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If you grew up loving the Transformers series, you’ve probably dreamed of the day when technology would bring your favorites to life Robots To life.
Now, a Japanese engineering company has turned that childhood fantasy into reality, with its 3.5-ton robot that transforms into a car in a matter of moments.
Designed by Tsubame Industries, Archax is a 15-foot-tall experimental mech capable of transitioning from permanent “robot mode” to simplified “vehicle mode” with the push of a button.
The stunning footage shows a pilot climbing through the cockpit hatch and manipulating the robot’s arms and hands before switching modes and taking off.
Tsubame Industries has currently made five of the giant robots and plans to sell them for $3m (£2.46m) each.
The Archax robot, designed by Tsubame Industries, can transform from robot to car while the pilot remains safely inside.
The new robot bears an uncanny resemblance to Bumblebee from the Transformers film series
Although the pilot is confined inside the robot, he still has a 360-degree view of his surroundings through nine external cameras, which feed into four displays lining the cockpit.
Inside, the pilot uses two joysticks and pedals to control the robot’s movements, controlling his arms in robot mode or steering it in car mode.
Once in vehicle mode, the battery-powered robot’s four legs use real-wheel drive and front-wheel steering to reach unspectacular speeds of 10 mph.
On social media, commentators expressed their admiration for the robot’s capabilities and design, which bears a strong resemblance to video game and anime robots.
“We’re getting close to experiencing Titanfall Mechs,” one commenter wrote, referring to the popular video game that features experimental mech combat.
They added: “Great work to all the engineers, designers, mechanics and everyone involved with this beautiful piece of art and machinery.”
“Amazing, absolutely amazing,” one excited fan quipped. This is what I live for, and I hope to experience it.
The pilot climbs into the cockpit hatch via a ladder on the front of the robot. Once inside, the hatch will close behind them
Although the pilot is confined inside the robot, he still has a 360-degree view of his surroundings through nine external cameras, which feed into four displays lining the length of the cockpit.
Others pointed out the Japanese Archax design, with one commenter writing: “Go Japan!” I always knew you’d make these amazing machines!’
“I always knew that if there was a real mech suit, it would come from a Japanese company,” another wrote. They know very well what is coolest.
Ryoda Yoshida, CEO of Tsubame Industries, said the development of the robot was directly driven by the desire to combine Japanese takes on robotics and animation.
“The initial reason I created it was because I wanted to make a new car,” Yoshida told Reuters.
In addition, Japan is really strong in the animation, gaming and robotics industries, as well as in cars.
“So I thought it would be great if I could create a product that compressed all of these elements into a product that said, ‘This is Japan.’
“With our robots, we hope to create an entry point for children into manufacturing and connect their skills to the next generation of engineers,” the company adds.
“We will strive to bring a childhood dream into reality through our strong technical capabilities and the passenger robot as a product.”
Archax aims to shape a completely new market for luxury cars, taking ultra-luxury care and private jets as the product standard.
The company expects that its main clients will be wealthy people, both at home and abroad.
However, the company hopes that its robots will be used in the future in the space industry and to assist in disaster relief.
The Archex converts to vehicle mode with its four legs providing true all-wheel drive and front-wheel steering
Powered by its electric motor, the 15-foot-tall robot can reach speeds of 10 miles per hour
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