Manned or unmanned, the mechanized robotic suits of our collective imagination are on the verge of becoming a tangible reality, ushering us into an era where our everyday commute might involve more than just a trip to the grocery store. There is a company currently shaping a future beyond mere novelty with their robotic humanoid vehicle. Among the trailblazers in this imagination-sculpting venture is Tsubame, and their vehicle is called Archax. What future will they create? Based on my assessment, this marks a tremendous start that should be appreciated with awe and admiration. However, it should be built with equal care, focusing on human safety with each bolt and software update added. Tsubame Industry's goal is to excite the hearts of people with rideable robots, so let's delve into the foundation of this developing company from Japan.

Video: https://x.com/Tsubame_HI/status/1714938506919968957?s=20

Specs:

Credit to Tsubame-hi.com

The towering Archax stands at an impressive height of 4.5 meters (approximately 15 feet) and has the ability to transform between a majestic robot mode and a bulking tank vehicle mode. With a maximum speed of 10 km/h (6 mph) in vehicle mode, powered by a robust battery system, Archax combines cutting-edge technology with a hint of Cyber-punk coolness.

In terms of its mobility, Archax boasts an impressive 26 degrees of freedom, allowing for a wide range of fluid and precise movements. Users can operate Archax through convenient boarding operation or via remote control, providing versatile control options for various scenarios. The vehicle is equipped with dual joysticks for intuitive maneuvering, along with two pedals for nuanced control. Additionally, a touch panel interface enhances user interaction and customization.

Archax's advanced technology is further highlighted by its visual feedback system. It features four high-resolution displays that offer immersive visual feedback, supported by nine cameras with switchable displays. This setup allows users to experience a comprehensive view of their surroundings from different perspectives.

The sturdy frame of Archax is meticulously crafted from a combination of robust materials. The primary structure is made of Iron (SS400 series) and reinforced with Aluminum alloy, ensuring durability and structural integrity. Its sleek and futuristic exterior is constructed using advanced materials, with the outer shell made from Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP), providing a balance of strength and flexibility. State-of-the-art 3D printing technology is employed, utilizing Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA) material, resulting in a visually appealing and technologically advanced design.

Why it matters 

The resurgence of discussions surrounding robots and AI, the counterpart zeitgeist in all techno circles, has typically been dominated by software innovations and breakthroughs such as OpenAI’s Chat GPT3 & GPT4, Google's Bard, and Anthropic’s Claude. Hardware, however, is not far behind, with Boston Dynamics' Spot & Atlas, Agility Robotics' Digit, and Tesla’s Tesla Bot. There's a prevalent narrative that often evokes fear, suggesting that artificial intelligence might eventually take control, leaving us fortunate if we manage to escape complete dominance from our AGI overlords.

Tsubame’s Archax is one of the few companies openly hybridizing both the human and robotic experience into a reality. This path is closer to the industrial dreams that have fascinated societies for generations, sharply contrasting with the virtual wonderlands depicted in recent years. Instead of dwelling in the virtual, Archax focuses on creating a captivating reality within the biological realm that constitutes our very existence.

Taking the full swing in developing piloted robots creates a framework for others to imitate and innovate, potentially giving rise to more joy in the world and new tools for humans to create, as they do best.

Team's Goal 

The 'why' is straightforward: they want to turn their Sci-Fi dreams into reality. There is currently no market for piloted robots, and they aim to change that. With a pioneering spirit akin to Tesla's and Amazon’s early endeavors, Archax is not merely a product; it's a paradigm shift.

Similar to other innovative vehicles made in recent memory, such as Tesla, they are starting off with a luxury product priced at 3,000,000$ USD domestically and internationally. As stated on their website, the goal of Archax is 'to form a completely new market for passenger robots, with the luxury market, such as ultra-luxury cars and private jets, as the benchmark for our products.' Utilizing the talents and deep cultural background of 'Monozukuri,' which is well-known for its hardware expertise in Japan, they hope in the not-too-distant future to cultivate the next generation of robot engineers who will create their aspired future of robotics.

Admirable and lofty, but expected from the minds that chose to move in a direction others dared not.

Path forward

Credit to Tsubame-HI on X.com

The road ahead for them will certainly not be easy; marketing a product with no proven demand and uses poses significant challenges. Additional barriers to sustainable success include scaling up production, reducing high development costs, navigating safety regulations, finding a market, ensuring infrastructure readiness, and creating a sustainable business model. Overcoming these barriers will require strategic planning, innovation, adaptability, and a deep understanding of market dynamics. Tsubame is up for the challenge, transparently releasing updates through social media and their website. The team has recently been spotted at the Japan Mobility Show convention, attracting considerable attention to its product. They post regularly on X and YouTube about their development and breakdown of the improvements made to Archax.

Is it Safe?

Credit to Tsubame-hi.com

Safety standards for their vehicles have been developed with both International (ISO) and domestic (JIS) standards in mind, as stated on their website. Being pioneers in a new category of vehicles, they face unique challenges in ensuring the safety of the pilots operating these innovative vehicles. Adhering to the rigorous testing standards applied to cars, trucks, and airplanes is crucial to instill confidence in cautious buyers.

This safety-oriented mindset should not only be integrated into their product line messaging but also into the niche they plan to carve out in the market. The company has made significant strides in ensuring the safety of their vehicles. While not an exhaustive list, here are five prominent safety features: two emergency stop buttons (one inside the cockpit and one for each leg, capable of completely stopping the vehicle's movement), built-in fall protection that activates if the vehicle tilts beyond a certain angle, an emergency hatch that can be operated in situations where the main hatch malfunctions, and a cockpit equipped with a safety function requiring the pilot's hands and feet to be touching all four switches before the hatch can open or close, preventing injury to limbs.

Tsubame’s efforts provide assurance for the future of travel, offering more than just heart-pounding novelty but a profoundly secure experience thus far. We are eager to learn more about the company's values and their vision for the future use of their products.

Here is a video their team has posted that exhibits vehicles processes thoroughly:

【動作テスト】ハッチを開いて搭乗 ～ コックピットで操縦｜搭乗型ロボット アーカックス

Conclusion 

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Tsubame's Archax stands as a beacon of innovation. As we closely follow this company's journey with cautiously optimistic lens, we are supporting those who are meaningfully blending the lines between reality and imagination. The road ahead might be uncertain to say the least, but one thing is clear: Archax is not just a vehicle; it's a milestone to humanity's continued ingenuity, propelling us into a future where the extraordinary is merely a step away from the mundane.

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