J-deite RIDE transforming robot has the capability to change between a 4-meter tall bipedal walking humanoid robot form to a functional car. Engineers have designed the robot to include up to two passengers who can operate the unit from a driver’s seat. However, for passengerless operation, a “driver” can remotely control the bot via wireless network.
The companies worked together to develop various parts of the transforming system. BRAVE ROBOTICS designed and developed the hardware, including the unique transforming mechanism. Asratec’s robot control system “V-Sido” performs the robot motions such as the transformation, bipedal walking, wheel driving and more. Mechanical designer Kunio Okawara cooperated in the robot design.
Photo courtesy of J-deite RIDE
The transformer was developed with an aluminum frame and is able to move using two-wheel drive. J-deite RIDE’s engineers say it has a theoretical driving speed of 60 kph as a vehicle with the same wheels allowing the humanoid robot to roll along at half that speed. However, if the vehicle is in walking mode, it can only move at a slow crawl of 100 metres per hour.
And for now, while this Transformer robot may not have the capabilities to defeat Megatron and the antagonist faction of Decepticons, the technology opens the doors for new and futuristic applications. Sansei Technologies is currently working to commercialize the transforming robot technology for amusement park rides.
The company boasts their goal is to develop an advanced 5 meter tall transforming robot to be completed around 2020.
