Giant robot rumble: Japanese firm accepts American rival’s invitation to fight

As far as international giant-robot fights go, it’s hardly Robot Jox – there’s no land or power at stake, only professional and national pride.

Japanese robot makers Suidobashi Heavy Industry have accepted a challenge from Boston-based MegaBots Inc. to hold a duel between Suidobashi’s Kuratas robot and the new MegaBot Mark II, which its makers call “America’s first fully functional giant piloted robot.”

In his video reply to MegaBots’ June 30 challenge, Suidobashi founder Kogoro Kurata was less than impressed by the Mark II – whose pneumatic arm cannons can fire three-pound paintballs – and suggested melee combat, the Kuratas’s specialty, would be better. “Come on guys, make it cooler,” he said. “Just building something huge and sticking guns on it. It’s … super-American.”

Last year, MegaBots launched a Kickstarter campaign to finance a live competition with its fighting robots. It raised only $65,319 (U.S.) of its $1.8-million goal, but the company later found corporate sponsors.

MegaBots called for the fight to be held in a year’s time. The date, venue and rules of the fight have not yet been decided, MegaBots co-founder Gui Cavalcanti told Mashable.

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What Japan’s robots can do

Mr. Kurata, who drew inspiration for his machines from the 1980s anime Armored Trooper Votoms, made winning the battle a matter of national pride. “Giant robots are Japanese culture,” he said in his challenge video.

But Japanese businesses have found many more varied uses for robots besides fighting. Here are a few examples:

1. Recognize your emotions

2. Cook your food

3. Work in a department store

4. Perform a dance of greeting