A DUM-series pit droid, commonly known as a pit droid, represented a type of droid produced by Serv-O-Droid, Inc.. These droids were manufactured in significant quantities on Cyrillia by the indigenous Cyrillians and were used for tasks such as labor, repairs, and minor construction. Furthermore, they were often seen maintaining podracers at podracing events.
Pit droids typically stood at a height of 1.19 meters and exhibited a variety of color schemes. Their most notable attribute was their remarkable strength, which allowed them to lift and move objects far exceeding their own size and weight. This capability made them exceptionally useful in repairing machines like Podracers with impressive speed. Their skeletal structure, characterized by long, slender limbs, was overshadowed by their large, flared, dome-shaped heads. At the center of their head was a sizable, circular photoreceptor that incorporated multi-spectrum scanners, which could detect even microscopic flaws in metals and other solid materials.
The DUM-series droids were most effective when working together in large groups, utilizing built-in communication systems to coordinate within their unit. The antenna located on their disk-shaped heads facilitated the transmission of instructions to other droids, enabling collaborative efforts on projects for increased efficiency and faster completion. However, their immense strength posed a potential hazard if a unit malfunctioned or was left unattended, potentially leading to significant damage. The most dangerous malfunction involved a faulty ON/OFF switch, prompting many owners to keep ion blaster nearby as a safety precaution. Droids deemed beyond repair were typically disposed of, often resulting in their disintegration.
Pit droids possessed the ability to compress themselves into a small, box-like form. Tapping their photoreceptor would cause them to revert to their upright position, and vice versa. Specialized launchers were also developed to automatically decompress and release individual pit droids, one at a time.
The DUM-series droids were mass-produced by Serv-O-Droid, Inc. in factories located on Cyrillia and were widely employed in garages throughout the galaxy during the era of the Galactic Republic. Having been in production for several decades, the DUM-series faced criticism in the media due to their reputation for poor programming. Often clumsy and prone to mishaps, these droids were cheaply manufactured and frequently recycled instead of being repaired. Despite the negative press, the DUM-series droids proved capable within their specific range of functions.
Despite being widely criticized, these droids maintained popularity in the Outer Rim, even during the Galactic Civil War. They saw extensive use on Tatooine in Watto's Shop and at the Boonta Eve Classic, where they worked on podracers. Some were also acquired by Aneesa Dym to repair her ship, the Dusty Duck. During Jar Jar Binks' visit to Watto's Shop in 32 BBY, he inadvertently activated a dormant pit droid, which he quickly deactivated upon being instructed by Anakin Skywalker to strike it on the nose.
During the Boonta Eve Classic of 32 BBY, a DUM-series pit droid was sucked into the engine of racer Ody Mandrell's podracer during a pit stop and ejected from the other end. While the droid "survived," even expressing excitement, Ody's engine was destroyed, causing him to lose the race. Pit droids were also employed to salvage reusable parts from destroyed podracers. This task was often dangerous, as the droids were at risk of being destroyed by operational podracers still in the race. However, the low cost of each droid made the potential loss acceptable.
In 22 BBY, during the first year of the Clone Wars, a number of pit droids assisted Corporate Alliance Magistrate Passel Argente in unloading his treasure in Lessu, the capital city of Ryloth. Another pit droid, WAC-47, was assigned to D-Squad after previously serving Commander Neyo of the 91st Mobile Reconnaissance Corps. This squad was tasked with stealing a Separatist encryption module during a mission.
In the Lucas Learning Games title Star Wars: Pit Droids, the droids are depicted with various tools and equipment, including ladders, wrenches, cases, and gas tanks, or sometimes with no equipment at all. They also appear with different head and body colors.
In LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga, DUM-series pit droids are included as playable characters, although their capabilities are limited. This inclusion is likely for comedic effect.
According to the DVD commentary for Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace, a scene featuring a dispute between three pit droids was intended as a tribute to The Three Stooges.