An asteroid mining pod was a type of spacecraft used to mine asteroids for natural resources. Such pods were operated by the Automated Personnel Units created by the Pralor species. Automated Unit 3947 was operating an asteroid mining pod when the craft exploded for unknown reasons, leaving 3947 floating damaged in space. The USS Voyager located 3947 in 2372 and Lt. B'Elanna Torres repaired the damaged robot. (VOY: "Prototype")