And with reference to Bens multiple choice robot with 15 or so weapon set-ups, by saying Techno Destructo style lifting arm, your assuming that the writer knows what Techno Destructo looks like and what style the lifting arm lifts in.

Writers are lazy beasts, give them an excuse to write your machine out and they will.

(And multiple weapon set-ups isnt really a good idea because one lucky hit with a powerful weapon can rip it out)