Designed by Imperial Captain Kist and created by Ulban Arms, Class I Defense Droids were created to further augment the ground forces of the Galactic Empire. This was perhaps due to the lessons learned during the Clone Wars on the effectiveness of droid armies. Regardless, the Empire rejected the idea and the designs of the Class 1 defense unit were later seen within the Corporate Sector. They were used extensively by the Espos and were used in their armies to subdue the Trianii, a move strikingly similar to that used by the old Trade Federation.
The droids moved on four legs and were armed with two medium blasters; one standard and the other anti-vehicle.