Metroid Database Bestiary

The Shaktool is a flexible tunneling robot that Samus might encounter while exploring the lower regions of Maridia. The robot uses special rotary cutter picks on its "feet" to shear through some of the hardened sands of Maridia, but can likely adjust its mode of operation to effectively tunnel through a variety of geologic substances. The Shaktool will “walk” by slowly rotating one leg over the other in a cycloid motion, cutting through subsequent layers on each leg’s upward and downward stroke. This tedious motion might seem relatively slow to onlookers, but the autonomous machine makes up for any disadvantages with its highly mobile performance in remote locations.

The Shaktool can be destroyed by shooting at the dangerous wheel cutters at the end of its limbs with Beams or Missiles, but it's not in your best interest. When you discover it, keep a safe distance and drop a Power Bomb to blow up a nearby wall. It will then begin to slowly dig a tunnel through the sand for you, leading to a door which allows you to eventually collect the Spring Ball upgrade.