
DARPA, the American agency commonly known for its hilarious supervillain-esque laser projects and weaponized dolphins, took time out of its wacky military inventions schedule to hold its Robotics Competition in Miami, Florida, where a humanoid robot from Japanese company Schaft, Inc. took top prize.
The bot is considered the greatest humanoid robot ever built, with the prototype taking the top spot in four of eight tasks – terrain, ladder, debris and hose. You might recognize three of those four as obstacles you definitely wouldn’t want a violent military robot to be able to negotiate, so it’s good that the Schaft bot is primarily meant as a rescue robot for working in disaster areas unsafe for human rescue workers to enter.
Visually, it’s easy to see the robot is a product of Japan, as it seems clearly inspired by various mecha anime and, while it’s currently intended for rescue purposes, it looks frighteningly easy to replace the multi-purpose arms with dual chainguns.
Check out a video of Schaft performing the task challenges here:
Source: Kotaku




China’s latest military robot looks like a grotesque mutant, attracts the attention of cynical Japanese netizens
What the … ? U.S. Navy firefighting Robot may be life-saving but is unnervingly freaky!
Japanese company builds giant robot you could be piloting right now
Rakuten’s Tokyo robot delivery service both is and isn’t what it promised, but is cute either way
Japanese government proposes cyborgs and robotic avatars for all by 2050
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Japan’s portable clothes dryer is our latest one-person must-take travel gadget【Photos】
Should you warm up your convenience store onigiri rice balls in the microwave?【Taste test】
Japanese men and woman both have the same top requirement for a spouse in konkatsu poll
Survey reveals that Japanese women’s ideal husband is surprisingly ordinary
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Turns out women STILL don’t want to see men’s nipples through their shirt
Cherry blossoms are going to bloom on Tokyo’s new license plates
It’s time to throw beans and banish demons! A look at family Setsubun traditions in Japan
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Studio Ghibli releases Spirited Away bags in Japan, based on a mysterious festival
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Leave a Reply