2-1B surgical droid

The 2-1B series was humanoid, with many of its internal components visible through a translucent torso sheath. A 2-1B model's arms featured exceptional joint articulation with precision-crafted servogrip pincers at the end of each limb. Sometimes, in certain operations, these pincers could be removed and replaced with multiple arm attachments containing various medical tools and software packages, including hypodermic injectors and cutting saws.

The droid model was highly advanced and intelligent with its programming being further advanced by some of the top physicians in the galaxy at the Rhinnal State Medical Academy, which also integrated heuristic processors. The most useful characteristic of the 2-1B droids was the ease with which owners could update their programming and appendages. A 2-1B droid could easily become a specialist in neurosurgery, podiatry, pediatrics, cybernetic limb replacement, and alien biology with a trip to a certified service center. While advanced, 2-1B droids were generally paired with an FX-series medical assistant droid for medical assistance and detailed patient analysis.

The 2-1B surgical droid was the result of a joint development project between Industrial Automaton and a small medical company known as Geentech during the final years of the Galactic Republic. It was developed in response to most medical droid models being unable to deal with sudden complications and to foresee unpleasant side effects in patients. Also, many patients were distrustful of being operated on by a droid.

Geentech was able to address the first of these two problems by installing an advanced analytical and diagnostic computer in the 2-1B, making it an extremely intelligent droid unit. When the prototype matrices were completed, they were sent to the Rhinnal State Medical Academy where several of the top physicians in the galaxy enhanced its programming even further by integrating heuristic processors.

The 2-1B was an instant success in the medical market and could be found at nearly every major clinic and emergency ward, and even on starships. It was notable for its familiarity with alien biology, most notably the Pui-ui species. A 2-1B could diagnose cardiac arrest in a hibernating Pui-Ui, deal with an enzyme eruption in the patient's third heart by inserting an Intravenous Access Unit catheter, and administer a mixed dosage of Iotramine and Clondex, as well as be aware that members of the species had a fatal allergy to perigen. This level of sophistication had not been seen in earlier droid models.

Despite the 2-1B surgical droid's success, Geentech went bankrupt after the rival Genetech Corporation sued it over a copyright infringement in Geentech's similar name. However, Industrial Automaton acquired the rights to the 2-1B and continued production of the droid series. Despite its age, the 2-1B line continued to serve in a variety of medical and surgical capacities until the New Republic era.

The proud and wealthy also used these droids to perform facial surgery and to burn away pockets of body fat.

Two 2-1B units were used by Emperor Palpatine in 19 BBY to resuscitate Anakin Skywalker, now Darth Vader, after his vicious scarring and dismemberment on the volcanic world of Mustafar at the hands of Obi-Wan Kenobi, replacing much of his body with bionic prosthetics.

Another droid, known only as 2-1B, defected from the Galactic Empire to serve the Alliance to Restore the Republic. This droid was responsible for treating the famed Luke Skywalker in 3 ABY following his encounter with a wampa, and again later after his duel with Darth Vader, in which he lost his right hand.

At least one red 2-1B unit served in the Theed Royal Palace in 32 BBY. At the same time, another unit served as a repulsorlift platform transport pilot for .

Another known 2-1B unit was the medical droid known as Waste, who served on the Imperial prison barge Purge. He assisted Zahara Cody in attempting to treat those infected with the Blackwing Virus, and the droid was destroyed on board the Purge in 1 BBY by the zombie that it had been trying to treat. At least one more of these units was encountered by Cody aboard the Star Destroyer Vector, inside Bio-Lab 242 which Cody at first mistook as Waste.

A 2-1B was found at the Aurora Medical Facility on Obroa-skai in 43 ABY.

2-1Bs are voiced by Charles Martinet in the game Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds.

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