1. Dr. Arthur Watts (RWBY and Justice League x RWBY)
Skills in Robotics and Technology
Programming & Hacking Expertise: Watts is a master hacker and programmer, capable of manipulating complex technological systems. He created a virus used by Cinder to infiltrate Beacon Academy’s CCT computers and control Atlesian Knights (PAGE4, PAGE5). In Atlas, he hacked Mantle’s outdated security infrastructure, which he had originally designed, to disable heating systems and manipulate digital voting to favor Jacques Schnee (PAGE2, PAGE5). He also forged a video framing Penny for Tyrian’s massacre (PAGE14).
Cybernetic Engineering: Watts demonstrated proficiency in biomechanical engineering by designing a retractable, venom-producing prosthetic stinger for Tyrian Callows, seamlessly integrating it with Tyrian’s organic body (PAGE14, PAGE15).
Hard-Light Dust Technology: Watts utilized eight rings to create Hard-Light Dust projections, functioning as platforms, shields, or traps (e.g., pinning Ironwood’s arm, requiring him to flay his skin to escape) (PAGE9, PAGE13, PAGE15).
Digital Consciousness Backup: In Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes and Huntsmen, Part Two, Watts created a digital copy of his consciousness as a contingency for his Atlas plan’s failure, showcasing advanced knowledge in artificial intelligence and mind transfer technology (PAGE14).
Grimm-Related Technology: In the same crossover, Watts engineered artificial Grimm, indicating his ability to replicate or manipulate biological and supernatural entities through technological means (PAGE9).
Robotic Creations
Atlesian Paladin-290 Prototype: Watts contributed to the development of the Atlesian Paladin-290, a large combat mech used by the Atlesian military (PAGE14).
Environmental Dust Controls: He invented systems to regulate environmental conditions using Dust, likely for Atlas or Mantle (PAGE14).
Hacked Atlesian Knights: Through his virus, Watts took control of Atlesian Knights, turning them against their creators during the Fall of Beacon (PAGE5).
Artificial Grimm: In Justice League x RWBY, Watts created synthetic Grimm, combining biological mimicry with robotics or supernatural engineering (PAGE9).
Digital Copy: His digital consciousness backup is a non-physical “robotic” creation, representing a self-sustaining AI (PAGE14).
Key Characteristics
Watts’ creations emphasize control and manipulation over direct combat or mass production. His expertise lies in infiltrating and subverting existing systems rather than building large-scale robotic armies.
His work with Tyrian’s prosthetic and artificial Grimm shows versatility in blending organic and mechanical systems.
His digital copy highlights foresight and innovation in AI, ensuring his survival beyond physical death.
2. Dr. Merlot (RWBY: Grimm Eclipse)
Skills in Robotics and Technology
Grimm Mutation and Enhancement: Merlot’s primary focus was bioengineering and mutating Grimm to enhance their capabilities, viewing them as a “superior species” (PAGE17, PAGE19). His experiments aimed to “perfect” Grimm through scientific intervention (PAGE19).
Artificial Intelligence: Merlot developed advanced androids with basic AI to defend his island, indicating proficiency in robotics and AI programming (PAGE19).
Biological and Technological Integration: His work suggests a deep understanding of Grimm biology, allowing him to manipulate their aggression and physical forms through technological means (PAGE17, PAGE20).
Laboratory Automation: Merlot’s lab featured automated systems (e.g., terminals for door and elevator control) integrated with his Grimm experiments, showcasing his ability to create self-sustaining technological ecosystems (PAGE20).
Robotic Creations
Combat Androids: Merlot created two series of advanced androids for island defense:
Red Warrior Machines: Equipped with double-bladed staffs (PAGE16).
White Gun-Wielding Droids: Capable of switching between grenade launchers and rapid-fire energy cannons (PAGE16).
Mutant Grimm: While not strictly robotic, Merlot’s enhanced Grimm (e.g., Creep, Beowolf variants) combine biological mutation with technological control, functioning as semi-autonomous weapons (PAGE20).
Ultimate Mutant Grimm: His final creation in RWBY: Grimm Eclipse was a massive, enhanced Grimm, defeated by Team RWBY, representing the pinnacle of his bio-technological experiments (PAGE20).
Key Characteristics
Merlot’s work blends bioengineering with robotics, focusing on enhancing natural creatures (Grimm) rather than creating purely mechanical entities.
His androids are designed for defense, suggesting a practical approach to robotics, but they lack the sophistication of Watts’ hacked systems or AI backups.
His obsession with Grimm limits the scope of his robotic creations compared to Watts’ broader technological expertise.
3. Fort Lee (RWBY: The Session)
Skills in Robotics and Technology
Cybernetic Enhancements: Fort Lee possessed a cybernetic eye that functioned like a Scroll, allowing remote control of his island’s security systems and animal drones. The eye included an AI assistant, MIA, which analyzed combat data in real-time to optimize his fighting strategy (PAGE22, PAGE23).
Drone Engineering: He designed animal-themed drones (e.g., elephants, giraffes) with basic AI and speech capabilities, demonstrating expertise in robotics and AI integration (PAGE22).
Strategic Intelligence: Fort Lee’s ability to deduce Pyrrha Nikos’ Semblance and its limitations during combat highlights his analytical skills in technological and combat contexts (PAGE22).
Weaponized Prosthetics: His arm cannon, possibly a prosthetic, featured a large shoulder guard and claw-like attachments, indicating proficiency in designing combat-oriented cybernetics (PAGE21, PAGE22).
Robotic Creations
Animal Drones: Fort Lee created drones modeled after animals, equipped with basic AI and capable of speech. A single drone, piloted by his daughter Iona, held its own against Team RWBY, showcasing their combat effectiveness (PAGE22, PAGE23).
Cybernetic Eye with MIA: His eye, integrated with the AI MIA, served as a multifunctional control hub for his drones and security systems, enhancing his situational awareness and combat capabilities (PAGE23).
Arm Cannon: A powerful weapon, possibly a prosthetic, used to knock out Pyrrha Nikos and engage Team RWBY in combat (PAGE23).
Key Characteristics
Fort Lee’s creations focus on combat utility and surveillance, with his drones and cybernetic enhancements designed for direct confrontation and control.
His animal drones show creativity in design but are less advanced than Watts’ hacked systems or Merlot’s AI-driven androids.
His reliance on a single AI (MIA) and limited scope of creations suggest a narrower expertise compared to Watts’ multifaceted skills.
Comparison Table
Detailed Analysis
Skill Versatility:
Watts is the most versatile, excelling in hacking, cybernetics, AI, and supernatural engineering (Grimm). His ability to manipulate existing systems (e.g., Atlesian Knights, Mantle infrastructure) and create novel solutions (digital copy, Tyrian’s stinger) sets him apart.
Merlot focuses on bioengineering and robotics, with a niche expertise in Grimm mutation. His androids are functional but lack the sophistication of Watts’ creations.
Fort Lee has a narrower focus on cybernetics and drones, with his creations tailored for combat and surveillance but lacking the broader impact of Watts or Merlot.
Robotic Creations:
Watts’ creations are diverse, ranging from combat mechs (Paladin-290) to AI-driven consciousness backups and artificial Grimm. His hacked Atlesian Knights demonstrate his ability to repurpose existing tech on a large scale.
Merlot’s androids and mutant Grimm are combat-oriented but limited to his island. His creations are more biological than mechanical, reducing their “robotic” classification.
Fort Lee’s animal drones and cybernetic enhancements are practical for combat but lack the scale or innovation of Watts’ or Merlot’s work.
AI and Technological Innovation:
Watts leads in AI with his digital copy and hacking viruses, showcasing foresight and adaptability. His Hard-Light Dust rings add a unique technological edge.
Merlot’s AI is basic, used for androids and lab automation, but lacks the complexity of Watts’ creations.
Fort Lee’s MIA AI is advanced for real-time combat analysis but limited to his cybernetic eye, making it less impactful than Watts’ AI.
Biological and Supernatural Integration:
Watts and Merlot both excel in blending technology with biological or supernatural elements (Tyrian’s stinger, artificial Grimm for Watts; mutant Grimm for Merlot). Watts’ artificial Grimm in Justice League x RWBY suggest a deeper understanding of supernatural engineering.
Fort Lee’s cybernetic eye and possible arm prosthetic show moderate biological integration but lack the supernatural scope of Watts or Merlot.
Impact and Ambition:
Watts’ manipulations (e.g., Beacon’s fall, Mantle’s destabilization) have global consequences, reflecting his ambition to undermine entire systems. His digital copy and artificial Grimm further amplify his legacy.
Merlot’s ambitions are more localized, aiming to “perfect” Grimm but confined to his island experiments.
Fort Lee’s goals are personal and island-centric, focused on maintaining control and defeating Team RWBY, with no broader societal impact.
Conclusion
Dr. Arthur Watts is the most advanced and impactful in robotics and technology, with a wide range of skills (hacking, cybernetics, AI, Hard-Light Dust, Grimm creation) and creations that influence global events. His digital copy and artificial Grimm demonstrate unparalleled innovation.
Dr. Merlot excels in bioengineering and Grimm mutation, with his robotic creations (androids) serving a secondary role. His work is ambitious but limited in scope and technological sophistication compared to Watts.
Fort Lee is the least advanced, with practical but localized creations (animal drones, cybernetic eye). His skills in cybernetics and AI are notable but lack the depth or impact of Watts or Merlot.