Engineers in Japan have developed a colossal 3.5-ton robot suit that embodies the essence of a beloved animation character, with ambitious plans to deploy it in space exploration and emergency scenarios.
If you're a fan of "Gundam" or a least watched it on the screen, you would know right away that its design resembles the iconic robot from the popular mecha-drama series.
An Ode to 'Mobile Suit Gundam'
This extraordinary feat of engineering emerges from the creative minds at Tokyo-based start-up Tsubame Industries. According to Reuters, the robot called Archax is inspired by archaeopteryx, an ancient avian dinosaur.
Standing at 4.5 meters or 14.8 feet in height, its towering height will make you feel as if you're inside an action-packed movie featuring Gundam robots.
How Much is the Tsubame's Archax Robot?
Tsubame's creation is not an easy pick-off for those who are dreaming of displaying this robot in their house. With its gigantic size, it's no wonder that it also comes with a big price.
Regarding its price tag, you will need $3 million if you're interested in purchasing Archax. Within its core, the robot boasts cockpit monitors that receive real-time images from exterior cameras. This innovative setup enables the pilot to deftly maneuver the colossal mechanical arms and hands using precision joysticks.
Additionally, the Archax robot showcases its versatility with two distinct modes. The first, aptly named "robot mode," stands upright in all its grandeur. The second mode, the "vehicle mode," permits swift mobility, enabling the robot to cruise at speeds of up to 10 kilometers per hour (6 miles per hour).
Dreams of the Future
While the Archax robot is poised for its grand debut at the upcoming Japan Mobility Show, its visionary creator, Ryo Yoshida, envisions a future where these colossal marvels serve more profound purposes.
His current endeavor involves building and offering five of these mechanical wonders to enthusiasts with a penchant for cutting-edge robotics. However, the bigger dream is to employ these robots for humanitarian endeavors such as disaster relief or contributing to the thriving space industry.
"Japan is very good at animation, games, robots, and automobiles so I thought it would be great if I could create a product that compressed all these elements into one. I wanted to create something that says, 'This is Japan'," the 25-year-old chief executive of Tsubame Industries said in a report by The Independent.
How Did Yoshida's Passion Start?
Yoshida's passion for manufacturing traces back to his early years when he learned the art of welding at his grandfather's ironworks. This formative experience laid the foundation for his journey. He subsequently founded a company specializing in myoelectric prosthetic hands.
With a firm commitment to preserving Japan's competitive edge in the realm of manufacturing, he aspires to build on the legacy of previous generations.
Tsubame Industries stands as a prominent member of the vanguard of startups delving into the world of robotic exoskeletons. The applications for such groundbreaking technology are manifold, spanning from aiding delivery workers in bearing heavy loads to crafting formidable military exosuits that redefine the concept of "super soldiers."
Back in 2020, a video showing how a real-life Gundam raised its foot went viral on YouTube. The 60-foot machine was created by the inventors to carry out more walking tests in the future.
What's interesting here is that Japanese engineers wanted to make it as light as possible.
