U.S. MegaBots Team Launches Kickstarter For Kuratas Face-Off
Article via AnimeNewsNetwork
The U.S.-based MegaBots company launched a US$500,000 Kickstarter campaign to fund its upcoming duel with Suidobashi Heavy Industry's million-dollar Kuratas robot. The duel prospect is garnering attention and support from top industry specialists to convert the slow, top heavy Mk. II into a strong fighting machine.
If the project meets its goal, creators Matt Oehrlein and Gui Cavalcanti are teaming up with Howe & Howe Technologies to build a track base that would allow the robot to move at much greater rates of speed and will add stronger armor plating, better weaponry, upgraded hydraulics, and upgrade the robot's power unit.
At the US$750,000 stretch goal, more weapon possibilities will be tested. At US$1,000,000, the team will bring on IHMC Robotics from the DARPA challenge to develop a specialized balancing system to keep the Mk. II from falling over if it's hit. The US$1,250,000 goal will bring on NASA to create a safety system for the pilots. Finally, at US$1,500,000, FonCo Creative Services will add a Hollywood-level, patriotic paint job.
Also collaborating on the project is Mythbusters' Grant Imahara, X-Prize's Peter Diamandis, and BattleBots founders Trey Roski and Greg Munson.
The gasoline-powered, 15-foot-tall Mk. II weighs in at 12,000lbs (5,400kg) and requires two pilots to fully operate its movement and cannons. Its cannon shoots three-pound paint balls at 120mph while its smaller gun shoots 20 "paint rockets." Rewards include a chance a 3D Printed Mk. II and the chance to test drive the robot.
So far the campaign has raised US$57,332. Pledges are accepted until September 18.
Oh my sweet Jesus
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