Electromagnetic pulse

An electromagnetic pulse (or EMP) is a magic event which disables or destroys some electronic/robotic devices, but leaves others conveniently operational.

Devil's Due G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers
General Hawk used an EMP to disable Wheeljack and Bumblebee at Area 51.

Sector Seven ARG
The Real Gear Robot referred to as AX9-8946-09SU-1 proved to be resistant to an electromagnetic pulse in Sector Seven experiments.

Cartoon continuity
Ratchet and Bumblebee can create a directed EMP by "crossing the streams", so to speak, of their respective magnetic and electric weapons. Some combination of this EMP and Sari Sumdac's key was seemingly responsible from granting sparks to the lifeless Dinobots.