Japanese Startup Sells A 4.5-Meter Transforming Robot
Tsubame Industries unveils ARCHAX, a $3 million Gundam-inspired robot that combines Japan’s strengths in animation and technology. ARCHAX’s versatile design includes a “robot mode” and a “vehicle mode” for potential applications in disaster response and space applications.
A small staircase leads the pilot into the tiny ARCHAX control compartment, surrounded on all sides by screens. They broadcast information from nine cameras built into the robot’s body, providing the pilot with an almost all-round view. The screens also display ARCHAX speed, body angle, remaining battery life and other important information.
In “robot mode,” the pilot can control ARCHAX’s arms using a set of joysticks, and while it’s unclear how effective the robot’s massive arms are at grasping objects, they sure are quite impressive. The main elements for controlling the movement of the fur are two pedals. The maximum speed of the transformer is 10 km/h.
From “robot mode”, ARCHAX can transform into what Tsubame Industries calls “vehicle mode”. The transformation looks as if the robot is doing the splits: its front pair of wheels moves forward, and the rear pair moves, respectively, backward. The pilot’s seat reclines 17 degrees to keep the pilot upright. Unlike the Transformers-themed vehicles, the mech looks like it’s squatting with its arms at its sides.
