History Main / TelescopingRobot

** The Masked Unit from "[[Recap/FuturamaS2E8RagingBender Raging Bender]]" can do this: his day-to-day form is an unassuming robot, until Bender starts to insult him and he telescopes into his ''pro-wrestler'' form. (Strangely for a comic spot, this is one of the most realistic examples on the page, as the transformation only consists of [[FakeMuscles taking up more space]] and changing voice pitch. Robot pro-wrestling is [[{{Kayfabe}} entertainment]], after all.)

When in trouble, or in need of opening a file of whoop-ass, a SuperRobot's limbs extend, armor appears, {{Death Ray}}s will sprout up from nowhere, hatches will open up in various parts of their bodies to reveal missiles (beware the missile ''[[FreudWasRight codpiece]]'' and ''[[TorpedoTits bustier]]!'') and they become ten metric tons heavier than before. The cooler sequences will qualify as TechnologyPorn.

* ''MarvelUniverse'':

* Soundwave in ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformers'' could go from a tape player to a 5 story robot, where does the extra mass come from, where does it go? [[ShapeshifterBaggage Who can know]]!
** This is indicative of ''Transformers'' in general. For instance, the original Megatron turns into a pistol which is usable by either Starscream or a human, depending on the situation.
** In ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated,'' Longarm earns his name by being able to extend his arms (and legs) to great length. [[spoiler: This is only a small part of his shapeshifting abilities, which let him change his robot mode almost entirely to hide the fact that he's actually Shockwave, Megatron's eyes and ears on Cybertron.]]
*** Swindle [[spoiler: and Sari after her upgrade]] display the more standard variant of massive amounts of weaponry folding out of their bodies.
** Transformers actually justifies it, if never explicitly in the shows. They all have a personal pocket dimension that holds the extra mass when they're not using it.
*** Including guns, optional hand attachments, all the various cassettes Soundwave and Blaster store in their chests, and Optimus Prime's trailer (before becoming a Powermaster)
* ''WesternAnimation/MyLifeAsATeenageRobot'': [=XJ9=], known as Jenny to her friends, can telescope her limbs and neck thousands of feet, [[LampshadeHanging sometimes attached to a giant spool as thick as she is tall]]. And we've lost count of how many weapons she has in her HyperspaceArsenal after about two hundred. The only real limit to her power is RuleOfDrama. First, she can't "retract" (if that's the right word) without some hardware work, which means she can't appear "skinny" (and since she's a ''teenage'' robot she considers this a problem). Second, adding more upgrades to her form (as she did compulsively in one episode) will start adding unsightly mass that restricted her movement.
* Bender in ''WesternAnimation/{{Futurama}}'' seems to have whatever abilities the plot needs, including arms that extend well beyond the plausible.
** Also in Futurama, the Masked Unit could do this: his day-to-day form is an unassuming robot, until Bender starts to insult him and he telescopes into his ''pro-wrestler'' form. (Strangely for a comic spot, this is one of the most realistic examples on the page, as the transformation only consists of [[FakeMuscles taking up more space]] and changing voice pitch. Robot pro-wrestling is [[{{Kayfabe}} entertainment]], after all.)

* ''The Robonic Stooges'' had Film/TheThreeStooges as cyborg/robot/android secret agents with telescoping limbs and other built-in gadgets.

** Zim's PAK (kept on his back) also contain an array of devices as needed, mainly his telescoping spider legs. [[note]]It also contains Zim! His mind runs on the hardware inside the PAK. The Irken body is an organic husk attached to their real computer brain. Yes, this is canon (and the reason Tak's consciousness could end up in her cruiser).[[/note]]
* ''WesternAnimation/SuperRobotMonkeyTeamHyperforceGo'' loves this trope. Not only the Super Robot himself has it but also the monkeys, all able to transform their small hands into much larger weapons.

* Bobert from ''WesternAnimation/TheAmazingWorldOfGumball'' can go from just a little shorter than Gumball, to a massive freaking, [[MoreDakka gun-covered]] battle form when he gets pissed.
* Frequently played straight and parodied (as everything else on the show) in ''WesternAnimation/MegasXLR''.
* ''WesternAnimation/TheZetaProject'': Zeta was designed as a KillerRobot who uses a HolographicDisguise to get close to his targets. His head and limbs can changes size to account for differently-sized individuals.
* Doctor Gross from ''WesternAnimation/AdventureTime'' is a {{Cyborg}} whose "mods" work like this, with her proclaiming her "scissor hands" and "telescopic legs" to be no different than artificial hearts or glasses. [[spoiler: Her MixAndMatchCritters and protege Tiffany have similar abilities.]]
* Parodied in ''WesternAnimation/SamuraiJack'' in "Jack VS Aku". One of the assassins ordered by Aku is a gigantic robot with a telescoping cannon built into his chest...that extends reeeeeally far. By the time it has fully extended, the bore of the barrel is so tiny that the bullet that comes out is the size of a pea and has almost no velocity leading it to bounce harmlessly off of Jack's sword. Moreover the comical length of the cannon cause the robot to lose balance and fall over. [[MadeOfExplodium And then he explodes]].
* The titular Big Guy from ''WesternAnimation/BigGuyAndRustyTheBoyRobot'' had telescoping Machine Guns, Missile Launchers, Thrusters, Grenades, and [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking a lighter]] all built into his frame. He does have the bulk to contain it all within him, but it would effectively leave him an empty shell with no servos to actually move (let alone having enough structural integrity to sustain the amount of damage he does).
* ''WesternAnimation/{{Kaeloo}}'': In one episode, Mr. Cat experiments on Quack Quack (a duck) in a laboratory to give him telescoping limbs.
* ''WesternAnimation/DynomuttDogWonder'': Dynomutt's most commonly displayed ability is his telescoping limbs.

* In ''James Pond 2: Codename Robocod'', Robocod can extend his midsection to grab onto ceilings and high platforms.

** This is indicative of ''Transformers'' in general. For instance, the original Megatron turns into a pistol which is then used by Starscream.
** Or more absurdly, by a human!
** In ''WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated,'' Longarm earns his name by being able to extend his arms to great length (legs as well.) [[spoiler: This is only a small part of his shapeshifting abilities, which let him change his robot mode almost entirely, to hide the fact that he's actually Shockwave, Megatron's eyes and ears on Cybertron.]]

* ''WesternAnimation/MyLifeAsATeenageRobot'': [=XJ9=], known as Jenny to her friends, provides the page image for a reason. She can telescope her limbs and neck thousands of feet, [[LampshadeHanging sometimes attached to a giant spool as thick as she is tall]]. And we've lost count of how many weapons she has in her HyperspaceArsenal after about two hundred. The only real limit to her power is RuleOfDrama. First, she can't "retract" (if that's the right word) without some hardware work, which means she can't appear "skinny" (and since she's a ''teenage'' robot she considers this a problem). Second, adding more upgrades to her form (as she did compulsively in one episode) will start adding unsightly mass that restricted her movement.

* ''Manga/GetterRobo'': The three forms of each Getter tend to look very little like their [[CombiningMecha component parts]] as well as nothing like each other, then there's the issue of [[ThisIsADrill all]] [[AnAxeToGrind its]] [[MacrossMissileMassacre weapons]]. [[HandWave Hand-waved]] by the use of Getter Rays which, in an idea later recycled by ''Anime/TengenToppaGurrenLagann'', will cause the universe to collapse if overused. The use of advanced nanotechnology is also shown, if Getter-1's transformation sequence from the OVA is to be believed.

** Machine Man is an android who is best known for his telescoping limbs in addition to other functions. Originally, this was fairly conservative, but the deliberately absurdist comic ''ComicBook/{{Nextwave}}'' took it to, well, absurd levels, and it has stayed that way, with Aaron being able to sprout multiple chainsaws from each hand or his chest at will. Semi-{{justified|Trope}} by the fact that he has modified and upgraded himself over the years.

* In the ''MarvelUniverse'', Machine Man is an android who is best known for his telescoping limbs in addition to other functions. He is [[DoAnythingRobot full of useful devices!]]
** Originally, this was fairly conservative, but the deliberately absurdist comic ''ComicBook/NextWave'' took it to, well, absurd levels, and it has stayed that way, with Aaron being able to sprout multiple chainsaws from each hand or his chest at will. Semi-justified by the fact that he has modified and upgraded himself over the years.
* Also from Marvel, the villain Stilt-Man wears a suit of robotic armor with extending legs. And this is his ''[[WhatKindOfLamePowerIsHeartAnyway only]]'' [[WhatKindOfLamePowerIsHeartAnyway super power]]. The second Scourge had telescoping legs in his bag of second-hand villain tricks, presumably based on Stilt-Man's design. The depowered mutant Tattoo showed up in the post-ComicBook/CivilWar ComicBook/NewWarriors team using PoweredArmor with extendable arms and legs, although she fared even worse than old Stilty, dying in one of the team's first battles. At least she didn't [[GroinAttack take an anti-tank missile to the nuts]].
* Yet another Marvel example: M-11, from ''ComicBook/AgentsOfAtlas'', a robot who's equipped with telescopic limbs, a DeathRay, and Electro-Hands, among other things.
* Finally, in ''ComicBook/{{Excalibur}},'' Karima Shapandar looked like an ordinary human until she deployed her ''endless'' array of instruments of destruction. She got a redesign upon her move to ''ComicBook/XMen,'' though, sadly.
* ''Robotboy's'' Super Mode. When activated, asskicking ensues.

** Gurren Lagann! Giga Drill Breaker! They actually give it a HandWave in the that they're using "[[EverythingsBetterWithSpinning Spiral Energy]]", which is explicitly able to create matter out of nothing. [[spoiler:Which is also something of a deconstruction, as overuse of this will eventually result in "Spiral Nemesis", which will create so much energy and mass as to ''make the entire universe implode'']].

[[quoteright:320:[[WesternAnimation/MyLifeAsATeenageRobot https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/TeenageRobot_telescoping.jpg]]]] [[caption-width-right:320:[-[[WhereDoesHeGetAllThoseWonderfulToys Where does she keep all those wonderful toys?]]-] ]]

When in trouble, or in need of opening a file of whoop-ass, a SuperRobot's limbs extend, armor appears, {{Death Ray}}s will sprout up from nowhere, hatches will open up in various parts of their bodies to reveal missiles (beware the missile ''[[FreudWasRight codpiece]]'' and ''bustier!'') and they become ten metric tons heavier than before. The cooler sequences will qualify as TechnologyPorn.

See also TransformingMecha, HyperspaceArsenal, SwissArmyWeapon, ImpossiblyCompactFolding, RetractableWeapon, and ShapeshifterBaggage. Can lead to a MacrossMissileMassacre. Human-sized robots with this power are usually SuperPoweredRobotMeterMaids and/or [[DoAnythingRobot Do Anything Robots]].

* ''Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi'': Both the anime and the manga versions of Chachamaru. Although she's primarily a quiet girl, at times she reveals anything from gatling guns to massive swords. These weapons can be as big as she is, at times. [[AWizardDidIt She is a ]]''[[AWizardDidIt magical ]]''[[AWizardDidIt robot, though]].

* ''Webcomic/{{Adventurers}}': Played straight by the "infinity" form of Spybot.

* In what serves as TheStinger to ''Film/ZackSnydersJusticeLeague'', Batman has a meeting with the Joker, and he's accompanied by Cyborg among others. When a turned-evil Superman shows up, Cyborg readies his multiple weapons, including his {{Arm Cannon}}s and a [[GatlingGood minigun]].

See also TransformingMecha, HyperspaceMallet, SwissArmyWeapon, ImpossiblyCompactFolding, RetractableWeapon, and ShapeshifterBaggage. Can lead to a MacrossMissileMassacre. Human-sized robots with this power are usually SuperPoweredRobotMeterMaids and/or [[DoAnythingRobot Do Anything Robots]].

* In what serves as TheStinger to ''Film/ZackSnydersJusticeLeague'', Batman has a meeting with the Joker, and he's accompanied by Cyborg among others. When a turned-evil Superman shows up, Cyborg readies his multiple weapons, including his {{Arm Cannon}}s and a GatlingGun.

* ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}''

* ''Manga/MahouSenseiNegima'': Both the anime and the manga versions of Chachamaru. Although she's primarily a quiet girl, at times she reveals anything from gatling guns to massive swords. These weapons can be as big as she is, at times. [[AWizardDidIt She is a ]]''[[AWizardDidIt magical ]]''[[AWizardDidIt robot, though]].

** Originally, this was fairly conservative, but the deliberately absurdist comic ''Comicbook/NextWave'' took it to, well, absurd levels, and it has stayed that way, with Aaron being able to sprout multiple chainsaws from each hand or his chest at will. Semi-justified by the fact that he has modified and upgraded himself over the years.
* Also from Marvel, the villain Stilt-Man wears a suit of robotic armor with extending legs. And this is his ''[[WhatKindOfLamePowerIsHeartAnyway only]]'' [[WhatKindOfLamePowerIsHeartAnyway super power]]. The second Scourge had telescoping legs in his bag of second-hand villain tricks, presumably based on Stilt-Man's design. The depowered mutant Tattoo showed up in the post-ComicBook/CivilWar ComicBook/NewWarriors team using PoweredArmor with extendable arms and legs, although she fared even worse than old Stilty, dying in one of the team's first battles. At least she didn't [[{{GroinAttack}} take an anti-tank missile to the nuts]].
* Yet another Marvel example: M-11, from ''ComicBook/{{Agents of Atlas}}'', a robot who's equipped with telescopic limbs, a DeathRay, and Electro-Hands, among other things.
* Finally, in ''Comicbook/{{Excalibur}},'' Karima Shapandar looked like an ordinary human until she deployed her ''endless'' array of instruments of destruction. She got a redesign upon her move to ''Comicbook/XMen,'' though, sadly.

* The Clumsy Robot from ''Videogame/EarthBound'' is a cute little thing that would probably come up to your knee, and also contains enough ordnance to level a city block. And ''still'' has enough room for some sandwiches.

[[folder:Web Comics]]

When in trouble, or in need of opening a file of whoop-ass, a SuperRobot's limbs extend, armor appears, {{Death Ray}}s will sprout up from nowhere, hatches will open up in various parts of their bodies to reveal missiles (beware the missile ''codpiece'' and ''bustier!)'' and they become ten metric tons heavier than before. The cooler sequences will qualify as TechnologyPorn.

* Warmachine in ''WesternAnimation/{{The Mask}}'', the robot, himself is a weapon arsenal, and his body also has built-in various weapons for him to use whenever necessary. The known weapons are: he can shoot lasers from his eyes and this ultrared ray should terminated the enemies. Hatches will open up in various parts of his body, there are many artillery tubes hidden inside the [[https://the-mask.fandom.com/wiki/Warmachine robot chest]], which seems to be able to launch small missiles. Like his chest, there is also a small door handle on his back. After opening, any person(especially dogs) can enter the machine through the passageway (can be regarded as a design flaw).

[[quoteright:320:[[WesternAnimation/MyLifeAsATeenageRobot https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/TeenageRobot_telescoping.jpg]]]] [[caption-width-right:320:[-[[WhereDoesHeGetAllThoseWonderfulToys Where does she keep all those wonderful toys?]]-] ]] [[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/war_machine_3_3.png]] [[caption-width-right:350:Warmachine full robotic body is a arsenal]]

[[quoteright:320:[[WesternAnimation/MyLifeAsATeenageRobot https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/TeenageRobot_telescoping.jpg]]]]
[[caption-width-right:320:[-[[WhereDoesHeGetAllThoseWonderfulToys Where does she keep all those wonderful toys?]]
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/war_machine_3_3.png]] [[caption-width-right:350:Warmachine full robotic body is a arsenal]]-] ]]

[[caption-width-right:320:[-[[WhereDoesHeGetAllThoseWonderfulToys Where does she keep all those wonderful toys?]]-] ]]
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/war_machine_3_3.png]] [[caption-width-right:350:Warmachine full robotic body is a arsenal]]

* Warmachine in ''WesternAnimation/{{The Mask}}'', the robot, himself is a weapon arsenal, and his body also has built-in various weapons for him to use whenever necessary. The known weapons are: he can shoot lasers from his eyes and this ultrared ray should terminated the enemies. Hatches will open up in various parts of his body, there are many artillery tubes hidden inside the [[https://the-mask.fandom.com/wiki/Warmachine robot chest]], which seems to be able to launch small missiles. Like his chest, there is also a small door handle on his back. After opening, any person(especially dogs) can enter the machine through the passageway (can be regarded as a design flaw). [[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/war_machine_3_3.png]] [[caption-width-right:350:Warmachine full robotic body is a arsenal]]

* Warmachine in ''WesternAnimation/{{The Mask}}'', the robot, himself is a weapon arsenal, and his body also has built-in various weapons for him to use whenever necessary. The known weapons are: he can shoot lasers from his eyes and this ultrared ray should terminated the enemies. Hatches will open up in various parts of his body, there are many artillery tubes hidden inside the [[https://the-mask.fandom.com/wiki/Warmachine robot chest]], which seems to be able to launch small missiles[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/war_machine_3_3.png]] [[caption-width-right:350:some caption text]]. Like his chest, there is also a small door handle on his back. After opening, any person(especially dogs) can enter the machine through the passageway (can be regarded as a design flaw).

* Warmachine in ''WesternAnimation/{{The Mask}}'', the robot, himself is a weapon arsenal, and his body also has built-in various weapons for him to use whenever necessary. The known weapons are: he can shoot lasers from his eyes and this ultrared ray should terminated the enemies. Hatches will open up in various parts of his body, there are many artillery tubes hidden inside the [[https://the-mask.fandom.com/wiki/Warmachine robot chest]], which seems to be able to launch small missiles. Like his chest, there is also a small door handle on his back. After opening, any person(especially dogs) can enter the machine through the passageway (can be regarded as a design flaw).

** Originally, this was fairly conservative, but the deliberately absurdist comic [[Comicbook/NextWave]]'' took it to, well, absurd levels, and it has stayed that way, with Aaron being able to sprout multiple chainsaws from each hand or his chest at will. Semi-justified by the fact that he has modified and upgraded himself over the years.

* In ''Videogame/SpaceEngineers'', concealing weapons underneath ship armor is very popular. On the other hand, the ship actually needs the internal space to fit the weapons and the mechanism to deploy them. It's also liable to end in disaster if the pistons or rotors jam, which can cause [[HoistByHisOwnPetard rockets to misfire straight into the delicate internals of the ships]]. The trailer for the UsefulNotes/XboxOne port has a space station with turrets that rise out from hidden ports.