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U.S. robot builders challenge Japan to all-out duel

By Marilyn Malara
MegaBots, Inc. has challenged Japanese robotics collective Suidobashi heavy industry to a giant robot duel. Photo by MegaBots, Inc./ Facebook
MegaBots, Inc. has challenged Japanese robotics collective Suidobashi heavy industry to a giant robot duel. Photo by MegaBots, Inc./ Facebook

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WASHINGTON, July 2 (UPI) -- American robot engineering collective MegaBots, Inc. has officially challenged Japan to an epic robot duel.

A video, uploaded Tuesday ,calls on Suidobashi Heavy Industry of Japan to ready its giant robot, Kuratas, for combat against the American MegaBot Mark II. No word on Suidobashi's response has been made.

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The two robots in question are oversized, manned machines fit with guns galore and created with unique engineering styles reflecting each culture. The MegaBot Mark II is 15 feet tall and crude-looking, but the expertly built robo-suit has the ability to shoot "cannon-ball sized paintballs at speeds of over 120 miles per hour," according to the builders' website. The Mark II is the country's first "functional, giant piloted robot."

@buildandbreak as "Commander Sprocket" reporting for duty! #MegaBots #Autodesk #robots #startups #makerfaire

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A photo posted by MegaBots Inc (@megabotsinc) on

MegaBots' chosen opponent, the Kuratas, is seemingly a more advanced machine. Standing at 12 feet, the Japanese fighting robot fires BBs from guns at a rate of 6,000 units per minute. Parts of its program is reportedly so advanced that it can be ordered to take a shot triggered by the pilot's facial expressions. Its structure is more humanoid-esque and moves on four wheeled "legs," giving it a count of six limbs in total.

MegaBots' video calls for Suidobashi to modify its machine for combat and pick the venue. "In one year, we fight," the video reveals.

The Japanese robot makers have yet to respond to the American challenge.

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