R2-D2, often referred to simply as Artu, is a droid-astromechanic from the R2 series, manufactured by Industrial Automation before 32 BBY. Inventive and energetic, over the years developing a complete personality. Its cylindrical body contains many mechanical hands, sensors and other tools that can be used for a variety of needs such as cutting, fire fighting, hologram projection, ship repair and flying. Together with its partner, the C-3PO droid protocol, it often finds itself at the center of important moments in galactic history and many times helps save the galaxy. Like other astromechanic droids, the R2-D2 can walk on two legs or move, rolling on a wheel and on three legs.

In 32 BBY, R2-D2 served Nabu's Royal Mechanics aboard Queen Padme Amidala's ship during the blockade of the Trade Federation. Thanks to his repairs on the ship, the queen and the crew managed to overcome the blockade and escape from the occupied planet. Subsequently, R2-D2 began to serve the Queen as a key role in the liberation of Nabu and remained with Amidala for the next ten years, after which she became a senator. After several assassination attempts on Amidala and the appointment of Padawan, Anakin Skywalker as her bodyguard, R2-D2 and C-3PO, joined Genesis and took part in a battle that sparked the Cloning Wars, a large-scale conflict between the Galactic Republic and Confederate systems. Amidala gave Skywalker an R2-D2 when he became a Jedi Knight, and his droid served faithfully during the war, often flying with him to his fighter's astromechanic nest or fighting at the front next to him.

At the end of the war, Skywalker became a Sith lord, Amidala died, the Jedi Order was exterminated, and the Republic became the Galactic Empire. Subsequently, R2-D2 and C-3PO were sent to the ship "Tantiv IV", where the Viceroy of Alderon Bale Organ was used for nineteen years. During this period, although various inclusions outside the Authority's service were to be found, they ruined the gangster Tig Fromm, helped restore the Tomz-an monarchy, and aided the Mungo Baobab trade to restore his family's wealth. After returning to the crew of the Tantive IV, enter Leia Organ from the Rebel Alliance, involved in the Galactic Civil War and in connection with R2-D2, the task of sending a copy of the plans of the Death Star to the Jedi Obi- One Kenobi of Tatooine. After meeting Skywalker's son Luke and smuggler Han Solo, the droids help rescue Princess Leia from the Death Star and become inseparable from them, helping them and the Rebellion win the Empire and restore freedom in the galaxy.

When the Rebellion transforms into a New Republic, R2-D2 continues to serve Luke and in the evening, women Han and Leia Solo, helping them defeat the remnants of the Empire. R2-D2 penetrates Palpatine's Galactic Cannon and uses it to destroy the planet of Emperor Bis. In 17 BBY, he and C-3PO, with the help of young mechanic Cole Fardrimer, condemned the Coruscant bombing. R2-D2 managed to obtain a copy of the Kaamas Document, which allowed peace to be established between the New Republic and the remnants of the Empire. After 25 SBY, the extragalactic race of religious fans known as Yuzhan Wong invaded the galaxy, R2-D2 in a four-year neighboring conflict, at the end of which owner they were defeated. Years later, Luke and Leia establish the mother's identity through holographic recordings that they discover in the droid's memory. R2-D2 remained with them for some time after the last Second Galactic Civil War. The astromechanic remained the property of the Skywalker generations and in 137 SBY helped Cade Skywalker fight the revived Sith Empire.