Combat robots with augmented reality
8.4.2019
Translation: machine translated
Video: Stephanie Tresch
The Mekamon is a spider-like fighting robot. Thanks to augmented reality, you can fight virtual battles with it and fight against other robots. I grabbed one and threw myself into the fight.
Optically, the Mekamon reminds me of the AI walker Tachikoma from the manga "Ghost in the Shell" by Masamune Shirow. Tachikoma is described there as a spider-like, multi-legged combat vehicle with artificial intelligence. Apart from the AI, everything also applies to our Mekamon.
With its four legs, the Mekamon can not only move, but also crouch, tilt, roll, overcome small obstacles or play dead. The robot has two weapons on its back so that it is equipped for battles. You can customise these in the corresponding app. Its virtual arsenal ranges from a protective shield to laser cannons, EMP grenades and a rocket launcher.
Control with the smartphone
In order to go into battle with the battle robot, you need to download an app onto your smartphone. It is free and available for iOS and Android. After installation, you can connect your phone to the robot. I have to praise the engineers here. Rarely have I had a gadget that connected so quickly and without any problems. Chapeau!
After the connection is established, you first have to fight your way through several firmware updates. Only then can you finally start fighting. For me, the update took just under three quarters of an hour. I take back the praise for the engineers.
You have various modes to choose from in the app. One of them is Freedrive. Your smartphone acts as a remote control and the robot resembles an RC car. You can take it for a walk around your living room, teach it various moves or calibrate it in any way you like.
The real action, however, happens in single and multiplayer mode. In single-player mode, you fight against virtual opponents. There are various missions to master. For example, protecting a laboratory from enemy slime aliens, knocking down weapon towers or taking out combat drones. If your friends also have a Mekamon, the whole thing also works in multiplayer mode. There you can engage in epic battles with each other. However, the battles only take place virtually. Unfortunately, there is no physical exchange of blows.
Conclusion
The Mekamon is a fun toy that combines the physical and virtual worlds in an interesting way. The accompanying app runs stably on my iPhone 6s without crashing. The only thorn in my side is the duration of the updates. But for better or worse, I have to accept that. Although the price is a little high, it is justified by the various features. However, I would only buy it if a friend of mine also had one. Because the potential of this combat robot only really comes into its own in multiplayer mode.
