Mecha

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Man Builds Mecha. For Real.

If you're a fan of Japanese toons and comics, that ubiquitous anime or manga, then you're probably no stranger to the massive robot fighting machines which features so heavily in entertainment in the land of the rising sun.

Our chums in America might have had a little too much exposure though, because the team at Mecha-PS are now building a real life Mecha robot fighting machine.

Read the interview here …

Q: Why?

Colter: Because it is not an impossible task, and I want a giant robot!

Earle: Why Not. To be cool. To be worshipped by nerds across the globe.

Lang: Gotta beat the military/NASA to the punch. Otherwise we, civilians, will never get to use them. Besides this is Bakersfield; What else are we going to do other than build giant 'bots?

Q: What's the practical use of a 'Mecha'?

Colter: They have many different uses that they could perform, such as fire fighting, crowd control, construction, and others...

Earle: I'm opting for construction. Mecha may also be useful as a war machine, as they can be manufactured cheaply, are very modular, easy to repair, and inexpensive to operate.

Lang: Construction and military. Probably same roles as the marines play in landing. A mech could do it better and safe lives, at least on our side.

Q: What advantage does a Mecha have over, say, a tank with much better armor?

Colter: Who really knows until you try... I think that a giant mecha, bristling with weapons just might put some fear into the hearts of your enemies.

Earle: Oops, I think I already answered that.

Lang: Increased amount of control and would require less crew to man it. Has ability to resort to melee combat should it come to that.

Q: Where did you get the idea?

Colter: Where else but in anime!

Earle: Colter's life long dream.

Lang: Anime/Battletech

Q: Does MPS support military use of these devices?

Earle: Currently, we do not have definitive plans as to what the end products usage will encompass.

Lang: Personally no, but if this is successful I would have a hard time not seeing the military interested in this project.

Q: How necessary is the human element (Do you really need a pilot)?

Earle: Technically, we could eliminate the human counterpart, but that would require much more work in the Artificial Intelligence arena. The entire system will move as dictated by a computer (following human control) so I don't suppose it's too far of a stretch in the long run.

Lang: I think one of the ideal situations would be a mix of computer and human pilot. A human pilot via remote signal. Thus again putting only the mech at risk.

Q: Are you seeking funding to assist in the completion of your project?

Earle: For the time being, we will continue to design and plan based on our current schedules. Possible government funding has been discussed, but as of yet, not pursued. So far, a lack of third-party support has not been an inhibitor to our progress.

Q: Have you considered making or using a "thinking cap"?

Earle: Although such devices have successfully tested brain activity, they are not currently refined enough to generate the specific commands required to pilot a mecha. Such an addition to the control mechanism would have our software developer in fits, but it would be an interesting addition to say the least. As far as making our own, the super conductive material that would facilitate the manufacture, development and use of such devices is not readily available. However, this does not mean that we have ruled out the eventual use of a "thinking cap."

Q: How fast will it go?

Earle: Speed is determined based on the RPM x Stride Length. Currently, the stride is set at about 10 feet. Based on the stock specs of a 302 Cleveland (torque at a given rotation), practical estimates on speed would be about 160 miles per hour. Conservative estimates are still be well over 60 MPH. Keep in mind that rather than using a standard transmission, our current plan is to change the angle of incedence on the 'muscle' vs the 'bone' to adjust the for Stride Length (and thus, speed) adjustments. This means that the mecha can increase its top speed once it has got running. This makes practical sense considering the inertial force involved in moving several tons of steel around.

Q: How do you intend for the unit to operate in mud where it may slip and especially on slopes?

Earle: Sloping and uneven terrain will compensated for in the telescoping and turning lower leg. The ankle will also internally control the location of the mecha's footprint (for stability). Weight alone, as well as texturing on the foot's bottom will provide traction. Much like any other military vehicle, the unit will need to be retrofitted to handle extremes such as snow, deep mud, etc. It's not important the the mecha can swim through mud, simply that it can navigate through deeper mud than a tank or jeep.

Q: In a military sense knocking it over would be very effective. What happens if it falls over?

Earle: Actually, the current design is not easily knocked over. As a part of the stepping process, the mech shifts it's weight (much like a human) this means it can stand on one leg, and turn, etc. (a la Karate Kid). This weight shifting ability will be controlled by the computer interface. The ankle mechanism will also provide additional internal cushioning from a sudden shock or loss of stablility.

Q: What about cooling the power plant and if you add weapons how will they be cooled?

Earle: Currently, the 'Power Plant' is a oversized engine with an automatic transmission. For simplicity's sake, I'd like an air-cooled engine, however the standard method for American cars is water cooled. I believe the cooling requirements of an engine that was designed to be water cooled will requires a water cooled system (radiator) to be in place. Perhaps an air-vented radiator. Weapon systems (if any) will have cooling requirements determined on an individual basis.

Q: How exactly do you plan to keep the mech balanced?

Earle: The current design (not on site) entails a bottom-heavy design, and pendulum-style balancing weight to stabilise it during movement. We are considering the use of a large gyroscope, but it is currently not within our immediate reach.

Visit the team over at http://www.MechaPS.com

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