B2EMO, also referenced as Bee-two or simply Bee, functioned as a B2 groundmech salvage assist unit for the Andor family across numerous years. This aged and worn droid employed a variety of instruments to haul salvaged materials for the human members of the family, notably Cassian Andor, who would eventually become a member of the Rebel Alliance. B2EMO's design was characterized by a short, box-like form, a red exterior, black sensors, and wheels that facilitated his movement.
Serving Maarva Andor and her spouse Clem Andor as a B2 groundmech salvage assist unit, B2EMO's service began around 24 BBY. The droid continued his service to Maarva and her adopted son, Cassian Jeron Andor, on the planet of Ferrix as of 5 BBY.
Driven by curiosity, B2EMO demonstrated a strong desire to assist Cassian in any possible way and showed a keen interest in learning about Cassian's undertakings. He would sometimes engage in lighthearted banter with Andor and readily performed favors to aid in concealing Andor's activities. During the detention of both himself and Maarva by the Preox-Morlana authority, B2EMO was ready to provide false information to protect Andor's location, which the soldiers were actively seeking. By 5 BBY, Bee began to suffer from operational issues, including speech impediments and delays in data processing.
Unlike the treatment often given to other droids, B2EMO held a respected position within the community, regarded not only as a friend but also as a member of the family by many. The residents of Ferrix were quick to offer assistance when an Imperial officer physically assaulted him. He shared a particularly close bond with Brasso, who offered comfort to the droid following Maarva's death and even stayed overnight at their home to provide companionship to the lonely droid.
Sporting a squat and boxy build, B2EMO, a red machine, used black sensors and wheels for navigation. He was equipped with an electro-shock prod for defensive purposes.
B2EMO made his debut in "Kassa," the initial episode of the Disney+ television program Andor, which premiered on September 21, 2022. The droid's movements and voice were provided by Dave Chapman. His introduction to the public occurred via a Star Wars: The Black Series action figure, exclusively sold at San Diego Comic Con. A life-sized representation of B2EMO, the one utilized in the show, was on display at the convention alongside Cassian Andor's attire.
Tony Gilroy, the writer, envisioned a devoted companion for the Andor family: an aged salvage droid with a long history of service to the family. Gilroy's initial concept, inspired by an old family dog, ultimately led to B2EMO's creation. Conceptual artist Jake Lunt Davies, in collaboration with creature designer Neal Scanlan, played a key role in the droid's design. Davies worked in close coordination with animatronic designer Josh Lee to guarantee a successful transition of B2EMO from initial sketches to the screen. The team quickly settled on a rectangular, squat design, requiring only a few drawings before finalizing the droid's appearance. They analyzed the script to fully grasp B2EMO's role in the show. This analysis, coupled with an understanding of the droid's interaction with his surroundings, allowed them to determine how to convey emotions through subtle gestures, body language, and head movements. B2EMO was constructed entirely from the ground up, with careful attention to every aspect, including his square shape and red coloring. B2EMO marked the first instance of Scanlan's team creating a droid capable of expressing recognizable emotions and possessing the ability to shrink in size.
Gilroy and his associates expressed their admiration for the prototype upon its initial viewing at Pinewood Studios, one of the filming locations for Andor. The original intention was to cast an actor and re-record B2EMO's dialogue. However, after reviewing numerous auditions for the role, Gilroy's brother, John Gilroy, expressed a preference for Dave Chapman's voice. Consequently, Chapman was contacted and offered the role of voicing the droid. Nicholas Britell, the composer, developed a unique musical theme for B2EMO. B2EMO was built entirely practically and controlled remotely, which allowed Diego Luna, the actor portraying Cassian Andor, and other actors to share scenes with the droid and improvise with him. Luna expressed his delight in working with B2EMO, emphasizing the droid's tangible presence. B2EMO also received affection from Adria Arjona, Kyle Soller, and Denise Gough, the actors who played Bix Caleen, Syril Karn, and Dedra Meero, respectively.