MegaBots Inc., the company behind the Kickstarter project, explains that it’s spent the last several months assembling a dream team of engineers to build the ultimate robot. The established conditions from the Japan Company were that the match had to be a “melee combat”, a fighting style involving non-projectile battle, particularly with fists or clubs. To raise about US$500,000, they have started a Kickstarter campaign.
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MegaBots at Maker Faire 2015: World Debut of the Mk. The melee match requires changes on the Mk.II, from new enhancements on the feet which need to be more powerful and quicker to improve its balancing technology in order to have a better performance on the field.
Moreover, the company have more visions. Among the additions planned for the robot’s interchangeable, arm-mounted weapons system include a torch and a flamethrower-type device, as well as boxing gloves.
A stretch goal of $1,000,000 will allow Megabots to work with the award-winning team at IHMC Robotics to develop a balance control system that will help keep the Mark II upright through a gruelling fight. Recognized creatives groups will give the Mk.II a glamorous fighting machine appearance.
Carl Bass (far left), CEO of Autodesk, poses with Megabots co-founders (from left to right) Gui Cavalcanti, Matt Oehrlein and Brinkley Warren in front of the Mk. “People love giant robots!”
Earlier, the American robotics company challenged Japan’s Suidobashi Heavy Industry to take their robots in a fight against each other.
Now the U.S. team has launched a Kickstarter campaign to upgrade their current robot, so that it can evolve from firing paintballs (as it does now) to throwing punches.
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The campaign has already drawn in nearly $200,000 of the requested $500,000, and robot fans have until September 18 to contribute funds.
