giant robotic beetle hits the streets of japan

giant robotic beetle hits the streets of japan

japanese machine shop owner hitoshi takahashi spent the past 11 years building an 11-meter-tall robotic walking beetle called KABUTOM RX-03. the mobile sculpture, which takes its name from kabuto — a type of rhinoceros beetle typical to japan — features characteristics typical to the insects like pointing horns and elongated legs. with over 30 moving parts, the machine includes a variety of technological details, such as the ability to shoot steam from the top of its head and its remote controlled legs that can reach speeds up to 4 kilometers per hour. weighing 17 tons in total, the robot can transport up to seven people with one driver riding on top and six occupants fitting in an internal compartment.

a full image of the walking beetle (left), the robotic insect from the front view

lit up eyes and elongated horns define the characteristics of the massive beetle robot
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the designer’s specifications for the giant walking beetle robot
image courtesy of kabutom

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