‘Kuratas’ Vs. ‘Megabot:’ Giant Robots From Japan, U.S. Set To Duel

It’s on. The Japanese giant fighting robot, Kuratas, will fight the American contender, Megabot, in hand-to-hand combat. One is a sleek, more experienced robot fighter, and the other is a big up-and-comer, looking to make a name for itself. The battle has robot fans around the world on the edge of their seats.

The Japanese company, Suidobashi Heavy Industry, created Kuratas about 3-years-ago and, at one point, it went on sale for about $1.35 million. With top speeds of 10 kilometers per hour (about 6 miles per hour) and dual “smile-activated” Gatling BB guns, the Kuratas is an opponent only a brave few would challenge. See the full operation instructions below.

The robot, which is similar to a mech-suit from various anime series, weighs about 9,000 pounds and stands at a maximum of 12-feet-tall, according to Digital Trends. When Kuratas owner and CEO Kogoro Kurata, heard about the American challenge, he knew it was something he couldn’t ignore.

“We can’t let another country win this. Giant robots are Japanese culture. But you know, we really need … Melee combat.”

The CEO accepted, but only if both sides left the guns at home. Kuratas‘ BB guns are capable of unleashing 6,000 rounds a minute. Likewise, Megabot can fire off paintballs at 100 MPH.

The American Megabot is bigger, cruder, and younger. It stands on tank tracks instead of wheels, at about 15 feet, and it weighs 12,000 pounds. The Megabot requires two pilots who sit in a rust-finished cage — whereas the Kuratas can be operated by a single person from a smartphone.

Kogoro Kurata reportedly teased the Megabot, saying, “My reaction? Come on guys, make it cooler. Just building something huge and sticking guns on it is… super American.”

Still, the brash American robot has a courageous heart, challenging the more established competitor so soon after debuting.

Megabots Inc. co-founder Gui Cavalcanti explained the purpose of his company and robot to Engadget.

“We’re bringing video games and science fiction to life in the form of internally piloted giant fighting robots.”

The company initially tried to finance the Megabot through a Kickstarter, but failed. Eventually, U.S. software company Autodesk stepped in to help finish the project.

The details of the fight are still being worked out. Megabot’s team, as the challengers, will have the responsibility of setting a time and a place. With both robots requiring human pilots, there will likely need to be safety measures, as well.

For now, Kuratas vs. Megabot is tentatively set for June, 2016.

[Image via S.N. Jacobson / MegaBots]