Autobots Roll Out! - transforming robot unveiled in Japan
26/04/2018 11:58
TOKYO, April 26 (Reuters) - A Transformers-style, humanoid
robot that can shape shift into a sports car in about 60 seconds
was unveiled in Japan on Wednesday.
The "J-deite RIDE" robot is the brainchild of Kenji Ishida,
CEO of Brave Robotics and a fan of anime movies featuring robots
that could transform or combine with each other.
"I grew up believing that robots had to be capable of such
things, which became my motivation to develop this robot,"
Ishida told Reuters Television.
The blue and white robot is 3.7-metres (12 feet) tall and
can carry two passengers as it transforms into a car or humanoid
form.
Some people may view the robot as an "expensive toy", but it
was intended to inspire others, Ishida said.
The RIDE was co-developed with Asratec, a robot consulting
firm, and amusement ride manufacturer Sansei Technologies
6357.T .
(Reporting by Hyun Oh; Writing by Darren Schuettler)
((darren.schuettler@thomsonreuters.com; +65 6870 3278;))