Gundam Factory Tests 59-Foot-Tall Robot in Yokohama

Transformers come to life.

Ahead of its opening in October, the Gundam Factory in Yokohama, Japan is adding some finishing touches to its moving, life-size robot, which stands at 59-feet-tall and will be surrounded by an equally large, 82-foot-tall dock.

The 97,000 sq. ft. facility, inspired by the Japanese science fiction franchise of the same name, is suspended over Yokohama Yamashita Pier. Although there is already a life-size RX-0 Unicorn Gundam built in the city, the new model is expected to walk, move its limbs, and even display a fist or peace sign.

This month, the (currently headless) Gundam was tested for lights and mobility involving a shifting torso and walking ability. The video capturing this moment is a captivating look into how the robot will look and function when it’s officially unveiled in the fall.

A Youtube series posted by the Gundam Channel shows just how difficult the making and finalizing of a project this large can be. It depicts the challenges that the Gundam engineers face when designing the piece, especially considering strict weight restrictions.

Meanwhile, another life-size Gundam robot, a 59-foot-tall representation of the ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam mobile suit, is being built in Shanghai, China as part of the Life-Size Gundam Statue Project.

The Gundam Factory Yokohama is expected to open on October 1 and will remain open for one year, until October 2021. For more information, visit the Gundam Factory website.

Watch the footage of the Yokohama testing site below:

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