Trans-scan

A trans-scan is a Transformer biological process in the live action movie continuity family.

Trans-scanning is the biological process by which a Transformer's in-built sensors chose and examine a new alternate mode. The process of disguising themselves, camoflaging their robotic natures, is as ingrained and natural in a Transformer as changing color is in a chameleon. Immediately after arriving on a new world in their Transition form a Transformer begins trans-scanning to chose and generate a new exostructure/disguise appropriate to both their general size/body mass and their new locale.

Transformers can trans-scan a new (appropriately massed) alternate form at will and their inner protoform core will generate a new exostructure or alter an existing one to that new appearence almost instantaineously.

References

From Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki, a Wikia wiki.