The Lothal astromech droid, a product of Lothal Logistics Limited, was a specific type of astromech droid. While not quite as advanced as the astromech models from Industrial Automation, these Lothal-made astromech droids were generally considered adequate. These droids typically featured a primarily white exterior and a see-through dome, allowing a glimpse of their internal workings, in a manner reminiscent of Industrial Automaton's R3-series Astromech droid.
The Lothal astromech droid, loosely inspired by the R3-series astromech droid's design, was a perfectly serviceable droid. Like the R-series droids, it had a cylindrical body, a transparent dome-shaped head, and three limbs: one on each side and a shorter, retractable foot underneath. Due to its simple construction and inexpensive parts, the Lothal astromech droid was relatively lightweight compared to other astromech droids. This lightness made them prone to being toppled and susceptible to damage from dust storms.
A single-lens photoreceptor was located behind the dome's flat lens cover. Lacking the Intellex V processor found in the R3 series, the model's rudimentary droid brain was also visible inside the dome. This brain could store the coordinates for a single hyperspace jump and the return trip. Its memory banks could be loaded with the technical data for various starships and vehicles. A holocam port was integrated into the dome, along with other access points, but the standard model did not include an actual camera. This omission was evident due to the lack of visible connections to the port within the dome.
The Lothal astromech droid's boxy feet provided less ground clearance than those of the R-series, but they were reliable, albeit somewhat noisy. The model's drive system, while clunky, was dependable, and like all systems in the Lothal astromech droid, was easily accessible for repairs or replacements. The base model included a basic toolset concealed behind protective panels, featuring an arc welder, an electro-prod, a universal computer interface arm, and a manipulator arm. Additional toolsets were available for customization.
Lothal Logistics Limited manufactured the Lothal astromech droid, naming it after their home planet, Lothal. Recognizing that many individuals and businesses needed affordable droids but could not afford the high prices of even used reliable droids, the company developed the Lothal astromech droid and the RQ protocol droid to meet this demand. While it did not threaten Industrial Automaton's dominance in the astromech market, the model achieved considerable success in the Lothal sector, including the trade center of Garel, where these droids were commonly found during the Imperial Era.
The droids' lightweight construction made them susceptible to the dust storms that became prevalent on Lothal as the Galactic Empire depleted the planet's resources. The Imperial stormtroopers stationed on Lothal also discovered, with cruel amusement, that the droids were easily toppled. An Ugnaught salesman selling jogan fruits on Lothal owned a Lothal astromech that was kicked over by stormtroopers while they harassed him. Their predicament was resolved when the Lasat Garazeb Orrelios assaulted the stormtroopers.