Advanced robotics has given birth to heavy robots called "labors" that serve various purposes such as construction, military, fire-fighting, and others. Despite being only machines, their operators are humans who sometimes engage in criminal activities. Due to their potential as dangerous weapons, the police forces of the future retaliate using advanced patrol labor units known as "patlabors." The story unfolds around the Second Special Vehicles Division, an unconventional bunch of male and female patlabor law enforcers striving to combat crime while leading ordinary lives.