Japan has taken a bold step closer to science fiction becoming reality as Tsubamesubame Industries, a Tokyo-based engineering company, officially opened preorders for ARCHAX, a full-scale, human-piloted robot standing 4.5 meters tall. Designed to be both drivable and ride-in, ARCHAX represents one of the rare instances where a giant robot has moved beyond concept showcases into limited commercial availability.
Priced at approximately US$3 million, the robot is aimed primarily at collectors, exhibitions, research demonstrations, and high-profile technology showcases. According to the company’s CEO, production is intentionally limited, with plans for only five units in the initial run, underscoring the exclusivity of the project.
ARCHAX features a fully enclosed cockpit where a pilot sits and controls the machine. The operator views the outside world through multiple high-resolution displays, fed by an array of external cameras mounted on the robot’s body. Control is handled through a combination of joysticks, pedals, and a touchscreen interface, blending traditional vehicle controls with advanced robotic systems.
One of ARCHAX’s standout features is its ability to transform between two modes. In “robot mode,” the machine stands upright, evoking the iconic appearance of humanoid mechs. For movement, it transitions into a “vehicle mode,” lowering its center of gravity and allowing it to cruise at speeds of up to 10 kilometers per hour. The company has also listed remote operation as an optional feature, expanding its potential use cases beyond direct piloting.
Public demonstrations of ARCHAX have already taken place across Japan, drawing global attention and sparking discussions about the future of large-scale robotics. While it is not intended for combat or industrial labor, the robot serves as a powerful symbol of engineering ambition and advanced mechanical design.
Though ARCHAX remains a niche product due to its cost and scale, experts see it as an important milestone. It demonstrates that ride-in, full-scale humanoid robots are no longer confined to concept art and trade-show prototypes, but are edging into real-world production, even if only in limited numbers.
