Tokyo companies begin work on Transformer-like robot
Asratec and Brave Robotics are developing a robot called the J-deite Ride that can transform into a humanoid and a car. The figure on the left shows the height of a regular person. | COURTESY OF PROJECT J-DEITE

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Tokyo companies begin work on Transformer-like robot

by

Staff Writer

Two Tokyo-based firms said Friday they have begun developing a transformable robot that can be operated from inside, both as a humanoid robot and a vehicle.

Asratec Corp. and Brave Robotics said they plan to complete development of the J-deite Ride in 2017.

The robot-makers said the unit will be able to walk on two feet when in humanoid mode, while as a car it will be capable of reaching speeds of 60 kph.

In its humanoid form, the robot will stand 3.5 meters tall. As a car it will be 3.8 meters long. They said it will be able to transform in just 10 seconds.

Asratec, a SoftBank subsidiary that develops V-Sido software for controlling robots, said it has no immediate plans to sell the J-deite Ride commercially.

The Transformer-like robot is part of the firms’ Project J-deite, which was launched last year to explore next-generation robotics technology. Brave Robotics specializes in creating transformable robots.

The project team has already built a 1.3-meter J-deite robot it calls Quarter, which can transform into a vehicle.

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Asratec and Brave Robotics are developing a robot called the J-deite Ride that can transform into a humanoid and a car. The figure on the left shows the height of a regular person. | COURTESY OF PROJECT J-DEITE Developers say the J-deite Ride can transform into a vehicle from a humanoid form in 10 seconds. The figure at left shows the height of a regular person. | COURTESY OF PROJECT J-DEITE

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  • Tantrix

    Oh…wow……want one. A car and a date, all in one. Is that Tesla stock I hear falling?

    • SierraRunner

      You and me both. Remember my transformer collection? Mom sold it when they had the barn sale in Dec though did give me warning. crap! should have driven down.

      • Tantrix

        Oh………..see your latest comments are disappearing…haha- you got tagged– think this time you set a personal best record. let me guess…..gaming site war…? :)

      • SierraRunner

        Check it, this one will stay. Got a reval by the moderator.