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Mechatopics

Mecha refers to large, piloted mechanical machines, distinct from robots, and often depicted in combat scenarios. They can serve various roles, including military applications, civilian tasks, and even fantasy settings, showcasing their versatility. The design and functionality of mecha vary widely, from humanoid forms to those resembling animals, with some stories incorporating unique technological elements.

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6 views2 pages

Mechatopics

Mecha refers to large, piloted mechanical machines, distinct from robots, and often depicted in combat scenarios. They can serve various roles, including military applications, civilian tasks, and even fantasy settings, showcasing their versatility. The design and functionality of mecha vary widely, from humanoid forms to those resembling animals, with some stories incorporating unique technological elements.

Uploaded by

derkuzesta
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Characteristics

[edit]

'Mecha' is an abbreviation, first used in Japanese, of 'mechanical'. In Japanese, mecha


encompasses all mechanical objects, including cars, guns, computers, and other devices, and
'robot' or 'giant robot' is used to distinguish limbed vehicles from other mechanical devices.
[citation needed] It has also become associated with large humanoid machines with limbs or
other biological characteristics. Mecha differ from robots in that they are piloted from a
cockpit, typically located in the chest or head of the mech.[1]

While the distinction is often hazy, mecha typically does not refer to form-fitting powered
armor such as Iron Man's suit. They are usually much larger than the wearer, like Iron Man's
enemy the Iron Monger, or the mobile suits depicted in the Gundam franchise.

In most cases, mecha are depicted as fighting machines, whose appeal comes from the
combination of potent weaponry with a more stylish combat technique than a mere vehicle.
Often, they are the primary means of combat, with conflicts sometimes being decided
through gladiatorial matches. Other works represent mecha as one component of an
integrated military force, supported by and fighting alongside tanks, fighter aircraft, and
infantry. The applications often highlight the theoretical usefulness of such a device.
Combining a tank's resilience and firepower with infantry's ability to cross unstable terrain. In
some continuities, special scenarios are constructed to make mecha more viable than
current-day status. For example, in Gundam the fictional Minovsky particle inhibits the use of
radar, making long-range ballistic strikes impractical, thus favouring relatively close-range
warfare of Mobile Suits.[2]

However, some stories, such as the manga/anime franchise Patlabor and the American
wargame BattleTech universe, also encompass mecha used for civilian purposes, such as
heavy construction work, police functions, or firefighting. Mecha also have roles as
transporters, recreation, advanced hazmat suits, and other research and development
applications.

Mecha have been used in fantasy settings, for example in the anime series Aura Battler
Dunbine, The Vision of Escaflowne, Panzer World Galient, and Maze. In those cases, the
mecha designs are usually based on some alternative or "lost" science-fiction technology
from ancient times. In case of anime series Zoids, the machines resemble dinosaurs and
animals, and have been shown to evolve from native metallic organisms.[3][4]

A chicken walker is a fictional type of bipedal robot or mecha, distinguished by its rear-facing
knee joint. This type of articulation resembles a bird's legs, hence the name.[5] However, birds
actually have forward-facing knees; they are digitigrade, and what most call the "knee" is
actually the ankle.[6]

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