to both his logic and reason circuits.

Security circuits

A Transformer's security circuits prevent outside intrusion onto their computers.

Security circuits briefly remain offline after a protoform goes through its activation sequence.

Servo circuits

Servo circuits are essential for a Transformer to remain standing. Without them, Transformers collapse as if paralyzed.

Among Rattrap's bag of tricks was a key-sized device which could disrupt another Transformer's servo circuits and disable transformation.

Shielding circuitry

In order to better disguise themselves on Earth, Wheeljack has installed shielding circuitry into the Autobots.

These circuits allows the Autobots to slide a metal sheet over their Autobot insignias in alternate mode, hiding them from view.

Transform circuits

Transform circuits or transformation circuits apparently govern the electronic activation of a Transformer's conversion into any alternate mode(s). Damage to them may make a Transformer unable to initiate a change, or successfully complete one.

Truth circuits

Truth circuits measure and assess the accuracy (or possibly credulity) of spoken statements (kinda like Pinocchio's nose, but more high-tech).

[Sunstar]

Cockpits

Cockpits, seats, driver's compartments, and cabins: all exist to provide space for an on-board operator or passenger of a manned vehicle. Transformers who have taken alternate modes based on these manned vehicles have good reason to include a cockpit to ensure perfect disguise.

However, there are others who have never imitated a piloted vehicle, who even live on worlds where no suitable pilots have existed since recorded history began, who yet have a place for a driver. How can this be? Only Primus knows the truth.

Cosmotron

A cosmotron is a transformer internal organ.

A cosmotron is a piece of Cybertronian technology of unspecified function. What is known is that Optimus Prime's cosmotron was severely damaged during a battle with the Decepticons, and the Autobot leader surely would have perished if his cosmotron had not been replaced, suggesting that whatever purpose it serves is a vital one.

The Brookhaven National Laboratory once had a particle accelerator called the "Cosmotron". It was the first atom smasher able to reach energies of a billion electron volts, and was dismantled in 1966.

Cranial Chamber

A cranial chamber is a component of Transformer anatomy.

Presumably, it holds the Transformers brain.

Cydraulics

Cydraulics are a technology used in Transformer bodies.

Cydraulics are a catchall term for thermal hydraulic or hydrostatic lubrication systems which utilize an active cooling element to offset excessive heat build-up in due to mechanical stress.

Cydraulic lubrication systems play an obvious role in dispersing tribologic (friction-generated) heat generated at the point of mechanical contact. Conversely, the cooling in "thermal hydraulic" systems is not related to the mechanical force applied by the liquid; it's a means of managing managing waste heat generated by other systems by cooling the infrastructure itself... particularly in micro-gravity or vacuum environments where convection-dispersal cannot be counted on.

"Heat rejection for all systems, open or closed, is a primary issue due to the constraints of weight and micro-gravity. The thermal hydraulic aspects of the systems must address the cooling of not only the reactor, but the power conversion and power conditioning equipment as well." — Technical Information Service, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Cydraulics is a real albeit obscure term used primarily as an emerging buzzword for certain high-performance metal presses and braking systems where the pressures involved cause heat to build-up at a rate faster than it would normally disperse.

Databank

A databank is a component of Transformer anatomy the function of which is not entirely explained. (Ratchet refuses to elaborate on this one - thus the scanty notes.)

When Optimus Prime was badly wounded after a Decepticon attack, Huffer did not think the repairs would go well as he felt it in his databanks.

From this, one could infer that a Transformer's databank is analogous with a human's "gut," as in the phrase "I just know it in my gut that this won't work." Whether the databank is related to the trilithium stomach is anyone's guess.

During the Decepticon assault on an Autobot bunker, Prime said the heat from the enemy's weapon fire was strong enough to cook their databanks and informed his troops to pull back.

[Sunstar]

Datatrax

Datatrax (also called data tracks) are the primary method of data storage used by Transformers. It is a universal digital format compatible with the Transformers' internal operating systems and both Cybertronian and Earth-based computing systems.

The great historian Alpha Trion preserved the data tracks of Vector Sigma for future generations.

Datatrax can be altered with shell programs.

Death

1 Causes of death

1.1 Weapons fire
1.2 Big explosions
1.3 Impact trauma
1.4 Crushing
1.5 Melting
1.6 Incineration
1.7 Consumption
1.8 Disassembly
1.9 Decapitation
1.10 Vivisection
1.11 Destruction of brain
1.12 Destruction of spark
1.13 Loss of spark
1.14 Energy overload
1.15 Energy depletion

2 Non-fatal deactivation

2.1 Impact trauma
2.2 Decapitation
2.3 Dismemberment
2.4 Spark removal
2.5 Limbo

3 Resuscitation

3.1 Reconstruction
3.2 Spark transfer
3.3 "Magical" substances
3.4 Primus and Primus-related powers
3.5 Zombies

4 Immortality

4.1 Immortal sparks
4.2 Other

There is little consistency in what can kill a Transformer. Sometimes it takes just a shot. Other times, even totally annihilating a Transformer's body still doesn't do the trick. Even the most basic method of killing, which is to destroy or otherwise cause the loss of a Transformer's spark, varies quite a bit in its details.

Weapons Fire

Like humans, Transformers can be killed by damage caused by energy, projectile, and chemical weapons. Just how many shots it takes is widely variable, however.

Impact trauma

Falling off a cliff or mountainside or tall building is usually just as fatal to Transformers as it is to, say... Wile E. Coyote. Only on rare occasion does it result in death

Crushing

Quite a few 'bots have been crushed into deactivation.

Incineration

Plasma, energy fields, and stellar atmospheres can all utterly destroy a Transformer's body. Like being melted, being reduced to one's component molecules would seem to be a surefire way of getting killed, but quite a few characters seem able to survive the process as ghosts and/or disembodied sparks.


Disassembly

Taking a Transformer apart into its component parts can occasionally kill them.

Decapitation

Sometimes cutting a Transformer's head off is fatal. Sometimes!

Decapitation was an inconvenience for Frenzy the first time. The second time, when the blow from one of his own shurikins actually destroyed most of his head, was fatal.

Destruction of Spark

Getting stabbed right through the spark is almost always fatal.

Loss of Spark

*Warning. Further expenditure will result in permanent loss of spark. Stasis lock must commence.*

Sometimes sparks can survive outside of a body; sometimes they cannot. There is some indication that a spark left outside a body will soon begin to return to the Matrix/All Spark/another dimension.

Energy Overload

The average human needs a lot of water to survive. But too much water results in a horrible death. Similarly, Transformers need energy to survive, but too much of it can be a very bad thing. Sometimes it's just plain old energy; other times it some special god-like force that does them in.

Megatron was killed when Sam Witwicky shoved the All Spark into his chest.

Energy Depletion

On rare occasion, Transformers can simply run out of energy completely and expire.

Jetfire explained that a lack of energon causes the Transformer equivalent of aging, such as rusting joints, mental confusion, and pieces falling apart, followed by an indefinite period of stasis that can only be reversed by an infusion of Allspark energy.

Non-fatal Deactivation

For almost every single cause of death listed above, there's been one or more Transformers who have survived it, sometimes without so much as a period of unconsciousness.

In particular, "deactivation" is the Transformers equivalent of being in a coma.

However, the line between death and deactivation is a blurry one.

"Stasis lock" would eventually give a more concrete name to the state of deactivation.


Some of the quasi-fatal things which can cause a Transformer to "deactivate" include:

Impact trauma

Smashing into something usually knocks out a Transformer, but almost never actually kills them.

Decapitation

Like we said before, decapitation is sometimes fatal... and other times it isn't.

For example: Frenzy.

Dismemberment

Transformers get ripped to pieces all the time, and recover from it

Spark Removal

A Transformer's spark—their "soul", their living essence—can be removed from their body, or the body can be destroyed around them.

Limbo

Sometimes Transformers get shunted out of creation as we know it, and into various alternate, sub- and non-dimensions.

Resuscitation

Robots are machines. They can be switched off, taken apart, blown to bits, and put back together. Ergo, in many and cases, "death" is not nearly as permanent a condition as it is for us fragile fleshy types.

Reconstruction

Spark transfer

Transferring a Transformer's spark into a new body constitutes a form of resurrection, particularly if the Transformer's previous body was destroyed.

‘Magical’ Substances

Non that we know of right at this time but you never know what may happen in the future.

Primus and Primus-related powers

Anything tied to the primordial life-force of the Transformers' god Primus tends to be a cure-all for death. This includes Primus himself, his various power-wielding avatars and servants, and the assorted Matrixes and Allspark’s, all of which can deliver an infusion of the essence of life itself. In some continuities, this is parsed as a Transformer's spark being brought back out of the Allspark dimension.

The Allspark was known to be capable of restoring just about anything. Frenzy got a whole new body from its power, and Megatron was restored to life by merely a fragment of it.

Optimus Prime was restored to life by the Matrix of Leadership, an Allspark-related talisman.

Zombies

This one is pretty much self explanitory.

Immortality

Certain sparks have mutant qualities that allow them to, potentially, exist forever.

Other:

Multiversal singularities such as Unicron and The Fallen can be killed off in one dimension, only to still be alive and well in another (or many others), due to the varying properties of different dimensions (reverse-time, dimensions, for example are key to revival of the singularities).

[Sunstar]

Defense Matrix

The Defense Matrix is a Transformer's electronic autoimmune system. It can respond to nonphysical intrusion with countermeasures, tailored computer viruses, and reflexive distress signals broadcast by any available means.

The Defense Matrix functions at a level below conscious control, and it makes any attempt to 'hack' a Transformer very hazardous, at least from a non-isolated computer.

Wheeljack's responses indicate the Defense Matrix is part of every Transformer.

Destronium

Destronium is an essential substance for building Decepticons. The genuine material's properties are unknown, save that it allows the creation of substances sturdier than normal Earthly ones for building servos and such. However, its Earth-made synthetic equivalent is incredibly unstable. Moving it at high speed makes it incredibly volatile, risking detonation within a matter of minutes.

Dinosaur transform static

Dinosaur transform static is a variety of electrical residue that results when a Transformer with a dinosaur-based alternate mode transforms. No, really. This includes not only those clearly based on known species of dinosaur, such as the Dinobots, but also Transformers such as Sky Lynx for whom the exact inspiration for their alt mode is less clear. It is apparently caused by unique "dinosaur electrons" that these body-types possess.

Grimlock is known to be capable of detecting the "smell" of dinosaur transform static. It is possible that all dinosaur-based Transformers can do so as well.

Electropulse

An electropulse is an aspect of Transformer physiology and, if fading, meant they were slowly dying.

It seems comparable to a Human pulse....

When Optimus Prime was heavily damaged after a Decepticon attack, his electropulse was fading rapidly and would have meant his termination had he not been repaired.

Electro-sanitizer

Much as white blood cells do in humans, electro-sanitizers keep Transformers' internal workings clear of foreign invaders. They take the form of electrically-charged rings which travel through Transformer infrastructure on cables, arcing electrical discharges as they go.

Energon Converter

An energon converter is an aspect of Transformer anatomy that is comparable to a human heart.

Energy absorber

An energy absorber is a vital component of Transformer anatomy that allows them the capacity to refuel, presumably with energon.

Energy Signature

Each Transformer has a unique identifying energy signature. That energy signature can usually be used to identify someone's faction. Certain substances or devices can mask a Transformer's energy signature from detection. The type of energy is unknown, possibly infrared.

Drones have energy signatures, so an energy signature is not the same thing as a resonant spark signature.

Equilibrium Chip

An equilibrium chip is a component of Transformer anatomy. From the context in which they were mentioned, they may be related to a Transformer's balance. It is also known as an equilibrium stabilizer or equilibrium circuit.

[Sunstar]

Facial Hair

Some Transformers have facial features that resemble human facial hair. These features sometimes indicate age, but this is not always the case.

The Fallen (braided beard)
Jetfire (beard)
Optimus Prime (goatee)
Megatron's second body (mutton chops)
Ratchet (walrus moustache)
And Wheeljack (Jamie Hyneman's face)

*ducks a flying wrench* just pointing out the facts Ratchet, no need to get nasty!


A3/Alpha Trion
Detritus
Early Decepticon leader
Governor Riker
Scourge
Sweeps
Unicron
Wreck-Gar

*Don’t ask me about the last 4 on the list since I have no idea who Ratchet and Wheeljack are going on about!*

Flight

Flight is a capability many mechanoids and no few Transformers have, whether through rocket boosters, propellers, or even flapping wings. It has proven quite useful strategically.

1 Jet-powered flight
1.1 Transformers with jet-powered flight
2 Propeller-powered flight
2.1 Transformers with propeller-powered flight
3 Biological flight
3.1 Transformers with biological flight
4 Levitation
4.1 Transformers with levitation
5 Robot-mode flight

Transformers with Jet-powered flight

Starscream
Megatron
And the other Seekers

Transformers with propeller-powered flight

Sometimes, by virtue of a Transformer's alternate mode, they can fly by means more primitive than they might be accustomed to on Cybertron. Using airplane propellers, helicoptor rotors, or other similar technologies they can fly at speeds comparable to native aircraft on the worlds they are residing upon.

Divebomb
Obsidian
Blackout
Cyclonus
Springer
Powerdive
Ransack
Tankor

Biological Flight

Many transformers have a physical pair of beast-mode wings, whether natural-looking or mechanical. In these cases, the transformer's flight derives from flapping these wings or gliding much like an animal would.

Swoop
Buzzsaw
Lazerbeak

Levitation

Some Transformers just float, often by no apparent means. It isn't always that well explained in the fiction, though certainly there exist transformers with anti-gravity generators and other technologies which allow them to maneuver effortlessly even within a gravitational field.

Shockwave
Sky-Byte
Soundwave

Robot Mode Flight

Robot-mode flight powers are an innovative power that allows Transformers without a flight-based alternate mode to fly while in robot mode. The Decepticons make good use of this power.

Sometimes the Autobots have them....sometimes they don't. Most often they display them early in Season 1 of the US cartoon, particularly the pilot. It is uncertain if they require external equipment to fly; several times the Autobots use strap-on jet packs or rocket packs, but sometimes they don't.

Some Transformers have robot-mode flight with the aid of "jetpacks" and other flight systems.

Autobots and Decepticons alike can fly under gravity in robot mode by using "propulsion."


Sideswipe and Sunstreaker also used robot-mode flight powers (jet packs) in their use of jet judo against Seekers attacking the Autobot base.

The Decepticons' own flight capabilities have known to fail them at times too. In one instance, under a barrage of firepower, Optimus and the Autobots drove the Decepticons back until they fell down a canyon into lava, instead of simply flying out.

Despite all these advanced flight abilities, Cybertronian’s seem incapable of actually landing successfully after achieving flight. There are many, many instances of infamous crashes. In fact, Jetfire makes somewhat of a reference to this when he botches his own landing, commenting on it sarcastically as he does.

Heel Struts

"Heel struts" (also sometimes referred to as High Heels) are part of Transformer anatomy. They are common on Transformers who have a relatively low foot surface area whose point-of-contact is concentrated somewhere forward of the ankle joint.

This arrangement allows a Transformer greater dynamic stability by re-locating the ankle joints away from the center-of-balance axis, and reduces wear on the ankles by allowing the foot to flex before absorbing an impact. Heel struts can increase the leverage afforded by the ankle joints by distributing the pressure over a larger area, dramatically increasing a Transformer's static stability without the need for big, clunky feet.

Heel struts are more common on Transformers with small frames or a high center of gravity. It has been noted that a disproportionate number of female Transformers have heel struts... but female Transformers also tend to have smaller frames and lack the big clunky feet of many male Transformers.

Also, they make their butts move sexily when they walk. (Sunstreaker, Sideswipe and Jazz all commented on these.)

Heel struts should not be confused with reverse articulated knees or triple-jointed legs, both of which feature the forward-canted foot, but typically lack the stabilizing strut behind it.

[Sunstar]

Humanization

There have been several instances of Transformers with humanistic traits and having very human actions that possibly conflict with their status as mechanical robots.

1 Glandular, digestive, and respiratory

1.1 Sweating
1.2 Coughing
1.3 Breathing
1.4 Smelling
1.5 Spitting
1.6 Crying
1.7 Eating
1.8 Flatulence
1.9 Urination
1.10 Intoxication

2 Body parts

2.1 Teeth/tongues/eyeballs/eyelashes
2.2 Facial hair
2.3 Obesity
2.4 Feminine characteristics
2.4.1 Breasts
2.4.2 Lips
2.4.3 Hips

2.5 Questionable body parts

3 Other biological functions

3.1 Sleep
3.2 Aging
3.3 Sexuality

4 Accents

Sweating

Rumble has been seen leaking lubricant from his head during a stressful confrontation with Shockwave (as Shockwave points out), in a manner resembling sweating.

Coughing

Optimus Prime visibly coughed after Sam Witwicky used the Matrix of Leadership to restore him to life in Revenge of the Fallen, even expelling what appeared to be dust.

Breathing

It could be argued that breathing serves the same "cooling" purpose in Transformers, but this explanation is always going to smack of desperation.

Smelling

Nearly all Transformers possess noses.

Ratchet can apparently detect human pheromones, visibly sniffing the air before he mentions this.

Megatron said "I can smell you, boy!" right before breaking through to the second floor of the building where Sam was hiding.

Ironhide stated that he could smell Decepticons while wrinkling his nose as if he just caught a scent.

Prowl smelt and complained about the garbage the Autobots were hauling, after a bad storm hit Diego Garcia.

Spitting

Jetfire repeatedly spit whilst he talked to Sam Witwicky and his companions.

Optimus Prime also had to spit his mouth clean after being blasted across a forest by Megatron.

Starscream spat twice: once at Sam whilst in the Broadwater Metal Works foundry, and again when he mentioned Prime's name.

Crying

Bumblebee cried after Sam Witwicky told him cars were not allowed on campus, although he was exaggerating his sorrow and was likely deliberately leaking fluids to enhance the visual. (Sounds sooo much like ‘Bee, the jokester.)

Eating

There are references to Cybertronian food. Such as Energon Candy, High Grade Energon Drinks etc.

Flatulence

Wheelie did according to Sam when they were looking for Jetfire at the Aeronautical Museum and he transformed in front of the SR-71 Blackbird that was Jetfire’s Alt. Mode.

Urination

Bumblebee performed a similar action on Agent Simmons by popping off his automobile oil filter in robot mode. Optimus Prime claimed that 'Bee was just leaking lubricants on him. Presumably, this action was inspired from witnessing a similar incident.

Intoxication

Ironhide, and Ratchet along with Prime as well as a few other Autobots have behaved in a noticeably intoxicated fashion after consuming high-grade energon.

Powerglide refers to this as "over-energizing".

[Sunstar]

Body parts

Teeth/tongues/eyeballs/eyelashes

The robots have eyes designed to resemble cameras, enabling them to dilate and blink. The more human-like the robot, the more they are likely to have teeth. In the case of, say, Optimus Prime, his teeth are mechanical cubes overlaid on each other, while Megatron has bona fide fangs. Optimus spits out a piece of his shattered faceplate in the second film, which is intended to resemble a boxer spitting out a tooth after a brutal match.

Obesity
Although Transformers come in all shapes and sizes anyway, some characters have particularly round appearances that suggest something equivalent to human obesity.

Bulkhead is virtually as wide as he is tall and is depicted as extremely round, with very short, stubby legs. It gives him more than a passing resemblance to a heavily obese person, or at best one of those huge, flabby, off-season wrestlers.

Much the same could be said of Omega Supreme. Being big-chassised is no excuse to let yourself go.

Feminine Characteristics

There are several instances of female transformers whose bodies are designed with the explicit similarity to stereotypical human females. While this generally includes a more slender build (particularly a narrow waist) it also sometimes includes other characteristics which suggest a degree of gender dimorphism similar to organic races, although the purpose of this is unclear.

Note, however, that there are certainly some exceptions to this.

Some female Transformers, such as Arcee and Elita One have a protruding chest area that bears no apparent relation to their alt mode kibble, but bears some vague resemblance to clothed human breasts, or a "monoboob", if you will. Some females even have two separate and even more distinctly rounded breast-like protuberances.

Lips

Though not female, Silverbolt's got nice lips.

Another common feature to denote gender in some female Transformers is distinctly fuller, plumper lips than is standard. Sometimes, however, they will additionally have red or otherwise different/darker coloration to their lips, with an evident similarity to human lipstick.

As far as males go, Silverbolt clearly has thicker lips than a normal male Transformer would, as does Streetwise.

Hips

Alike to humans, many a female Transformer has a distinctly more curving hip structure.

Questionable body parts

Devastator has a pair of dangling wrecking balls in a... very unfortunate place. *According to Simmons*

Other biological functions

Sleep

Ratchet entered a form of sleep he calls a "stasis nap", during which time he got several parking tickets. *Sniggers - poor Ratchet!*

Ratchet fell asleep and dreamt (or rather, had a nightmare), an experience Prime referred to as an "involuntary systems shutdown".

Aging

Alpha Trion has been depicted in three different eras: 11 million years in the past, 9 million years in the past, and the present day. Though his chassis undergoes many changes, his facial hair changes seem to mimic human aging. In his (chronologically) earliest depiction, he has a small black mustache. In his second depiction, his mustache has turned white. By the modern era, he sports a long mustache and beard.

Sexuality

One of the most controversial aspects of Transformers is the idea of sexuality. While it is established in most cases that Transformers do not reproduce sexually, most cases nonetheless have distinctive male and female pairings and sometimes drops a hint that Transformers may engage in (recreational) sex.

*Don’t ask me, speak more to Ratchet about this - my brain hurts!*

Though some are noticeably more feminine in design and some have clearly defined romantic relationships with male Transformers. In contrast, such relations between two individuals of the same gender are virtually unheard of.

*Although Jazz and Prowl are a couple of exceptions.*

Idento-computer

An idento-computer is a onboard control system that regulates a Transformer's identity.

Laser Core

A laser core is a vital component of Transformer anatomy. If a Transformer's laser core is extinguished, the Transformer will cease functioning.

Laser Core and Spark

It's been heavily debated what role the laser core and the spark play within a Transformer. Some human scientists have speculated that the laser core may be some sort of housing unit for the spark. Others have speculated that it may be a separate entity.

Locking Chip

A locking chip is the Transformer component which implements stasis lock, a form of protective shutdown.

Without a locking chip, damage a Transformer can normally survive will instead kill them outright. It can only be safely installed or removed when a Transformer is in repair mode.

Un-formatted protoform’s do not have locking chips; this function is performed by the stasis pod's locking chip.

Mech Fluid

Mech fluid is a substance that exists in Transformers. It seems to be analogous to blood in conversation and metaphor, but its actual function has not been expanded on, nor its link to any of the other fluids Transformers have been seen to have inside them over the years.

Mecha Molar

Mecha molars are found in the mouths of Transformers, or at least in the mouths of those who transform into animal-based forms. They require maintenance, such as filing down corrosions, but the process may leave one's jaw sticky and in need of lubricant.

Presumably, a mecha molar is a kind of tooth. The only Transformer that we know for sure possessed mecha molars was Grimlock in Tyrannosaurus Rex mode, which is odd since Tyrannosaurs had long sharp teeth like chisels or "lethal bananas" rather than anything resembling a molar, which is a kind of tooth unique to mammals. The most likely explanation for this is that Sludge never went to Cybertronian (or prehistoric Earth) dentistry school.

Memory Core

Memory cores are the devices which contain the memories of a Transformer.

Seeing as how Sparks can be transplanted into new bodies without any sort of memory modification, it would indicate some sort of relationship between a Spark and memory core.

Memory cores have some protection against a low-level Electromagnetic pulse, but higher level pulses can utterly wipe them, destroying the Transformer's memory.

Mitotic spark

Some sparks are mitotic which allow a Transformer to separate into more than one part while still being a single Transformer.

Mudflap and Skids, two twins, have mitotic sparks. They can combine to make an Ice Cream Truck.
(does not apply to Sunny, Sides)

This ability should not be confused with combiners, which combine separate characters into a single machine.

Motor relay

Motor relays were a component of Transformer anatomy which allowed them to move about and use their limbs. Severing it meant that the Transformer was left in a state of suspended animation.

Mouth Plates

Wheeljack's mouth plate is unique in that it is fixed. Instead of a movable mouth plate, you know Wheeljack is speaking because his "ears" flash.

Optimus Prime is known to have a combat mouth plate which closes over his normal mouth to protect his face.

Optimus Prime's faceplate was smashed to pieces when he was kicked in the face by Megatron, but it was replaced when he combined with Jetfire.

Neural Cluster

The neural cluster is the weakest spot on any Transformer. Originally its location wasn't pinned down, but it was later confirmed that it was on the back of the neck.

New Body

It is not uncommon at all for a single Transformer to change body form many times across their life-span. The ease with which they can do so depends on the continuity's technology level.

In some, changing bodies requires an extensive full-body rebuild and tends to be resource draining and even dangerous. Sometimes, however, all it takes is to transplant their brain or personality program into a compatible new body.

Other times, the existing body itself will be "reformatted" on the spot using a scan of a local compatible alt-mode.

Getting a new body sometimes also involves getting a new name.

Methods:

Adaptation — As a survival mechanism, when a Transformer is stranded on an alien world a Transformer's onboard idento-computer may adapt the Transformer's body to be more compatible to the local environment. Side-effects may include extreme independence, distrust of authority figures, animalistic mindsets, and speech impediments.

Mechanical reconstruction — A Transformer's form is reconstructed into a new form manually through hard work, often after the Transformer is badly injured. This is sometimes accomplished by humans.

Divine Intervention — Unicron and Primus can reconfigure Transformers for their own purposes, or to bolster the strength of one of the factions.

Scanning — A Transformer has on-board systems that allow him to scan a new form himself and immediately take on the new form. This process is sometimes aided by a separate automated mechanism, particularly if the bot in question is incapacitated at the time.

Trans-scanning is a particularly adaptable form of personal scanning.

Matrix bearing — Some Transformers, upon taking possession of the Matrix, are instantly upgraded to a new body. This process reverses whenever the Matrix is not held by the Transformer.

Transference — A Transformer's essence (personality component, spark, or simply their mind) is transferred to a new body or into a blank protoform.

Internal Reconfiguration Matrix — This device has allowed Optimus Prime to alter his vehicle modes.

Sometimes Transformers would arrive at a new place with a new alternate mode with little explanation, but it is implied they were mechanically altered by technology aboard their ship or back at base.

Oil

Oil is a generic term for a slippery liquid that won't mix readily with water. Oils vary widely in composition but generally consist of mixed organic compounds.

Oils find frequent use as lubricants, fuels, and solvents. Transformers are among the users of oils in these capacities; however, they sometimes consume certain oily substances in larger quantities than strictly required, resulting in impairment of certain functions, disorientation, and temporary mental dysfunction.

Though at first it may seem odd, some actively seek these seemingly-deleterious effects. What is odder yet is that humans seek out and consume varying solutions of a certain hydrocarbon with a single hydroxyl group and experience effects quite similar to those mentioned above. Further study is needed to explain this strange coincidence.

Oil is often extracted by oil rigs, and transported in oil tankers and pipelines. All of these are popular targets for Decepticon attacks.

Bumblebee offered the phrase "Eat crankcase oil!" as an epithet, implying oil from a crankcase is considered less desirable or even unpalatable by Transformers.

Onboard Computer

Onboard computers are computers which are internalized within a Transformer, and assist them in maintaining their structures.

Onboard computers also controlled scans, diagnostics and initiating stasis lock. The last component could be overridden, but it was at the Transformer's own risk.

Personality component

A personality component is a part of a Transformer's anatomy that, as its name suggests, governs his or her personality. When it is removed, a Transformer becomes dumb and vacant, though he or she can still move about and be directed. The process of removal and replacement seems fairly safe; the Decepticons have been known to extract them from prisoners and destroy their bodies, storing the personality components in the Decepticon Detention Center. Installing a personality component in a non-Transformer machine can cause spontaneous reconfiguration, but not always.

Sometimes personality components look like energon cubes, and sometimes they look like inscrutable technical equipment covered in human-scale gauges and screens.

Power chip rectifier

Power chip rectifiers are a piece of Transformer anatomy which gives its possessor special powers that other Transformers do not have.

Power Pack

A power pack is a component of a Transformer that stores fuel.

[Sunstar]

Processors

Processors are devices which are used by Transformers which process information and relate it to the individual mechanoid. Their increasing use in describing mechanoid anatomy (as opposed to attributing everything to circuits) can in some ways be attributed to the fact that scientists actually know how computers work now.

Processor types

Central/Cerebral/Core processor

It is likely that Central processor, Cerebral processor and Core processor refer to the same thing, possibly the mechanical equivalent of a biological brain. When these terms are used in figures of speech, they seem to be used in place of "mind" or "(metaphorical) heart". There are various instances where the Central-, Cerebral- or Core processor was mentioned:

Prowl once commented that Chip Chase was a human after his own central processor.

When Ratchet said that the Autobots will not leave without Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, the Autobot leader told Ratchet that such a thought would never have entered his cerebral processor.

Logic processors

Logic processors process the information a Transformer is receiving and determine how much sense it makes. How these correlate with logic circuits is unstated.

Meta processors

Meta processors are processors which process a Transformer's conception of reality itself.

Vocal processors

Vocal processors convert electronic data intended for verbal communication into audible signals and allow Transformers to speak to their comrades. Bumblebee's vocal processors were damaged in battle with Megatron.

Although he was still able to communicate through a number of internal frequencies, his lack of a voice made the Autobot feel as though he was failing his comrades. How these correlate with oral circuits is unknown.

Programs

Programs are the basic code that gives Transformers the instructions and motivation to do their jobs.

Combat programming

Combat programs are programs which allow Transformers to adequately perform in combat situations. Bumblebee maintains that as a repair-bot, he isn't programmed for combat. Fortunately, that doesn't stop him.

Humility programming

Humility programs are the basic programs that allow Transformers to feel humility, shame, and a sense of place. Ironhide believes that humility programming is best installed via fists. It's highly unlikely that Optimus Prime would agree with that.

Personality programming

Personality programs are the programs which set Transformers apart from regular machines. Only Vector Sigma can grant true personality programs to robots.

Predictive programming

Predictive programs are programs which allow Transformers to predict where shots are going to be fired and where an enemy is likely to strike in combat. Very advanced, they make hitting a Transformer in open space very hard. But not impossible.

Timing programming

Timing programs are the programming that modulates the speed at which Transformers speak or react.

Sandstorm once asked if there was something wrong with Blurr's timing program, but Kup says that this is the way Blurr was made...frightening.

Radio Transmitter

A radio transmitter is a component of Transformer anatomy allowing them to communicate using radio, rather than sound.

During their undercover operation to investigate a smuggling ring that was stealing airplane components, Slingshot found out his radio transmitter was removed and was, thus, unable to contact Silverbolt and the Autobots.

Robot Mode

Robot mode is the form that Transformers have outside of their alternate mode. Although generally a bipedal humanoid in shape, the robot mode is not always so. Prominent examples include the Mini-Cassettes with animal based forms, as the cassette would be considered their alternate mode, while the "beast mode" would be considered their robot mode.

Generally speaking robot mode provides greater freedom of movement and better combat capabilities (though this can also be said of alternate modes which are designed for combat).

Often, the alternate mode will be given or taken to better facilitate the robot mode, such as repair or for protecting the robot mode

After taking an alternate mode, the robot mode will display characteristics of the alternate mode.

Self-regenerating Molecular Armor

Self-regenerating molecular armor is a description of the armor layer of a Cybertronian exoskeleton. Any damage taken by it, up to 105 mm shells in the case of Scorponok, will heal fully if the energy is available.

The armor can however be destroyed by high-temperature weapons equal to or greater than "a 6000 degree magnesium burn".

This exostructure/skeleton is generated by the core protoform of a Transformer out of its own ultra-dense liquid metal mass and any nearby matter it can capture. It can be altered in mere moments when a trans-scan of a new alternate form is taken.

Sensors

Sensors are essential components of mechanical beings, especially Transformers, serving a wide variety of functions and feeding a mechanoid information about the environment around it. Most Transformers are built with a set of standard senses - optic, audio, olfactory, tactile, short-range radio-wave transmission, electrical sensitivity and magnetic sensitivity are common in some universes - but many have specialized sensor packages that are unique or rare, giving them special abilities that make them stand out.

Sensor types

Audio Sensors

Audio Sensors are a component of Transformer anatomy that allows them to hear sounds in their environment. Some are more acute than others, allowing recording of normally inaudible frequencies.

Equilibrium sensors

Equilibrium sensors help a Transformer keep their sense of balance.

Olfactory sensors

Olfactory sensors are a sensor unit used to detect the scents of others. It is very common in animal based Transformers. Ravage possessed one of the most powerful olfactory sensors.

Ratchet's are powerful enough to detect variation in the pheromone levels of some humans and ‘bots.

Megatron also noted that he could smell the same fleshling. Whether it was the pheromone levels or something else that Megs detected is currently unknown.

When hunting Demolishor in Shanghai, Ironhide commented that he could smell the Decepticon close by whilst seemingly sniffing the air.

Optical sensors[/colors]

The optics on a Transformer mostly seem to perform in an identical way to human eyes, including all the flaws, such as the ability to be dazzled by bright light sources pointed directly at them.

Atmospheres with a high particle content may require windshield wipers to keep optic sensors clear.

While all Transformers can usually be assumed to see in the same visual spectrum of colors than humans see in, there are obviously exceptions who are completely color-blind, and some Transformers demonstrate different perceptions.

Optical sensors typically came in visored and non-visored varieties. Sometimes on the same ‘bot (Jazz).
There are also some of the Transformers possessed of Optic weaponry.

How Transformers "see" in their alternate forms has only been briefly touched on, however. In one story, it is explained that Transformers have some form of a linked visual network throughout their alternate form.

Targeting sensors

Targeting sensors are sensors which help a Transformer locate and identify a hostile entity.

Surveillance Packages

Many Transformers possess sensor packages that allow them to record surveillance data for later review. Laserbeak in particular often serves in this function for the Decepticons.

Also of note are the surveillance sensors contained within the arm assembly of the Autobot concerned.

Elita One has displayed a similar device when asked.

Jazz has also proven to mount a comparable package in his left arm.

Transformer optical sensors are conventionally colored blue for the Autobots and red for the Decepticons.

Shoulder

The shoulder is one of the most vital components of a Transformer's body.
It is unknown why the shoulder is such an Achilles heel of Cybertronian’s. However, it is clearly the most easily damaged location on their chassis, as many instances of minor damage have led to grave injury and even death.

Such instances include:

In a battle on Earth, Ironhide was shot in his shoulder by Megatron. Seeing this injury, Optimus Prime immediately called off the attack to get Ironhide immediate medical attention.

Megatron once decided to retreat after sustaining severe shoulder damage, although this may have been from worry that another blow could pierce his armor elsewhere.

There are very likely many more examples of shoulder wounds and their fatal nature. The only theory for this is that many Transformers store their spark in their shoulders instead of their chest area.

*Ratchet seems to think that this is possible, although he has never met one who does.*

[Sunstar]

Spark

A spark is the life-force, or soul, of a Transformer. Each spark is part of the essence of Primus himself.

The spark is a physical entity which is safeguarded inside a Transformer body. If something harms the spark beyond repair, it is "extinguished" and returns to the Allspark (or sometimes the Well of All Sparks).

The Transformer is then considered dead. A Transformer is able to survive an enormous amount of physical damage. As long as the spark is intact, it is possible to repair or rebuild the body and restore the spark to it.

**As seen in the image at the bottom of this article, sparks normally appear as semitransparent blue balls of energy with a pulsating center composed of smaller, blue spheres. The center spheres are engulfed in a reddish glow. An ever-changing pattern of "electricity"-like lines travels around the surface and through the interior.**

Transformers seem to have permanent "spark chambers" within their chassis where the spark can be seen simply by opening the chamber.

Some Transformers are able to sense and communicate with the sparks of other Transformers through a process that appears analogous to telepathy.

The radiation emitted by energon crystals is harmful to sparks, even when protected within a Transformer's body. Certain body types are better able to shield the spark from energon radiation. For example, the flesh-like beast modes adopted by the crews of the Axalon and Darksyde provided essentially 100% protection, allowing activity in environments that were practically forests of energon crystal, so long as those involved remained in beast mode. Direct contact between crystalline energon and a spark is highly dangerous.

Regardless of their composition, sparks are not insubstantial energy, but have some sort of physical aspect.

Disembodied sparks

Sparks are able to exist outside of a Transformer body, but the parameters of this phenomenon are largely unclear. In is unknown for how long a spark can survive under such conditions, although they are vulnerable to damage in this state. It is also unknown whether a disembodied spark is "conscious" and aware of its surroundings, or whether it is capable of moving under its own power.

It is hard to imagine how a spark could be aware of its surroundings when stripped of all sensory mechanisms.

In many other cases, sparks seem to move with some sort of intent. However, aside from attempts of sparks to re-enter their "home" bodies, these are conceivably all "special cases" and may not be generalizable.

However, it is unclear whether the spark was moving with intent or simply zigzagging randomly. And, again, a reformatted spark may be different from a normal spark anyway.

Ratchet showed me some footage from Cybertron on Sparks:

#1
Kup's spark housing is unstable due to age and radiation poisoning. He finally experiences spark core stabilizer failure, which threatens to blow him up. Trailbreaker saves him by extending a force-field around the crashing spark. Later, Kup was shown in a C/R chamber, fitted with a placeholder power core to maintain his spark.

#2
Later, Arcee would explain that the Autobots kept Decepticon prisoners in spark stasis, which apparently entails actually removing the sparks from their casings, separating the spark from the body.

Not all prisoners underwent this process. For Monstructor, it was noted that the Autobots couldn't break through the destructive programming far enough to rehabilitate/reform the sparks (as per Optimus Prime's orders), and as such, haven't pulled the sparks from the frames.

Arcee found this limbo peaceful, but was later reunited with her body. To control her behavior, a "g-force crush" device was installed on or in her spark casing and could be operated via remote control.

*Ratchet was not too happy about this and Arcee had it removed from her spark casing before they left Cybertron.*

Absence of Spark

Strangely, it is possible for both Transformers and related mechanical entities to remain online and sentient despite the lack of a spark.
These instances raise questions about how necessary a spark really is, and what properties it bestows that are genuinely unique.

Cybertronian orthodoxy, it would seem, views the presence of a spark as the true indicator of life, with emotion and sentience being seen as irrelevant.

Aberrant sparks

Some sparks have exhibited properties or behaviors that do not seem to be generalizable to other sparks.

*Ratchet refused to go into any further details on this one.*

Spark Attack

Excessive physiological stress can cause a Transformer in poor physical condition to suffer a spark attack.

The spark core meltdown that Kup suffered may be analogous to a spark attack.

Spontaneous recoloration

In some cases, the extreme power surge during Power linking can result in temporary or even permanent discoloration of a Transformer's metallic skin.

Spontaneous recoloration refers to the temporary or permanent alternation of a Transformer's exostructure, usually in response to an energy surge. Usually (but not always) this external color change signifies a higher energy-state within the Transformer's body accompanied by increased (or even entirely new) abilities.

Spontaneous recoloration is similar to reformatting. Unlike reformatting, which wreaks wholesale physical alterations to the transformer's physical form, recoloring is completely cosmetic.

For unknown reasons, spontaneous recoloration does not uniformly re-tint existing surface pigments, but may result in completely different color arrangements, or even add entirely new "badass" detailing, such as flames or racing stripes.

Recoloration should not be confused with surface coatings such as Electrum or a silver coat.

Attachments:

[Sunstar]

Structure

A structure is a term used to define the body of a Transformer. Without a spark or a personality component, the structure is a lifeless shell. The superstructure is the outer portion of the structure, generally containing components for the transformer's alternate mode, and is often changed during reformatting in accordance with disguise protocols.

The substructure contains a transformer's inner workings, and usually includes any special equipment or weapon systems.

A symbiote or symbiont is a class of Transformer that spends much of its existence living within the exostructure of another Transformer.

Though sometimes displaying minimal intelligence, symbiote’s are fully sparked Transformers in their own right.

Decepticons with Symbiote’s:

Blackout and Grindor with Scorponok
Ravage with Scalpel
Soundwave with Ravage
Barricade with Frenzy
Venom and Carnage with themselves

Systems

Systems refer to a very diverse range of features installed within Transformers. However, some take pleasure in hacking systems (Frenzy).

Types of systems

Guidance systems

Guidance systems are basic systems which help with navigation and movement.

Propulsion systems

Propulsion systems are various systems which allow Transformers to achieve Flight.
Cybertronian’s have integrated propulsion systems which allow them to fly smoothly through atmosphere and the vacuum of space.

Navigational systems

Navigational systems are the various systems which help a Transformer navigate and locate coordinates. When Archibald Witwicky discovered Megatron, he accidentally activated Megatron's navigational systems, causing Megatron to burn the location of the All Spark into Witwicky's glasses... as well as blinding Witwicky and driving him insane. Ooops.

Weapons systems

Weapons systems are the offensive and defensive capabilities that are employed by a Transformer. They usually take the form of energy weapons, yet they also include missiles launchers, projectile weapons, and melee weapons. With some robots (such as Megatron, Shockwave, and the Seekers) the weapons systems are traditionally integrated into their structures, while others (such as Optimus Prime, Grimlock, Jazz, and Kup) rely on external weapons such as hand-held blasters or blades.

Teeth

Teeth are a part of Transformer anatomy sometimes found inside the mouth, surrounding the tongue. Though Transformer teeth seem similar in structure and appearance to the teeth of humans, what function they serve on Transformers can be a subject of debate.

Humans use teeth primarily for breaking down the foods they consume into digestible portions, but Transformers fuel is mostly, if not entirely, liquid. Human teeth are also used to help form certain sounds in their language, in conjunction with the tongue.

Transformers are capable of human speech, and sometimes are shown to have both teeth and a tongue, so it's possible their teeth may be used for communication. Two functions of teeth definitely shared between humans and Transformers are using them as a weapon and baring them to indicate hostility.

Transformers who have animal-based alternate modes tend to have teeth in those adopted forms. Most of these alternate modes were acquired after contact with other planets such as Earth, so the inclusion of teeth in Transformer anatomy is often irrelevant to understanding why some Transformers have them.

However, eons of conflict have taught the Transformers to take advantage of whatever weapons one can find, and some have taken quite a liking to teeth.

Tongue

The tongue is a part of Transformer anatomy sometimes found inside the mouth. Though Transformer tongues seem similar in structure and appearance to the tongues of humans, what function they serve on Transformers is uncertain.

Though considering that Transformers appear to speak just like humans, using what appear to be lips and teeth to form phonemes, it's possible the Transformers who have tongues use them to help form those sounds.

Whether Transformers also use tongues to taste, as humans do, is unknown. Or maybe they serve no purpose and somebody built them crazy.

Transformation Cog

A transformation cog, also referred to as a transforming cog or transition cog, is a component important to a Transformer's transformation.

Transportation mode

The Transportation mode is an extra mode specialized for transportation usage besides the ordinary vehicle mode. The transportation mode usually features a transporting device, such as wheels, wings, rotors, or a surfing board.

Trauma-buffer

On a Transformer body, trauma-buffers are plates which are used to protect delicate mechanical joints and servos from sheering pressure during sharp impact.

The mechanism used by trauma-buffers to provide protection is not clear. Their two-level construction suggests they may be sacrificial; designed to fail or shatter when a force exceeds a structural limit rather than translating that impact to the joint.

Modern automobiles are "designed to fail" during accidents in much this same way as a safety feature, in contrast to older "more durable" steel-bodied cars which might suffer little damage in an accident, but translated the entire force to the driver. That's neat!

Outside of this base, the term "trauma buffer" refers to an unrelated concept in developmental psychology. A child's ability to handle (appropriately enough) emotional whiplash.

Trilithium Stomach

A trilithium stomach is a component of Transformer anatomy.
It's possible that this part of Transformer biology is unique to the Insecticons.

Universal Emulator

A universal emulator was a part of a Transformers anatomy which some members of the race were equipped with. In the only known example, it was located behind the insignia of the Transformer in question, Perceptor.

The device's name suggests that it can emulate the functions of other pieces of technology, and thereby replace them in other mechanisms when the required piece is unavailable. The extent of the emulator's abilities is unknown; in the only known instance of this ability being put to use, it emulated the function of an isolator key.

Additionally, when the emulator was extracted from Perceptor's body, his personality went with it, and inhabited the mechanism into which the emulator was inserted. Whether or not this is a universal feature of the emulators, or if it was unique to Perceptor's emulator alone, or if it was an unforeseen occurrence that may or may not have been due to the unpleasant circumstances of its removal, is unknown.

The Quintessons were also after this piece of Perceptor, seeking to replace the damaged isolator key that operated the Quadrant Lock, a device which kept the planet's populace deprived of its power-giving starlight.

Upon entry into Quadrant X, Perceptor was damaged to the point that he was trapped in his alternate mode. Crashing to planet Zamojin, Katsu Don, one of the native Zamojins, carved off Perceptor's Autobot symbol, unwittingly taking the universal emulator out with it, to provide a face for the long-inert robot known as Nijika.

The emulator promptly interfaced with Nijika's systems, transforming the Autobot symbol into a functional face, and allowing Perceptor to operate the robot.