Kunio Okawara's Mecha Car is a Robot You Can Drive
Charlotte Joyce Kidd — August 18, 2015 — Autos
References: news.amiami.jp & kotaku
Japanese mechanical designer Kunio Okawara is already famous for his work -- creating impressive robots for popular Japanese shows and movies -- and now the Mecha car is taking that talent into the realm of automotive design.
Mecha is a sci-fi genre with the central theme of robots or machines controlled by people (think Iron Man). Kunio Okawara's Mecha car, nicknamed 'Ex Machina,' will take this concept and apply it to an electric two-person car. 'Ex Machina' can change its shape on command, raising and lowering itself off its wheels. It has collapsible steps that lower automatically to allow passengers to exit comfortably and is fully controlled via smartphone. The car is currently part of a Japanese crowdfunding campaign that hopes to create a TV show that is based on Mecha car.
The Kunio Okawara Mecha car proves that followers of artists and film designers are eager to see their idols create real-world, purchasable designs. Fans will leap at the chance to be able to connect to a certain genre, series or film in a tangible and unique way.
Mecha is a sci-fi genre with the central theme of robots or machines controlled by people (think Iron Man). Kunio Okawara's Mecha car, nicknamed 'Ex Machina,' will take this concept and apply it to an electric two-person car. 'Ex Machina' can change its shape on command, raising and lowering itself off its wheels. It has collapsible steps that lower automatically to allow passengers to exit comfortably and is fully controlled via smartphone. The car is currently part of a Japanese crowdfunding campaign that hopes to create a TV show that is based on Mecha car.
The Kunio Okawara Mecha car proves that followers of artists and film designers are eager to see their idols create real-world, purchasable designs. Fans will leap at the chance to be able to connect to a certain genre, series or film in a tangible and unique way.
Trend Themes
1. Anime-inspired Transportation - There is an opportunity to explore the crossover between transportation and pop culture by incorporating anime-inspired designs into vehicles.
2. Smart Car Customization - Consumers may be interested in more customizability in their vehicles, such as the ability to change the car's shape on command and control its features via smartphone.
3. Crowdfunding for Product and TV Show Development - Crowdfunding can be a viable option for both product development and TV show creation for niche markets such as Mecha car fans.
Industry Implications
1. Auto Manufacturing - Automakers can explore new vehicle design concepts by partnering with popular artists and designers to create unique and customizable vehicles.
2. Entertainment - Producing TV shows based on niche interests like Mecha car can engage dedicated fan bases and create new revenue streams through crowdfunding.
3. Crowdfunding - Crowdfunding platforms are a valuable resource for funding product designs and emerging TV shows that cater to niche interests and fan bases.
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