Concept artist Ralph McQuarrie, famed for his concept paintings for Star Wars, gave the machine villains their first form.  He envisioned them akin to the Stormtroopers that Ron Cobb had created for Star Wars' Imperial Empire, whose presence would be heightened by an embedded scanning device that emitted a blue light.  This basic idea remained throughout the production, altered only slightly as McQuarries painting was transformed into armored suits so well known to science fiction fans.

Baltar Confronts the Imperious Leader

Artist Andrew Probert adapted McQuarries concept to produce a bit more medieval warrior.  Probert's ideas had the space-faring Cylons carring hand-to-hand combat weapons reminiscent of the knights of Old Europe.  That idea was later dropped but the robotic Cylons retained a key weapon, the sword.  Cylon warriors brandished their reflective silver swords showing that they were always ready for combat.  Probert also transformed the scanner from the more passive cold blue to an active red with a single light that roved from side to side.

Andrew Probert Design Concept

Probert also gave the Cylons utility packs.  These were integrated into the armor design but later transformed into part of the robot itself, since robots would have little need for survival gear.

Andrew Probert Design Concept

The final result was a dedicated robot race of warriors, inflexible and intent on utterly destroying the Human race.

Cylon Centurion

Thanks to Andew Probert for the use of his artwork.