In the future, advanced robotics has given rise to heavy robots called “labors,” used for construction, fire‑fighting, military operations, and more. While the robots themselves are machines, their operators are human, and some of those humans turn to crime. Because a heavy labor unit can become a powerful weapon, the future police employ advanced patrol labor units, known as patlabors, to counteract crime. The series follows the Second Special Vehicles Division, a diverse team of patlabor officers who strive to fight crime and lead normal lives.