Roboticization

Roboticization is a subject that appears in the Sonic the Hedgehog universe. It is the process by which an organic creature is converted into a robotic being. This is usually accomplished by a Roboticizer. The reversal of the process is simply called deroboticization.

Description
Physically speaking, the process of roboticization converts living tissue into machinery: all body parts are transformed into mechanical equivalents. Due to the transformation, roboticized subjects typically possess increased strength and other abilities. While most are employed for slave labor, some roboticized subjects have been specially created and/or modified for combat, as in the case of Mecha Sonic. The effects of roboticization were usually reversible only through the use of the same Roboticizer used to bring about the transformation. However, some exceptions exist, such as using residual Ring energy.

Roboticized individuals typically lose their free will as a result of roboticization, becoming almost mindless automatons; however, there have been cases in which roboticized individuals' mental capabilities were restored while the bodies remained robotic. In some cases, the subject's original personality may break through by sheer force of will, though this is often rare and short-lived. In some cases, usually due to reprogramming, roboticized mobians may act on their own and even recall facts of their previous lives in order to allow them to better operate on their own; in these cases, their memories have often been altered or rewritten, resulting in a twisted shadow of the subject's true personality. A small device, known as the Neuro-Overrider, may allow one to undergo the process of roboticization without losing free will; however, some later-model roboticizers incorporate a program known as Brain Burn-Thru, designed to ensure the subject's total obedience.

Using roboticization on something already mechanical will cause the object in question to explode.

History
The process was first developed by the brilliant scientist Sir Charles Hedgehog, who intended it to prolong the life of the elderly and sick. When his brother, Jules Hedgehog, was critically wounded in an accident, Charles decided to roboticize him in hopes of saving his life; however, when he discovered that the process had removed Jules' free will as well, Charles abandoned the project. The technology was stolen by Doctor Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik for use in various projects and, later, in a large-scale battle to take the United Federation capitol, Central City.

List of known roboticized subjects

 * Jules Hedgehog
 * Sonic the Hedgehog (twice, becoming Mecha Sonic; later reversed)
 * Sir Charles Hedgehog (later reversed)