The idea of toys is active in space exploration!The behavior of "SORA-Q" is released!
March 15, 2022 Takara Tomy Co., Ltd.
The idea of toys is active in space exploration!The ultra-small deformed lunar robot jointly developed by Takara Tomy etc. is mounted on the JAXA small lunar landing demonstration machine "SLIM". The name of the deformed lunar robot is "SORA-Q", The behavior is released!
Ultra -small deformed lunar robot developed by Takara Tomy Co., Ltd. (President: Kazuhiro Kojima/location: Katsushika -ku, Tokyo) with the National R & D Cosmic Aerospace Research and Development Organization (hereinafter "JAXA"). Is a plan to acquire data on the monthly surface, installed on the JAXA small lunar landing demonstration machine "SLIM". As a result, a total of two lunar exploration will be conducted in addition to the moon transport ( * 1) using the monthly landing machine "HAKUTO-R" of ISPACE Co., Ltd. By incorporating toys ideas, an exploration robot that transforms from a rare sphere in the world has been born. The joint research team has also decided that the nickname for this deformed lunar robot LUNAR EXCURSION VEHICLE 2 (LEV-2) is "SORA-Q". The appearance of "SORA-Q" will be deformed and will be released today from March 15, 2022 (Tuesday) at Takara Tomy's official website www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/sora-Q. 。
( * 1 Source: JAXA Press Release) Regarding the implementation of the monthly data acquisition by a deformed lunar robot to realize the ownership of the representative pressurelova (May 27, 2021 (3rd year))
After deformation (left) deformation (right) deformation (left) deformation (left)
Resource mass: Approximately 250g of main body: Approximately 80 mm in diameter (before deformation) communication: communication function between Lev-1 and Lev-2 (SORA-Q) (Bluetooth) Camera: Two front and rear cameras the SLIM spacecraft and surrounding environment.Imageable credit: JAXA / Takara Tomy / Sony / Doshisha University
Palm-sized deformed moon robot "SORA-Q"
"SORA-Q" is an ultra-small deformed lunar robot with a diameter of about 80mm and a mass of about 250g.After landing on the moon, the sphere instantly extends left and right, and runs on the moon.And we plan to send images taken with two cameras before and after, via another spacecraft.The development used the knowledge of smaller and lighter, and the technology related to the deformation mechanism cultivated in Takara Tomy's toys.Under the framework of JAXA's "Space Exploration Innovation Hub" joint research proposal ( * 2), JAXA and Takara Tomy started joint research in 2016, and then Sony Group Co., Ltd. in 2019, 2021.Doshisha University joined in the year, and four parties are working together.
( * 2) In the "Innovation Hub Building Support Project" (open innovation hub for the expansion of human life by pioneering solar system frontier), which JAXA entrusted from the National R & D Corporate Science and Technology Agency, "small robot technology)Contracted in 2016 with a contract to jointly perform "control technology".
The mission of "SORA-Q" is to demonstrate ultra-small robot exploration techniques in a low gravity environment on the moon.Challenge the mission with five points.(1) Achieving the moon (2) Separation from the SLIM spacecraft and landing on the moon (3) Run on the lunar legolis, acquire and save the operation log (4) Shoot the area around the landing machine and save the image.Things ⑤ The imaging data, driving logs, and status taken to the ground are sorted on the ground with an independent communication system from the Slim spacecraft, the gravity is one -sixth compared to the earth, and Legolis (the surface of the moon is the surface of the moon.It is a special environment that is different from the ground, such as the road surface covered with sand that covers).We aim to acquire the necessary lunar data for the study of manned autonomous driving technology and driving technology in the future moon.
"SORA-Q" Lunar landing image © JAXA © TOMY
“Demonstrating high -precision landing technology to gravitational celestial body with a small spacecraft” small lunar landing demonstration (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) has high -precision landing technology for gravitational astronomical objects required for future moon planetary exploration.It is a plan to prove with a small spacecraft.With the demonstration and acquisition of this technology, the gravitational astronomical exploration of humanity is not a conventional exploration of the conventional "descending place", but a very significant change to "descending where you want to get off".。In order to obtain the key to solving the mystery of the formation and evolution of the moon, SLIM will conduct a composition survey of the mantle -derived substance near the cratator with a multi -band light camera.In addition, it is equipped with two small exploration robots (LEV-1, SORA-Q) and pursues new possibilities for planetary surface movement exploration.
The "SORA-Q" is launched on the moon in the small lunar landing demonstration machine "SLIM" (SMART LANDER FOR Investigating Moon). ("SLIM" is equipped with two small spacecraft (LEV-1, LEV-2 (SORA-Q)) and separates Lev-1 after the Slim spacecraft stops the main engine after arriving at the month. -2 is also separated.) The "SORA-Q", which is released to the moon and landed as a spherical body, is expanded to the left and right, the head rises, and the stabilizer like a tail is extended. And deforms (extension deformation). After that, rotate the outer shell as a wheel and move the moon. Both wheels that move freely have a disgusting rotation axis, so you can run in two types of driving mode, "butterfly run" and "crawl driving". Even if you fall in all directions, you will return to the normal value, and you can run not only on flat ground but also on slopes. The camera is mounted on the front and rear of the head, and the surrounding situation (Rear Camera) is made by the camera (Rear Camera) in the front camera (Front Camera), and the rut. I will shoot. The photographed data is sent to Lev-1 by Bluetooth communication and is sent to the earth via Lev-1. In addition, the data to be sent is selected by the "SORA-Q" itself by judging the image. The mission execution time from arriving at the moon to send the image is about 1-2 hours. ( * If the primary battery is consumed, the operation stops and remains as it is.) LEV… LUNAR EXCURSION VEHICLE. It consists of LEV-1, which is free to explore while jumping the moon, and is a SORA-Q that can be driven by two-wheeled driving. Landing expanded deformed crawl while running as a sphere, butterfly running
The name "SORA -Q (Sorakyu)" is "Sora", which means the universe, "QUESTION", "QUEST", and "sphere", and silhouettes from the side.Similar to "Q"."What is the universe?" "What is the one in the moon?"I am thinking that it will trigger the fun of the universe.
"SORA-Q" is a real movement kit (assembled driven toy) "ZOIDS" series (1983), a bipedal humanoid robot "Omnibot 17μ I-SOBOT" (2007), and the deformed robot "Transformers Transformers).(1984), the knowledge cultivated in the development of toys so far has been utilized.
Important elements in the development of toys include "flexible ideas" and "realization of low -prices that are easy to reach many people". They led to "smaller", "lighter", and "simple design" and matched the elements required in the space business. It is very nice that the ideas and techniques of toys are used in space exploration. In addition, I am very honored to be able to get two moon exploration opportunities in a short period of time by Slim following Hakuto-R. The start of the project was because I wanted to create a unique spacecraft like a toy company. The development team formed by employees who studied mechanical engineering and space engineering, etc., exchanged opinions from each field and combined the flexible ideas of toys. This is a spacecraft that transforms from a rare sphere in the world. "SORA-Q" has reduced the volume at the time of transportation until the moon, is resistant to the impact of landing, and has been able to develop and start driving at any angle. Instead of attaching a wheel to the main unit, the body is deformed and the role of the wheels is realized to achieve smaller and lighter weight. In the development process, we faced various issues that assumed a lunar environment, but as we repeatedly discussed with JAXA researchers, climbing performance, deformation mechanism, shape, size, mass, motor selection, main. After repeating trial and error such as boards, hints using past toy technology as a hint, the "SORA-Q" was finally completed. Six years after the research started, I finally sent "SORA-Q" to the moon. I sincerely hope that "SORA-Q" will perform a mission in space. I would be glad if everyone could support "SORA-Q" from the earth.
Development image Size comparison with baseball ball SORA-Q development members (partially)
"ZOIDS" is a "mechanical life form" based on dinosaurs and animals that Takara Tomy, which will be developed as original IPs from toys since 1983.The naming of "ZOIDS" comes from two words "ZOIC (animal / biology)" and "Android".The toy, a toy, is a real movement kit (assembled -type driven toy), which comes with an electric motor or a mainspring, and is characterized by the fact that it moves like a real life form after the assembly is completed.The development of "SORA-Q" is also utilized the know-how of its small drive.
ZOIDS "Seal Driller" Price 1,980 yen at the time of release in 1987 * Production discontinued © TOMY "ZOIDS" is a registered trademark of Takara Tomy Co., Ltd.
The bipedal walking humanoid robot "isobot" is the world's smallest bipedal -walking humanoid robot with a height of only 16.5 cm and weighing 350 grams ( * Registered as a "world's smallest mass -produced robot in the world" in the Guinness Book.)By developing a ultra -small servo independently, a low price has been achieved with high specs.In addition, by installing a gyro sensor, it is possible to perform a variety of and smooth action while automatically balance."SORA-Q" has been developed by using the development of the "Isobot" development, taking advantage of its miniaturization, balance, and various action know-how.
"Omnibot17μ I-SOBOT" (Isobot) Released October 2007 Released Retail Price: 31,290 yen (tax included) * Discontinued © TOMY
Transformers, a deformed robot, are developed by Takara Tomy Co., Ltd., a content that can be transformed freely with a magnificent story of a super robot creature that can be transformed freely. Based on deformed combined toys centered on "Microman" and "Diacron" released by Takara Tomy, toys in the United States in 1984, animation and comics are huge hit, and in 1985, reimported in Japan. The release of toys and animation started, and since 2007, it has been a live -action movie in Hollywood by Steven Spielberg and Michael Bay, making it a huge hit all over the world. The mechanism that "Transformers" deforms in every way from vehicles to robots has been developing for more than 30 years since the birth of product in 1984. The development of "SORA-Q" also makes use of the know-how of the deformation mechanism.
Robot Mode Vehicle Mode Transformer "PF SS-05 Optimus Prime" Scheduled to be released in late July 2022: 6,380 yen (tax included)
© ＴＯＭＹ © 2022 Paramount Pictures Corporation.® and/or TM &© ＴＯＭＹ. All Rights Reserved. TM & ® denote Japan Trademarks.「トランスフォーマー」、「TRANSFORMERS」は株式会社タカラトミーの登録商標です。