Big in Japan: giant Gundam robot makes its first moves in Yokohama

[meanwords]

The problem that I can see with this is that if it allows full movement then it will be difficult because there is square cube law, the law states that as objects get bigger in size, the volume grows faster than its surface area. This means that a complete motion for the machine (walking, running etc) will affect itself, think how they make skyscrapers. Physics can be a dick but the Gundam will collapse on its own weight if they did not consider square cube law.

I agree. We still can't rule out the various problems that needed to be considered in order to make a replica of a giant robot that functions like a human. Problems will always be there no matter what but remember that humans had proven to overcome them over the years. They are probably considering it given that they are professionals and are probably trying to find a way to solve it.

[TGD]

The problem that I can see with this is that if it allows full movement then it will be difficult because there is square cube law, the law states that as objects get bigger in size, the volume grows faster than its surface area. This means that a complete motion for the machine (walking, running etc) will affect itself, think how they make skyscrapers. Physics can be a dick but the Gundam will collapse on its own weight if they did not consider square cube law.

I agree. We still can't rule out the various problems that needed to be considered in order to make a replica of a giant robot that functions like a human. Problems will always be there no matter what but remember that humans had proven to overcome them over the years. They are probably considering it given that they are professionals and are probably trying to find a way to solve it.

I'm sure that japanese developer and designer are taking in consideration this law because there's a lot of money involved here. There are a lot of lightweight material that can be used for this giant robot to become fully functional. This is a very good progress for human technology.

The only thing it bothers is where they will get the energy to power up this robot and sustain it for a long run? It will needs a tons of energy to burn in able to move this robot, I believe they will need a built-in nuclear reactor on the robot to sustain its power consumption.

[Lorence.xD]

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I'm sure that japanese developer and designer are taking in consideration this law because there's a lot of money involved here. There are a lot of lightweight material that can be used for this giant robot to become fully functional. This is a very good progress for human technology.

The only thing it bothers is where they will get the energy to power up this robot and sustain it for a long run? It will needs a tons of energy to burn in able to move this robot, I believe they will need a built-in nuclear reactor on the robot to sustain its power consumption.

Energy source will not be a problem because in essence the mech is a machine. They can still power it with convential fuels.

If they take that in consideration then they should understand that it will be a difficult endeavor. There is a reason this projects was not considered for a long time. They can easily be destroyed. Lets say that the mech can walk normally, and no problem arises and then someone pushes it, the result will be catastrophic as the mech will not sustain an outside force. There is a reason why skyscrapers do not move and that is square cube law.

Here are some takes about mechs in reddit (they might help but always take the comments with a grain of salt): https://www.reddit.com/r/scifiwriting/comments/ah5njc/are_large_mechs_ever_practical/

[JollyGood]

This is not weird as far as the Japanese are concerned. It could simply be a situation where the giant robot is an extension of their multi-billion dollar Gundam television/movie and merchandise industries. Having said that there is a technological and mechanical advancement here that has never been seen before, a breakthrough as you aptly called it.

Trust the Japanese to make things weird. They are also probably the only ones flawless enough to attempt a real life version of "Pacific Rim" someday. The breakthrough in this case, as the article describes, is ensuring the structural integrity of the various parts with their weight, vertical height and a movable centre of gravity. Anything tall and heavy will always want to touch the ground unless its a rigid structure.

[Yatsan]

Japan has just proven and showcase how it is making use of their resources specifically talking about the advancement of their technology to make such thing to happen to create a 18 meter Gundam that can move. This just shows how advance they are when it comes to computer science and engineering that make it possible for the project to occur. It was really pretty awesome for I am really big fan of Gundam since I was a kid it having this gigantic Gundam is making a child's dreams to do come true. It is really is Japan is raising their flag on this project.

[btc_angela]

The problem that I can see with this is that if it allows full movement then it will be difficult because there is square cube law, the law states that as objects get bigger in size, the volume grows faster than its surface area. This means that a complete motion for the machine (walking, running etc) will affect itself, think how they make skyscrapers. Physics can be a dick but the Gundam will collapse on its own weight if they did not consider square cube law.

I agree. We still can't rule out the various problems that needed to be considered in order to make a replica of a giant robot that functions like a human. Problems will always be there no matter what but remember that humans had proven to overcome them over the years. They are probably considering it given that they are professionals and are probably trying to find a way to solve it.

This is just the first taste though, and that's why there's not that much movement, but this is history for robotic already. Probably in the next generation we will Japan developed the Gundam or the project itself and see a working and functioning robot as big as this one. And with their technology and budget, I'm sure they can overcome those obstacles and create a perfect model, just a matter of time.

[boyptc]

I may not fully memorize all of those Gundam suits but this is entirely part of my childhood. I'd love to go there someday. IIRC, this is the 2nd giant gundam in the country.

I think this is good for their tourist attraction and it's a good project, Japan just turned their one treasure anime into reality. It would be amazing if they allow visitors to get inside the Gundam soon. 

[Johnyz]

This can attract many tourist and that’s why they invested on this because they know people will love this since this is our childhood memories. This is very timely, not that the whole world is suffering because of pandemic we need something else to give us hope and bring back the smile on our faces, I want to see this big Robot next year when olympic begins!

[abhiseshakana]

This can attract many tourist and that’s why they invested on this because they know people will love this since this is our childhood memories. This is very timely, not that the whole world is suffering because of pandemic we need something else to give us hope and bring back the smile on our faces, I want to see this big Robot next year when olympic begins!

This is a form of optimism from Japan that the pandemic will end soon. Japan has developed a strategy of stealing start first, with the Gundam robot it will attract foreign and domestic tourists, which in turn will improve the tourism sector and boost the Japanese economy. Other countries can learn from Japan, not only thinking about overcoming the pandemic but also starting to formulate policies and post-pandemic recovery, so when the pandemic is over, it can immediately take off.

[Lorence.xD]

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This is just the first taste though, and that's why there's not that much movement, but this is history for robotic already. Probably in the next generation we will Japan developed the Gundam or the project itself and see a working and functioning robot as big as this one. And with their technology and budget, I'm sure they can overcome those obstacles and create a perfect model, just a matter of time.

There is no perfect model for giant robots in real life, especially a bipedal one, the first step that this robot will take will collapse the legs because it is like a walking skyscraper, and skyscrapers are built in a way that as it goes higher they make it more smaller than the previous floor. A quadripedal robot will be possible but I do not think that in terms of this one, a real Gundam will not work. We also should consider the terrain, if the ground is too soft then the terrain will collapse and most terrains do not support walking robots. Square Cube Law will destroy this Gundam if it start parading.

The only good thing I can see about this project is the Japanese ingenuity when it comes to robotics and the massive increase in tourism when this exhibit finally opens after the pandemic.

[virasog]

Interesting. But I wonder if it is seen as god or something, considering the part about "priest purification of its soon-to-be-installed head"
I assume they build this to showcase the limited things their robot can do, or does it have very useful/good purposes?

Surely they wont call him god as it is created by the humans. We have seen a lot of these robots in english movies named Transformers and now we are going to see these robots in real world.  It can attract a lot of visitors if placed in public to view this creation.

[JollyGood]

I think the creators would have factored that in when creating the Gundam but it did go on one knee and stood upright afterwards so I would not be concerned about it.

The problem that I can see with this is that if it allows full movement then it will be difficult because there is square cube law, the law states that as objects get bigger in size, the volume grows faster than its surface area. This means that a complete motion for the machine (walking, running etc) will affect itself, think how they make skyscrapers. Physics can be a dick but the Gundam will collapse on its own weight if they did not consider square cube law.

[crwth]

I guess good news like that is good for the morale of the many. I know some people are still working from home due to this pandemic, and they may be lonely or bored and just have no idea what to do, I guess. At least something is being done, and I hope the positivity continues for them.

I have seen the video With the Gundam’s moving its hand and kneeling. It’s pretty awesome and overwhelming for sure. I hope I can see it in real person once this pandemic ends.

This could increase economic activity as well.

[Reid]

This can attract many tourist and that’s why they invested on this because they know people will love this since this is our childhood memories. This is very timely, not that the whole world is suffering because of pandemic we need something else to give us hope and bring back the smile on our faces, I want to see this big Robot next year when olympic begins!

This is a form of optimism from Japan that the pandemic will end soon. Japan has developed a strategy of stealing start first, with the Gundam robot it will attract foreign and domestic tourists, which in turn will improve the tourism sector and boost the Japanese economy. Other countries can learn from Japan, not only thinking about overcoming the pandemic but also starting to formulate policies and post-pandemic recovery, so when the pandemic is over, it can immediately take off.

Yes, no doubt it is the purpose behind the scenes.
I mean, they are already a tourist attraction with their discipline and good food.
They added more spice to it by creating fiction in real life. Damn, that was really good.

I am still awed by how great the vast structure is with its colors and everything.
Then, they made it move?!! Are you kidding me?! Of course I want to see that after this pandemic. 

[FlightyPouch]

Damn, I'm really impressive how far advance the Japanese technology sector, the movement is fluid and it's like a full move scene from Transformers. This is another step, and for sure Japan has been developing far more superior robots for the future.

The thing is that they support these kinds of project, I don't know if that will be the same case in our country or other countries as well. They are known as one of the technologically advanced countries and animes so I guess that is the reason why they also gave the green light to this project. This will be developed and be adapted and I hope people would not put an idea of making this as a military weapon or such.

[JollyGood]

It is very detailed and does look like a large statue but the fact it is a robot truly is remarkable. I agree, it should not be considered a vanity project because there is the possibility of making it a tourists attraction and the whole Gundam fan base is a multi-billion industry to which this giant robot will only add value to.

I won't considering it as a vanity project. And I won't believe that Japan will do such big project for nothing. This will benefit them in the long run. I view it as Japan's way to attract even more tourist that will boost their economy in the later time. It's not worthless, and I do think that they should really be proud about this one. 

Honestly, I thought this gigantic Gundam is only an statue, I never thought it was a robot.

[coolcoinz]

I like that they're pushing the boundaries but don't see a point in making robot walkers like that. Machines built like that don't have the best center of gravity and can easily fall. If they want to make walkers it's best to keep them look more like spiders or crabs. I know that giant knight looking robots have this vibe of power to them but a future when they're widely use in military, expoloration will never come.

[panganib999]

This can attract many tourist and that’s why they invested on this because they know people will love this since this is our childhood memories. This is very timely, not that the whole world is suffering because of pandemic we need something else to give us hope and bring back the smile on our faces, I want to see this big Robot next year when olympic begins!

Surely it will attract more tourist with this exceptional and awesome work of art that Japan has done. This will surely push through lots of Gundam fanatics to get into their country to personally witness this giant Gundam robot that is not just a statues, because this time it is a moving one. Such awesome project which is really worth for the investment they have done. Japan have push through the limitations and breaking another boundary with this project they have done. Most likely you were like in the scene of Gundam series when you were right in front of this giant Gundam robot for sure. I am pretty much sure this is not yet perfect but at least this was a breakthrough and looking forward for a lot more coming from Japan because of this.

[JollyGood]

Are you using a translator to post here? I asked because your post is a paradox because it certainly is incoherent yet can be deciphered enough to be considered preposterous at the same time. Which war with which rebels are you mentioning and which federal government will wipe out half of its population? And exactly how and why will the beginning of the Gundam giant robots be the beginning of many people dying?

You should re-post here again with clarity if you want your point to be understood beyond the paradox I stated above.

How many even watch the anime and deeply understand the story.
So it’s said the population will be wipe out by halves because federal government sparking war with the rebellious.
Many people will die all begin with the project gundam. Btw who’s the pilot for the gundam?

[btc_angela]

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[..snip..]

There is no perfect model for giant robots in real life, especially a bipedal one, the first step that this robot will take will collapse the legs because it is like a walking skyscraper, and skyscrapers are built in a way that as it goes higher they make it more smaller than the previous floor. A quadripedal robot will be possible but I do not think that in terms of this one, a real Gundam will not work. We also should consider the terrain, if the ground is too soft then the terrain will collapse and most terrains do not support walking robots. Square Cube Law will destroy this Gundam if it start parading.

The only good thing I can see about this project is the Japanese ingenuity when it comes to robotics and the massive increase in tourism when this exhibit finally opens after the pandemic.

And development of skyscrapers has also improved in the last 50-100 years isn't it? So base on your arguments about skyscrapers then there should be room for development and improvement as well. And we are talking about Japan here, not just any technological country. Japan has been in the forefront of robotics an they have shown that they can developed a robot, of course the creators have factor that 'square cube law' of yours and obviously will not test on a terrain that is not stable.