Heroic and nonheroic robots can receive structural and programming upgrades that increase their ability scores. (Heroic robots can also improve their mental ability scores by gaining levels, much as organic characters do.)

A robot can receive multiple upgrades to the same ability score. Robots with armature and biomorph frames have no Intelligence score and therefore cannot receive upgrades to Intelligence. No robot can receive an upgrade to Constitution, since robots do not have Constitution scores.

Upgrades to physical abilities (Strength and Dexterity) always entail a refit or reconstruction and require a factory, workshop, or other facility. Upgrades to mental abilities (Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma) are handled by using a computer to reprogram or add new subroutines to the robot's brain, neural network, or central processing unit.

To perform a Strength or Dexterity upgrade from scratch, a character must have access to a workshop or other suitable facility. Acquiring the necessary components for the upgrade requires a Wealth check against the upgrade's purchase DC. After 24 hours spent performing the upgrade, the character must succeed at a Craft (mechanical) check (DC 25). A character without a mechanical tool kit takes a -4 penalty on the skill check.

To perform an Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma upgrade, a character must first acquire the necessary system components with a successful Wealth check (against the upgrade's purchase DC). The character must then succeed at a Computer Use check (DC 30) after 1 hour spent reprogramming the robot.

Purchase DC: The cost of the upgrade.

Parts of the robot's frame, including its joints and hydraulic components, are reinforced or replaced with similar components made of stronger materials. The upgrade provides a +2 bonus to Strength.

Purchase DC: 5 + one-half the base purchase DC of the robot's frame + robot's Strength modifier before the upgrade.

The robot receives replacement joints or ligaments that are more flexible, and the robot's tactile sensors are modified to improve manual dexterity. The upgrade provides a +2 bonus to Dexterity.

Purchase DC: 5 + one-half the base purchase DC of the robot's frame + robot's Dexterity modifier before the upgrade.

Modifications to the robot's artificial intelligence allow it to think more creatively. The upgrade provides a +2 bonus to Intelligence.

Purchase DC: 10 + one-half the base purchase DC of the robot's frame + robot's Intelligence modifier before the upgrade.

The robot is programmed with character and personality subroutines that enable it to better interpret and simulate humanoid behavior patterns and emotions. The upgrade provides a +2 bonus to Charisma.

Purchase DC: 10 + one-half the base purchase DC of the robot's frame + robot's Charisma modifier before the upgrade.

Adjustments to the robot's sensors improve its perception, while new software enables it to act more intuitively. The upgrade provides a +2 bonus to Wisdom.

Purchase DC: 10 + one-half the base purchase DC of the robot's frame + robot's Wisdom modifier before the upgrade.