Automated turret ( Fallout 3 ) Automated turrets are robotic weapon systems in " Fallout 3 " . Automated turret . Specifications . Automated turrets can either be mounted to the ceiling or the floor . Those mounted on the ceiling fire conventional ammunition at an automatic rate , whereas floor mounted turrets fire laser beams similar to those of the laser rifle , but in a much faster succession . Both varieties have unlimited ammunition . As a rule , odd numbered turret models use conventional bullets and even numbered turrets use laser projectiles . Gameplay attributes . Automated turrets are often found in military installations or areas of historical value . Although not too damaging at lower levels , they can be quite deadly if they surprise the player , or if they are in groups . Both types of turrets can be frenzied by shooting either the targeting chip ( on ground units ) or the lens ( on ceiling units ) . Once frenzied , the turrets will fire on everything they see . All turrets can be shut down using the Robotics Expert perk if the player can reach them unnoticed while sneaking . They can also be deactivated via nearby terminals ( if any ) . Alien turret ( " Mothership Zeta " ) . Specifications . Alien turrets are always ceiling - mounted and can be harder to see , due to their much smaller size . They shoot energy beams similar to the alien atomizer and disintegrator in rapid salvos of five shots . The individual pulses aren ' t highly damaging , but can take a chunk out of the player ' s health if the Lone Wanderer gets caught out in the open for too long . Gameplay attributes . While they cannot be shut down or frenzied via terminal , it is possible to remotely detonate them using nearby switches aboard the Mothership . They explode in a blast of green plasma , similar to a plasma grenade . Like normal turrets , they are unable to shoot directly below them and can be shut down using the Robotics Expert perk if the player is able to reach them by jumping while crouched . Ceiling mounted . Mark I ( Capital Wasteland ) . These can be found in buildings and on bridges and ceilings . A couple are found at Fort Independence . These turrets are often used by organizations such as the Brotherhood Outcasts , but can be found widely across the wasteland . Even raiders use them as sentries . They can be frenzied just like any other turret when the player cripples the lens . Mark I ( Operation : Anchorage ) . These turrets are found throughout " " , defending various strongholds in round bunkers , just outside the facilities . Floor mounted . Mark II ( Capital Wasteland ) . These turrets can be found both inside and outside buildings , as well as on bridges . All floor - mounted models have laser weaponry and can be frenzied when their targeting chip is destroyed . Some can be found outside the Citadel . Mark II ( " Operation : Anchorage " ) . These turrets are found on the Chinese compound wall during the final quest in " " . As expected at this stage , these turrets have much higher Hit Points than the Mark I bunker turrets . Alien turret ( " Mothership Zeta " ) . A standard turret found aboard Mothership " Zeta " . It has alien beam weaponry , unlike other types of automated turrets . Appearances . Automated turrets appear in " Fallout 3 " and " " . Mark VII and Mark VIII turrets only appear in the " Fallout 3 " add - on " Broken Steel " .