Hard drive: Japan robot maker aims to make science fiction a reality

‘Archax’, 4.5 metres high and weighing 3.5 tonnes, can be moved and operated by a pilot in its cockpit, at speeds up to 10km (6 miles) per hour

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Archax, a giant human-piloted robot developed by Japanese start-up firm Tsubame Industries. Photo: Reuters

Published: 9:13pm, 27 Oct 2023

Ryo Yoshida has monster-sized dreams for his massive and drivable robot, even though its size makes it hard to park and the US$3-million price tag will crush most wallets.

An imposing 4.5 metres (14.7 feet) high and weighing 3.5 tonnes (7,716 pounds), “Archax” can be moved and operated by a pilot who clambers up to the hi-tech cockpit.

“I want to make people’s dreams come true, the dream people once had as a child, which is to get on board a robot and control it, just like science fiction movies,” said Yoshida, CEO of the start-up Tsubame Industries.

“This is a product to help people taste a bit of that world,” said the 25-year-old, speaking at the Japan Mobility Show where his monster was a star of the show.

When manoeuvred in vehicle mode, Archax is capable of moving at 10km (six miles) per hour, according to the company.

Ryo Yoshida, 25, adjusts a hand part of Archax, a giant human-piloted robot developed by his start-up firm Tsubame Industries. Photo: Reuters

It has 26 joints including on two huge hands, which a pilot controls with two joysticks, two pedals and a touch screen.