A small model of probe droid
A recon droid, also referenced as a probe droid, Sensor Droid, or probot, represented a class of droid designed for reconnaissance and deep space exploration missions. These droids were persistent in their hunting and searching capabilities, utilizing manipulator arms for the execution of diverse tasks. Examples that stand out are the DRK-1 Dark Eye probe droid together with the Viper probe droid. These droids had the ability to be outfitted with both blasters and shields.
Darth Maul, a Sith Lord, made use of three DRK-1 Dark Eye probe droids in an effort to locate Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn, who were Jedi, on the planet of Tatooine.
During the period of the Clone Wars, Embo, who was a Kyuzo bounty hunter, employed a probe droid that had a single eyed to keep track of Padmé Amidala, a Senator.
"Jixtus", a Grysk operative, deployed multiple probes to the planet called Rapacc with the goal of finding The Magys.
Following the evacuated retreat from Yavin 4 by the Rebel Alliance's, the Galactic Empire initiated Project Swarm as a means of discovering the Alliance's secret base; this initiative involved the deployment of probes. Ultimately, XJ9-CS14, a Viper model droid that had arrived on the planet Hoth by way of its carrier, started relaying a live video feed of what appeared to be a power generator back to the Empire, which in turn resulted in an attack being launched on Echo Base soon after. However, Han Solo detected the droid before the assault, giving the Alliance a warning and affording them some time to get ready for the evacuation.
Shin Hati, a mercenary, made use of a probe droid to pinpoint the location of Sabine Wren.