In a groundbreaking leap into the future of robotics, Tokyo-based startup Tsubame Industries has unveiled a colossal 4.5-meter-tall (14.8-feet) robot that strikingly resembles the iconic “Mobile Suit Gundam” from the widely adored Japanese animation series. This colossal marvel, christened “ARCHAX” after the ancient avian dinosaur archaeopteryx, is an engineering feat that is set to revolutionize the world of robotics. What’s more, this technological marvel can be yours for a mere $3 million.
The ARCHAX robot is a marvel of modern engineering, featuring four wheels for mobility and a cockpit equipped with advanced monitors that receive real-time images from strategically positioned cameras on its exterior. This ingenious setup allows the pilot to deftly maneuver the robot’s massive arms and hands using intuitive joysticks from the comfort of the cockpit within the torso of the robot.
Weighing in at a staggering 3.5 tons, the ARCHAX robot boasts two remarkable modes. The first is the towering ‘robot mode,’ where it stands upright, showcasing its awe-inspiring stature. The second is the dynamic ‘vehicle mode,’ enabling it to travel at a speed of up to 10 km (6 miles) per hour.
Ryo Yoshida, the visionary 25-year-old Chief Executive of Tsubame Industries, shared his inspiration behind this ambitious project. “Japan excels in animation, games, robots, and automobiles, so I envisioned a product that could encapsulate the essence of all these realms,” said Yoshida. “My aspiration was to craft something that boldly proclaims, ‘This is Japan.’”
Yoshida has ambitious plans for this groundbreaking invention. Initially, the plan is to manufacture and sell five of these remarkable machines to affluent enthusiasts of robotic technology. However, the grander vision involves leveraging the potential of the ARCHAX robot for altruistic causes, such as disaster relief efforts or even utilization in the burgeoning space industry.
Yoshida’s passion for manufacturing was ignited at an early age, instilled by his experiences learning welding skills at his grandfather’s ironworks. He later founded a company specializing in the production of myoelectric prosthetic hands, showcasing his early commitment to the world of cutting-edge technology. Driven by a desire to uphold Japan’s legacy in competitive manufacturing, Yoshida emphasized, “I hope to draw wisdom from the past and continue this esteemed tradition.”
The ARCHAX robot is set to make its public debut at the prestigious Japan Mobility Show later this month, promising to captivate audiences and cement its place in the annals of technological marvels.
Reporting by Satoshi Sugiyama, Chris Gallagher, and Miyu Ito; Editing by Chang-Ran Kim and Miral Fahmy
