Japanese robot venture is looking for sponsors for human-piloted mech project

Tokyo-based Japanese robot venture MOVeLOT announced on February 19 that they are seeking sponsors and suppliers for the development and operation of a real-life pilotable Ingram from the Patlabor series. The mech is scheduled to be unveiled in August 2024, to celebrate the start of the new Patlabor IZY anime. (Source: ITmedia) 

Patlabor is a Japanese sci-fi mixed media franchise set in a “near future” where the use of mechas referred to as Labors is commonplace. Movelot is a robot start-up that develops mech installations for rental and entertainment purposes. They first started development of their real-life boardable and pilotable Ingram back in September 2023, promising an unveil in the Summer of 2024.  

This time around, they have made an open call for sponsors and suppliers for the project, while announcing its completion in August. As reported by ITmedia, Movelot is offering three sponsorship packages, namely 5-, 10- and 30-million-yen plans. The 30-million-yen (about $200k) plan includes free rental of the completed Ingram for up to five days. They will be accepting a maximum of 10 companies as sponsors/suppliers. 

The project was inspired by the upcoming Patlabor IZY anime. The latest installment of the franchise was announced back in 2017 and will be directed by Gundam designer Yutaka Izubuchi. 

MOVeLOT’s progress can be followed via their official Instagram, X and website.