The R1-series astromech droid was Industrial Automaton's first production model of their new consumer-market R-series astromech droid line. The R1-series integrated and improved on the developments of the P2-series prototype astromech, and was an improvement over the P2, despite its unconventional appearance. To save on research, development, and retooling costs, Industrial Automaton reused the jet black body shells from its long running Mark II reactor drone. The dense shielding of the heavy shell gave the R1 protection against intense radiation. The droid moved about via a tracked uni-pod, which was slow and often malfunctioned, causing a frequent lack of locomotion