Mobile Suit Gundam Model Kits Just Got Closer to Actual Robothood




A few years ago, I published a post about how some Japanese robot model kits (and a few Japanese robot toys) are so detailed that they include removable panels that reveal the internal workings of the robot. Such attention to detail gives the robots a sense of verisimilitude, with these internal workings suggesting that the robots are actual machines with actual functional parts. However, thanks to Bandai’s BN Bot brand, some of these model kits are about to get just that: functional, programmable parts.

According to the Anime New Network:

Bandai has unveiled the Zeonic Technics Robotics and Programming Kit, which is inspired by the mobile suit-building company Zeonic from Mobile Suit Gundam. The images released with the educational kit's announcement show the MS-06 Zaku II and MS-06V Zaku Tank Cannon Type mobile suits. ... Bandai brand BN Bot is developing the kit in cooperation with various companies that specialize in developing robotics, curricula, and teaching materials. ... Bandai will display the Zeonic Technics Robotics and Programming Kit at the "Creatic Japan 2018" event, which will be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba from October 16-19.

To be sure, this isn't the first time that toy companies have used fake robots from pop culture to teach kids about real computer programming. However, if it were up to me in this case, I would have gone through Takara-Tomy to make a series of educational programming toys based on vintage Tomy lines such as Zoids and Z-Knights, as a nod to some of the coolest motorized toy robot kits ever made. Nevertheless, if products like the Zeonic Technics Robotics and Programming Kit takes off, one thing is for sure: Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots will never be the same again.


Hey, Lego--when are we getting programmable Pacific Rim Mindstorms kits?



Related Products:

Gundam Origin Zaku Half Cannon 1:144 Scale Model Kit Mobile Suit Gundam 00 QAN Full Saber 1:100 Scale Model Kit Gundam Sentinel Zeta Plus C1 Metal Robot Spirits Figure

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