This robot is anything but in disguise.
A Japanese tech company has released a state-of-the-art mechanical marvel that can be piloted from the inside.
The real-life Transformer, which toggles easily between robot and vehicle mode, can be yours for a modest $3 million, according to Reuters.
Weighing in at 3.5 tons of steel and circuitry, the 14-foot tall Archax bot — which moves at up to 6 mph — from Tokyo-based Tsubame Industries promises to “transform the world of science fiction into science reality.”
The goal was to “create a robot with a high level of design while maintaining a high degree of mechanical perfection,” according to the company’s website. Customers can choose from blue, white, green and purple.
“Each part moves with sufficient speed, rigidity and power,” the site boasts. “And it’s cool.”
“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,” Tsubame Chief Executive Ryo Yoshida, 25, told Reuters.
“I wanted to create something that says, ‘This is Japan.’ “
Beyond Archax being a collector’s dream, Yoshda is one day hoping his creations can be used like their anime doppelgangers — for space exploration and disaster relief.
Another goal listed on its website is to “form a completely new market for passenger robots” by luring the privileged away from their private planes and ultra-luxury cars.
“The main customers are expected to be wealthy people, and we plan to accept orders and sell the robot not only domestically but also overseas in the future,” the site reads.
As far as the machines’ efficiency, the company assures potential customers that “it is our responsibility as a developer and manufacturer to provide robots that can be operated with peace of mind.”
Source
