So, let me be open. I LOVE Iron Kingdoms. D&D + Steampunk
But, my players want to try Starfinder... but they still want their warjacks.
I assumed this might be easy to do, but I have tried to find (we don't own books yet) info on if there are robots/droids that can be used as a similar item, and cannot find it.
Quick summary, a Warjack is a player controlled semi-sentient war machine that operates on steam, mechanika and arcana. Often controlled by a Arcane Mechanik, Jack Marshal or Warcaster.
Example: https://ironkingdoms.fandom.com/wiki/Charger
When I think of this in "space" I immediately think of K-2SO as a smaller, but decent example.
Anything?
That would be a mechanic with the drone option.
Mechanic's drone works.
If you want something more homebrew-y, perhaps include the budget for a player to run a remote controlled vehicle.
Or craft a combatant robot from the Alien archive 1's NPC creation tables.
You should shoot for CR = APL -3 or -4 for an appropriate tag along. (NPCs attack bonuses and HP scale very fast, it's why you want the -3 or -4)