Japanese Startup’s $3 Million Tagged ‘Gundam’-Style Robot

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Oct 2 (Reuters) – A remarkable innovation emerges from Tokyo as start-up Tsubame Industries reveals a massive 4.5-meter-tall (14.8-foot) robot, reminiscent of the iconic “Mobile Suit Gundam” from the famed Japanese animation franchise. Priced at a staggering $3 million, this engineering marvel can be a valuable addition to any tech enthusiast’s collection.

Named ARCHAX, inspired by the prehistoric bird archaeopteryx, this robot’s design stands out with its internal cockpit monitors that stream live visuals from exterior-mounted cameras. This feature allows the operator to adroitly control the robot’s arms and hands using joysticks, all from within its solid structure.

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Scheduled for a grand reveal at the impending Japan Mobility Show, the 3.5-ton ARCHAX is engineered with dual functionalities: a standard ‘robot mode’ and a transformative ‘vehicle mode’, in which it boasts speeds of up to 10 km (6 miles) per hour.

Blending Japan’s rich culture of animation, gaming, robotics, and automobiles, Ryo Yoshida, the visionary 25-year-old CEO of Tsubame Industries, expressed, “The essence of this project was to encapsulate the essence of Japan in one groundbreaking product.”

While Yoshida envisions constructing five units tailored for the affluent robot aficionados, he remains optimistic about the robot’s future applications, spanning from disaster response to pivotal roles in space exploration.

Tracing back to his roots, Yoshida’s passion for crafting took shape in his formative years at his grandfather’s ironworks, where he learned the art of welding. His entrepreneurial journey later pivoted to establishing a company focused on producing advanced myoelectric prosthetic hands. With a fervent desire to uphold and elevate Japan’s legacy in manufacturing, Yoshida added, “I’m committed to imbibing wisdom from the past and perpetuating our rich tradition.