Giant Gundam robot moving in Japan harbour sets Twitter ablaze with over 6 million views in just one week

A giant robot resembling the 1970s anime figure Gundam has been tested in the Japanese harbour city of Yokohama, Japan. The robot stands at nearly 60 feet tall and weighs 24 tons. The video of the robot was later posted on social media. The Twitterverse is entranced. The video has received over 6 million views in just one week.

The robot is the centerpiece of the Gundam Factory Yokohama, a tourist attraction that was due to open in October but was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The park operator said on Tuesday it will open on Dec. 19.

The videos, shot by a telephoto lens from Twitter user @yoshi115t, show what appear to be motion tests of the white robot that dwarfs boats speeding by in the background. The 25-tonne Gundam makes a walking motion as it exits a storage area, before kneeling and then raising its right arm to point toward the sky.

実物大ガンダムを動かすプロジェクト
「ガンダム GLOBAL CHALLENGE」
・2歩踏み出す
・しゃがんで立膝
・立ち上がる
・右手を突き上げ、人差し指
・しゃがんで立膝
・バックステップでドックへ戻る
・手首の回転の指の可動
以前と違い、今回は爪先の動作まで確認できる位置より（速度加工済み）#GFY pic.twitter.com/JgwGILe2d5

— よっくん (@yoshi115t) September 21, 2020

The park’s Gundam-Lab will feature an exhibition area and cafe, while the Gundam-Dock Tower will allow visitors to view the robot’s face and body.

“Mobile Suit Gundam” debuted in Japan in the late 1970s as a cartoon about enormous battle robots piloted by humans. The series spawned multiple spinoffs and toys while gaining a worldwide following.

The Gundam franchise is operated by Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. Engineering company Yaskawa Electric Corp and industrial robot maker Nabtesco Corp are among companies making parts of the giant Gundam in Yokohama, according to the attraction’s website.