J-deite Ride LLP, Asratec Corp., Sansei Technologies, Inc., and Brave Robotics Inc. unveiled a prototype of their “ridable transforming humanoid robot” J-deite Ride on Thursday. Brave Robotics also began streaming two videos that show the prototype transforming between its humanoid and car modes with people inside.
Anime mechanical designer Kunio Okawara (Mobile Suit Gundam, Yatterman, Armored Trooper Votoms, Time Bokan 24) collaborated on J-deite Ride’s designs.
The Turkish Letrons project already produced a prototype transforming car that made an appearance at the Japanese premiere of Michael Bay‘s Transformers: The Last Knight film last year. The J-deite Ride, however, claims to be the first ridable real-world transforming humanoid robot.
Unfortunately, this is no Optimus Prime or Gundam mobile suit. The robot takes just under two minutes to transform between modes, and its walking speed is only 100 meters per hour (about 0.06 miles per hour). Yes, Transformers fans could walk much faster than the J-deite Ride, even at a slow pace. Standing 3.7 meters (about 12 feet) tall, at least riders get a good view.
The machine is more impressive on wheels. J-deite Ride’s maximum theoretical speed in humanoid mode on wheels is 30 kilometers per hour (about 19 miles per hour), and its maximum theoretical speed in car mode is 60 kilometers per hours (about 37 miles per hour).
These specifications could make the transforming robot a fun amusement park ride, which is its intended purpose. The project’s developers hope the J-deite Ride will appear at theme parks and in parades. In the meantime, J-deite Ride LLP is seeking sponsors who will be able to use the prototype for exhibits, promotions, and events.
J-deite will appear at the “GoldenWeek DOKIDOKI Festa All Working Cars Assemble!” event at Twin Ring Motegi race track in Motegi, Tochigi on May 5. The prototype is also planned to appear at IAAPA Attractions Expo, which will be held at Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida from November 12-16.
Source: The Japan Times
