The word "droid" is a contraction of "android" which is a term used for human-like robots, but droids are not necessarily humanoid in appearance. Some droids do, however, exhibit human-like behavior; for example, they may react emotionally and think intelligently and self-reflectively.

Droids are used for many different purposes. Astromech droids (or Astrodroids) are used aboard starships, as well as for repair work. Protocol droids are used for diplomatic affairs and for translating. The two leading droid manufacturers are Cybot Galactica and Industrial Automaton.