USA vs. Japan Giant Robot Duel Becomes A Reality: MegaBots Launches

MegaBots launched a Kickstarter to help raise funds to “pay for those upgrades” that will help them defeat Japan, including prepping it for hand-to-hand combat of which the current robot is not prepared for.

We’re not there yet, but we’re getting closer now that two giant robots are set for a hand-to-hand, East-meets-West battle to determine the fate of the world (or at least worldwide bragging rights). But if merely watching robots fight isn’t enough, a hefty donation can get you strapped in to experience it all yourself. II, is scheduled to engage in a head-to-head fight with a robot built by Suidobashi Heavy Industry of Japan.

NASA’s Telerobotics Technology Development Program, led by David Lavery, will evaluate the robot for future use in safety technology. BattleBots co-founders Greg Munson and Trey Roski will assist with the finer aspects of melee combat. “MythBusters” host Grant Imahara is a robot builder and will help design the Mk.II.

Diamandis is optimistic the robot duel can raise awareness in robotics and STEM education. Sure you are, but it’s not going to happen without some cash. I dare you and the Japanese fans to try to beat our crowdfunding results – let’s see which country’s culture loves giant robots the most. “I believe in innovation and I believe in competitions driven by innovation, and that’s why I started the X-Prize”. At that price, you can pilot the Mk.II through an obstacle course. Those basics will cost a cool $500,000. To rectify this, it’s seeking $500,000 on Kickstarter to give the robot heavy armor plating, upgraded hydraulics, and improved speed. MegaBots has plans for any additional money it raises through Kickstarter.

A stretch goal of $1,000,000 will allow Megabots to work with the award-winning team at IHMC Robotics to develop a balance control system that will help keep the Mark II upright through a gruelling fight.

In a like-minded fashion, Suidobashi responded to Cavalncanti, Oerhlein, Warren and company with a video of its own, captioned simply with “MegaBots, thank you for issuing the video”.