‘Real-life Transformer’ turns from robot into electric car
A Japanese robotics company has produced a fully-functioning prototype of a real-life Transformer that turns from robot into electric car at the flick of a switch.
Asratec Corp, founded just five years ago, has partnered with a range of companies as it works to put robots to practical use.
Its intriguing new model, developed in conjunction with Tokyo-based Brave Robotics and amusement park ride manufacturer Sansei Technologies, is called the J-deite RIDE.
The robot – which draws similarities to the toys featured in the world-famous film franchise – is four metres high, weighs 1.6 tonnes and can walk at modest speeds of up to 100 metres an hour in upright mode.
But it only takes a click of a button to transform the robot into a vehicle capable of travelling at almost 40mph, using a lithium-ion battery pack.
The vehicle’s two passengers can even remain seated inside the car while it transforms back into a humanoid robot.
Asratec’s software taught the robot to walk on two legs, while Brave Robotics developed the hardware behind the transforming mechanism.
Kunio Okawara, who created the J-deite RIDE, aims to sell the robot to theme parks.
He reckons the eye-catching novelty could become the first of a whole new generation of robotic rides and attractions, such as transforming go-karts.
Asratec is now looking for firms interested in getting their names on the side of its latest co-creation.
If you want to get a first look at the J-deite RIDE, Asratec is putting it on display at the DokiDoki Japanese Festival in Manchester later this year.
You might also like
Advanced Stop Lines - what are they and can I get fined for entering one?
Advanced Stop Lines (ASLs) are one of many causes for confusion among drivers, road users, and cyclists sharing the road.
City drivers hit with one million penalties a year for bus lane misuse
DVSA oversaw 1.8 million driving tests in 2017
Drivers in England spend over a million hours a year on the road
English motorists drove the equivalent of almost 1,000 return trips to Mars in 2016 – showing the demand for investment in road improvements.
Popular in News
1
EV car batteries last longer than expected, according to new study
2
Vehicle breakdowns where poor roads were to blame rose 15% last year
3
Vaping in cars with children could be banned
4
Graduated driving licences set to be introduced in Northern Ireland
5
Quarter of drivers say they’ve suffered vehicle crime
6
More than 2,500 motorists caught drink-driving three or more times in the last 11 years
7
Government extends home EV charger grant to 2027
8
Four-in-five drivers concerned about dazzling headlights as darker evenings arrive
9
Council pothole claims rise by 90% in three years
10