View source for Mecha

{{Short description|Humanoid walking vehicles in science fiction}}
{{About|the term used in science fiction, video games, anime, and manga}}
{{Redirect|Giant robot|other uses|Giant Robot (disambiguation)}}
{{Redirect|Mech}}
{{Distinguish|Mecca}}
[[File:クラタス・Maker Faire Tokyo 2012 (1).jpg|thumb| [[Kuratas]], a mecha made by [[Suidobashi Heavy Industry]] at the [[Maker Faire]] [[Tokyo]] (2012)]]
In [[science fiction]], {{Nihongo|'''mecha'''|メカ|meka|lead=yes}} or '''mechs''' are giant robots or machines, typically depicted as piloted, [[humanoid]] walking vehicles. The term was first used in [[Japanese (language)|Japanese]] after shortening the English loanword {{nihongo|[[wikt:mechanism|'mechanism']]|メカニズム|mekanizumu}} or {{nihongo|[[wikt:mechanical|'mechanical']]|メカニカル|mekanikaru}}, but the meaning in Japanese is more inclusive, and {{nihongo|'robot'|ロボット|robotto}} or 'giant robot' is the narrower term.

Real mechs vary greatly in size and shape, but are distinguished from [[vehicle]]s by their biomorphic appearance, and are often much larger than human beings. Different [[Genre#Subgenre|subgenres]] exist, with varying connotations of realism. The concept of [[Super Robot]] and [[Real Robot]] are two such examples found in Japanese [[anime]] and [[manga]].

Real-world piloted robots or non-robots [[Robot locomotion|robotic platforms]], existing or planned, may also be called "mechs". In Japanese, "mechs" may refer to mobile machinery or vehicles (not including aircraft, cars, motorcycles and HGV) in general, piloted or [[Mobile robot|otherwise]].

==Characteristics==

'Mecha' is an abbreviation, first used in Japanese, of 'mechanical'. In Japanese, mecha encompasses all mechanical objects, including [[automobile|cars]], [[firearm|guns]], [[computers]], and other devices, and 'robot' or 'giant robot' is used to distinguish limbed vehicles from other mechanical devices.{{Citation needed|date=December 2017}} 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mech (Object) - Giant Bomb |url=https://www.giantbomb.com/mech/3055-21/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003221046/https://www.giantbomb.com/mech/3055-21/ |archive-date=2018-10-03 |access-date=2018-10-03 |website=Giant Bomb |language=en}}</ref>

While the distinction is often hazy, mecha typically does not refer to form-fitting [[Powered exoskeleton|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 [[gladiator|gladiatorial matches]]. Other works represent mecha as one component of an integrated [[military]] force, supported by and fighting alongside [[tank]]s, [[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.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Simmons |first=Mark |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/49661605 |title=Animerica Gundam official guide |date=2002 |publisher=Viz Communications |others=Benjamin Wright, Animerica |isbn=1-56931-739-9 |location=San Francisco, CA |oclc=49661605}}</ref>

However, some stories, such as the manga/anime franchise ''[[Patlabor]]'' and the American wargame ''[[BattleTech]]'' [[Fictional universe|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 suit]]s, 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 (anime)|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 [[Evolution|evolve]] from native metallic organisms.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zoids (TV) - Anime News Network |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=1031 |access-date=2023-03-19 |website=www.animenewsnetwork.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Ueyama |first=Michiro |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/50021886 |title=ZOIDS : chaotic century |date=2002 |publisher=Viz Comics |isbn=1-56931-750-X |location=San Francisco, CA |oclc=50021886}}</ref>

A chicken walker is a [[List of fictional robots and androids|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.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Slavicsek |first=Bill |url=https://archive.org/details/guidetostarwars00slav/page/14 |title=A Guide to the Star Wars Universe: Third Edition |publisher=Del Rey and Lucas Books |year=2000 |isbn=0-345-42066-7 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/guidetostarwars00slav/page/14 14] |url-access=registration}}</ref> However, birds actually have forward-facing knees; they are [[digitigrade]], and what most call the "knee" is actually the ankle.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kochan |first=Jack |title=Feet & Legs |publisher=Stackpole Books |year=1994 |isbn=0-8117-2515-4}}</ref>

==Early history==
The 1868 [[Edward S. Ellis]] novel ''[[The Steam Man of the Prairies]]'' featured a steam-powered, back-piloted, mechanical man.
The 1880 [[Jules Verne]] novel ''[[The Steam House]]'' (''La Maison à Vapeur'') featured a steam-powered, piloted, mechanical elephant. One of the first appearances of such machines in modern literature was the [[Fighting machine (The War of the Worlds)|tripod]] (or "fighting-machine", as they are known in the novel) of [[H. G. Wells]]' famous ''[[The War of the Worlds (novel)|The War of the Worlds]]'' (1897).  The novel does not contain a fully detailed description of the tripods'  mode of [[motion (physics)|locomotion]], but it is hinted at: "Can you imagine a milking stool tilted and bowled violently along the ground? That was the impression those instant flashes gave. But instead of a milking stool, imagine it a great body of machinery on a tripod stand."

''[[Ōgon Bat]]'', a ''[[kamishibai]]'' that debuted in 1931 (later adapted into an anime in 1967), featured the first piloted humanoid giant robot, {{Nihongo|Dai Ningen Tanku|大人間タンク}},<ref name="Ningen_Tanku">{{Nihongo|Dai Ningen Tanku|大人間タンク}} means Giant {{Nihongo|Ningen Tanku|人間タンク}} , {{Nihongo|Ningen Tanku|人間タンク}} is the Japanese title of [[The Master Mystery]](1919), and the Japanese name of the [[Powered exoskeleton]] appearing in the film.{{Cite web |title=人間タンク : 奇蹟の人 |url=http://dl.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/907163?itemId=info%3Andljp%2Fpid%2F907163&__lang=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629155048/http://dl.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/907163?itemId=info%3Andljp%2Fpid%2F907163&__lang=en |archive-date=2018-06-29 |access-date=2018-06-29 |website=NDL Digital Collections}}It was a general Japanese phrase meaning "humanoid tank" too.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AKjJwuvi7mYC&pg=PA62 |title=日本ロボット戦争記 1939~1945 |isbn=9784757160149 |access-date=2018-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702035703/https://books.google.co.jp/books?id=AKjJwuvi7mYC&pg=PA62 |archive-date=2018-07-02 |url-status=live |author1=井上晴樹 |date=August 2007 |publisher=NTT出版 }}</ref> but as an enemy rather than a protagonist. In 1934, Gajo Sakamoto launched {{Nihongo|[[Tank Tankuro]]|タンクタンクロー}} on a metal creature that becomes a battle machine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 July 2011 |title=Preview: Tank Tankuro |url=http://www.tcj.com/preview-tank-tankuro/ |access-date=2020-12-01 |website=[[The Comics Journal]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

The first humanoid giant robot piloted by the protagonist appeared in the manga {{Nihongo|''Atomic Power Android''|原子力人造人間|Genshi Ryoku Jinzō Ningen}} in 1948.<ref name="ndl">{{Cite web |title=原子力人造人間 |url=http://dl.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/1637344?itemId=info%3Andljp%2Fpid%2F1637344&__lang=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325105734/http://dl.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/1637344?itemId=info%3Andljp%2Fpid%2F1637344&__lang=en |archive-date=2018-03-25 |access-date=2018-03-23 |website=NDL Digital Collections}}</ref> The manga and anime ''[[Tetsujin 28-Go]]'', introduced in 1956, featured a robot, Tetsujin, that was controlled externally by an operator by remote control. The manga and anime ''[[Astro Boy]]'', introduced in 1952, with its humanoid robot protagonist, was a key influence on the development of the giant robot genre in Japan. The first anime featuring a giant mecha being piloted by the protagonist from within a cockpit was the [[Super Robot]] show ''[[Mazinger Z]]'', written by [[Go Nagai]] and introduced in 1972.<ref name="Gilson">{{Cite journal |last=Gilson |first=Mark |date=1998 |title=A Brief History of Japanese Robophilia |journal=Leonardo |volume=31 |issue=5 |pages=367–369 |doi=10.2307/1576597 |jstor=1576597 |s2cid=191411400}}</ref> ''Mazinger Z'' introduced the notion of mecha as pilotable war machines, rather than remote-controlled robots. Ken Ishikawa and Go Nagai, later, introduced the concept of 'combination' ({{nihongo||合体|gattai}}), where several units slot together to form a [[super robot]], with ''[[Getter Robo]]'' (1974 debut).<ref name="Clements">{{Cite book |last=Clements |first=Jonathan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dyBdDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA150 |title=Anime: A History |date=2017 |publisher=[[Bloomsbury Publishing]] |isbn=978-1-84457-884-9 |pages=150–1}}</ref>

An early use of mech-like machines outside Japan is found in "The Invisible Empire", a ''Federal Men''<nowiki/>'s story arc by [[Jerry Siegel]] and [[Joe Shuster]] (serialized 1936 in [[Adventure Comics|New Comics]] #8–10).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Carper |first=Steve |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NXOdDwAAQBAJ&q=Federal+Men+american+robots&pg=PT117 |title=Robots in American Popular Culture |date=2019-06-27 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=978-1-4766-3505-7 |pages=11–112 |language=en}}</ref> Other examples include the Mexican comic ''Invictus'' by Leonel Guillermo Prieto and Victaleno León; the Brazilian comic ''Audaz, o demolidor'', by Álvaro "Aruom" Moura and [[Messias de Mello]] (1938–1949), inspired by ''Invictus'', created for the supplement ''A Gazetinha'' from the newspaper ''A Gazeta'';<ref>{{Cite book |last=de Rosa |first=Franco |url=http://chiaroscuro-studios.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Grande-Almanaque-dos-Super-herois-Brasileiros-Chiaroscuro-Studios-Yearbook-2019.pdf |title=Grande Almanaque dos Super-Heróis Brasileiros |publisher=Chiaroscuro Studios |year=2019 |editor-last=Prado |editor-first=Joe |location=Brazil |pages=16, 127 |language=pt |editor-last2=Freitas da Costa |editor-first2=Ivan |access-date=2022-07-16 |archive-date=2022-05-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516105906/https://chiaroscuro-studios.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Grande-Almanaque-dos-Super-herois-Brasileiros-Chiaroscuro-Studios-Yearbook-2019.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Kimball Kinnison's [[Powered exoskeleton|battle suit]] in [[E. E. Smith|E. E. "Doc" Smith's]] ''[[Lensman series|Lensman]]'' novel ''[[Galactic Patrol]]'' (1950);<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Sofge |first=Erik |date=2010-04-08 |title=A History of Iron Men: Top 5 Iconic Exoskeletons |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/digital/fact-vs-fiction/SciFi-most-iconic-exoskeletons |access-date=2020-12-01 |website=[[Popular Mechanics]] |language=en-US}}</ref> the French animated film ''[[The King and the Mockingbird]]'' (first released 1952),<ref name="comm">{{Cite web |title=Le Roi et l'Oiseau'' de Paul Grimault (1980) |url=http://marnie.alfred.free.fr/le_roi_et_loiseau.pdf}}</ref> and [[Robert Heinlein]]'s [[remote manipulator|waldo]] in his 1942 short story, "[[Waldo (short story)|Waldo]]" and the Mobile Infantry battle suits in Heinlein's ''[[Starship Troopers]]'' (1958).<ref name=":1" />

A transforming mech can transform between a standard vehicle (such as a fighter plane or transport truck) and a fighting mecha robot. This concept of transforming mecha was pioneered by Japanese mecha designer [[Shōji Kawamori]] in the early 1980s, when he created the [[Diaclone]] toy line in 1980 and then the ''[[Macross]]'' anime franchise in 1982. In North America, the ''Macross'' franchise was adapted into the ''[[Robotech]]'' franchise in 1985, and then the Diaclone toy line was adapted into the ''[[Transformers]]'' franchise in 1986. Some of Kawamori's most iconic transforming mecha designs include the [[VF-1 Valkyrie]] from the ''Macross'' and ''Robotech'' franchises, and [[Optimus Prime]] (called Convoy in Japan) from the ''Transformers'' and ''Diaclone'' franchises.<ref name="Forbes">{{Cite news |last=Barder |first=Ollie |date=December 10, 2015 |title=Shoji Kawamori, The Creator Hollywood Copies But Never Credits |work=[[Forbes]] |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/olliebarder/2015/12/10/shoji-kawamori-the-creator-hollywood-copies-but-never-credits/ |access-date=16 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Knott |first=Kylie |date=27 February 2019 |title=He created Macross and designed Transformers toys: Japanese anime legend Shoji Kawamori |work=[[South China Morning Post]] |url=https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/2187735/he-created-macross-and-designed-transformers-toys-japanese |access-date=16 April 2020}}</ref>

==In various media==
{{in popular culture|date=July 2022}}

===Anime and manga===
{{Main|Mecha anime and manga}}
[[File:RX-78-2 Gundam illustration.gif|thumb|[[RX-78-2 Gundam]], introduced in ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam]]'' (1979), the first ''[[Gundam]]'' anime. It was the first real robot, in contrast to the super robots in earlier anime.]]

In Japan, "robot anime" (known as "mecha anime" outside Japan) is one of the oldest genres in anime.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gn-mazingerz01.JPG (1445x2156 pixels) |url=http://www.dra-mata.com/manga/nagai/gn-mazingerz01.jpg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20040529091606/http://www.dra-mata.com/manga/nagai/gn-mazingerz01.jpg |archive-date=2004-05-29 |access-date=2004-05-29}}</ref> Robot anime is often tied in with toy manufacturers. Large franchises such as ''Gundam'', ''[[Macross]]'', ''[[Transformers]]'', and ''[[Zoids]]'' have hundreds of different model kits.

The size of mecha can vary according to the story and concepts involved. Some of them may not be considerably taller than a tank (''[[Armored Trooper Votoms]]'',''[[Yatterman]]'', ''[[Megazone 23]]'', ''[[Code Geass]]''), some may be a few stories tall (''[[Gundam]]'',  ''[[Escaflowne]]'', ''[[Bismark (anime)|Bismark]]'', ''[[Gurren Lagann]]''), others can be titan sized as tall as a [[skyscraper]] (''[[Space Runaway Ideon]]'', ''[[Genesis of Aquarion]]'', ''[[Science Ninja Team Gatchaman]]'', ''[[Neon Genesis Evangelion]]''), some are big enough to contain an entire city (''[[Macross]]''), some the size of a planet (''[[Diebuster]]''), galaxies (''[[Getter Robo]]'', ''[[Gurren Lagann|Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann]]''), or even as large as universes (''[[Gurren Lagann#Anime films|Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann: Lagann-hen]]'', ''[[Demonbane]]'', ''Transformers: Alternity'').

The first titan robots seen were in the 1948 manga {{Nihongo|''Atomic Power Android''|原子力人造人間|Genshiryoku Jinzō Ningen}}<ref name=ndl/> and Mitsuteru Yokoyama's 1956 manga ''[[Tetsujin 28-go]]''. However, it was not until the advent of [[Go Nagai]]'s ''[[Mazinger Z]]'' that the genre was established. ''Mazinger Z'' innovated by adding the inclusion of futuristic weapons, and the concept of being able to pilot from a cockpit<ref name="Gilson" /> (rather than via remote control, in the case of Tetsujin). <!--These traits have since been replicated more often that the ones seen in Tetsujin source: number of shows with pilots/super robots-->  According to Go Nagai:

{{Blockquote|''I wanted to create something different, and I thought it would be interesting to have a robot that you could drive, like a car.''<ref name="Gilson" />}}

''Mazinger Z'' featured giant robots that were "piloted by means of a small flying car and command center that docked inside the head."<ref name="Gilson" /> It was also a pioneer in [[Die-cast toy|die-cast metal toys]] such as the [[Chogokin]] series in Japan and the [[Shogun Warriors (toys)|Shogun Warriors]] in the U.S., that were (and still are) very popular with children and collectors.

Robot/mecha anime and manga differ vastly in storytelling and animation quality from title to title, and content ranges from children's shows to ones intended for an older teen or adult audience.

Some of the first mecha featured in manga and anime were [[super robot]]s. The super robot genre features [[superhero]]-like giant robots that are often one-of-a-kind and the product of an ancient civilization, aliens or a [[mad scientist|mad genius]].  These robots are usually piloted by Japanese [[teenager]]s via [[voice command]] or [[brain-computer interface|neural uplink]], and are often powered by mystical or exotic energy sources.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Hornyak |first=Timothy N. |title=Loving the Machine: the Art and Science of Japanese Robots |publisher=Kodansha International |year=2006 |isbn=4770030126 |edition=1st |location=Tokyo |pages=[https://archive.org/details/lovingmachineart0000horn/page/57 57–70] |chapter=Chapter 4 |oclc=63472559 |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/lovingmachineart0000horn/page/57}}</ref>

The later real robot genre features robots that do not have mythical superpowers, but rather use largely conventional, albeit futuristic weapons and power sources, and are often mass-produced on a large scale for use in wars.<ref name=":0" /> The real robot genre also tends to feature more complex characters with moral conflicts and personal problems.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Tomino |first=Yoshiyuki |title=Mobile Suit Gundam: Awakening, Escalation, Confrontation |publisher=Stone Bridge Press |others=Schodt, Frederik L., 1950– |year=2012 |isbn=978-1611720051 |edition=2nd |location=Berkeley, CA |pages=8 |oclc=772711844}}</ref> The genre is therefore aimed primarily at young adults instead of children.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Denison |first=Rayna |author-link=Rayna Denison |title=Anime: a Critical Introduction |year=2015 |isbn=978-1472576767 |location=London |chapter=Chapter 5 |oclc=879600213}}</ref> ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam]]'' (1979) is largely considered the first series to introduce the real robot concept and, along with ''[[The Super Dimension Fortress Macross]]'' (1982), would form the basis of what people would later call real robot anime.<ref name="ACG">10 commandments of Real robot, Gundam Sentinel introduction, Gundam workshop, Format ACG</ref>

Some robot mecha are capable of transformation (''Macross'' and ''[[Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam|Zeta Gundam]]'') or combining to form even bigger ones (''[[Beast King GoLion]]'' and ''[[Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann]]''), the latter called 'combination'. [[Go Nagai]] and [[Ken Ishikawa]] are often credited with inventing this in 1974 with ''Getter Robo''.

Not all mecha need to be completely mechanical. Some have biological components with which to interface with their pilots, and some are partially biological themselves, such as in ''[[Neon Genesis Evangelion]]'', ''[[Eureka Seven]]'', and ''[[Zoids]]''.

Mecha based on anime have seen extreme cultural reception across the world. The personification of this popularity can be seen as 1:1-sized ''Mazinger Z'', Tetsujin, and Gundam statues built across the world.

===Film===
[[File:All Terrain Armored Transport in Star Wars.JPG|thumb|upright=1.5|Imperial AT-AT walkers during the Battle of Hoth in ''[[The Empire Strikes Back]]'', the second film of the [[Star Wars original trilogy|original ''Star Wars'' trilogy]]]]
* In the [[Godzilla (franchise)|Godzilla franchise]] the monster [[Mechagodzilla]] created by [[Toho]] is an Alien Monster that first appeared in the 1974 film ''[[Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla]]'', in subsequent iterations, he was used as a weapon built by the [[Japan Self-Defense Forces]], such as [[Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla|Kiryu]] and [[Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II|Super Mechagodzilla]] (which was actually built by the [[United Nations]], along with the JSDF). In the [[MonsterVerse]], he was built by Apex Cybernetics to destroy [[Godzilla vs. Kong|Godzilla and King Kong]]. with its consciousness taken over by that of [[King Ghidorah|Ghidorah]]. Mechagodzilla is one of Toho's big 5 [[kaiju]]s.
* Also in the Godzilla franchise, there is a [[King Ghidorah|Mecha-King Ghidorah]] that travels from 2204 to 1992 to kill [[Godzilla]]. Also, there is a reimagining of a mech from [[The Mysterians]], which appears in [[Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla]] and his name is [[Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla|M.O.G.U.E.R.A.]] which was meant to help [[Godzilla]] battle [[SpaceGodzilla]] and is also built by the United Nations.
* The ''[[Star Wars]]'' multimedia franchise features several [[Walker (Star Wars)|walker]] types, such as the AT-AT and AT-ST.
* The film ''[[Robot Jox]]'' is based around gladiatorial combat between giant mecha.
* In the 1986 film ''[[Aliens (film)|Aliens]]'', Ripley uses a Caterpillar P-5000 Work Loader to fight the alien Queen.
* ''[[Sentinel 2099]]'', a 1995 film, features a 40 foot tall walking tank called a Sentinel unit. They are used to combat an alien race known as the Zisk.
* In the 1999 film ''[[Wild Wild West]]'', Dr. Loveless attempts to use an eight-storey tall, steam-powered, walking spider to conquer a post-[[American Civil War|Civil War]] United States.
*In the 2001 film ''[[A.I. Artificial Intelligence|AI: Artificial Intelligence]]'' by [[Steven Spielberg]], the term mecha refers to an advanced humanoid robot species featured in the film.
* In ''[[The Matrix Revolutions]]'', [[List of minor characters in the Matrix series#Captain Mifune|Captain Mifune]] leads the human defense of Zion, piloting open-cockpit mecha called APUs, against invading Sentinels.
* In [[James Cameron]]'s 2009 film ''[[Avatar (2009 film)|Avatar]]'', mecha called Amplified Mobility Platforms (AMPs) are used as instruments of war.
* In [[Shane Acker]]'s 2009 animated film ''[[9 (2009 animated film)|9]]'', giant walking war machines called Steel Behemoths were created by the Fabrication Machine to destroy all life on Earth.
* A heavily weaponized [[powered exoskeleton]] that envelops the operator is featured in the 2009 film ''[[District 9]]'', and aptly named the ''Exo-suit''.
* [[Guillermo del Toro]]'s 2013 film ''[[Pacific Rim (film)|Pacific Rim]]'' focuses on a war between humans who pilot massive mechas known as ''Jaegers'' and [[Kaiju]] monsters that emerge from the Pacific Ocean. In the [[Pacific Rim: Uprising|second film]] the [[Hong Kong]] technology company, Shao Industries creates Kaiju-Jaeger Hybrids such as Obsidian Fury and the Drone Jaegers.
* In ''[[The Amazing Spider-Man 2]]'', the [[Rhino (character)|Rhino]] uses a one-person mecha suit that possesses super strength and defense.
* In the film ''[[Iron Man (2008 film)|Iron Man]]'', the [[Iron Monger]], a powered exoskeleton suit operated by Obadiah Stane, is another example of mecha.
* In the final scenes of ''[[The Lego Movie]]'', the main protagonist Emmet creates a giant construction mech made of yellow Lego pieces which he pilots to fight in the final battle against Lord Business' forces.
* In ''[[Avengers: Age of Ultron]]'', [[Tony Stark (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Iron Man]] uses a mecha named the [[Iron Man's armor (Marvel Cinematic Universe)#Hulkbuster armor|Hulkbuster]] to fight the [[Bruce Banner (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Hulk]].
* In ''[[Atlas (2024 film)|Atlas]]'', ICN Rangers and Atlas Shepherd are equipped with mecha.

===Video games===
[[File:Strike Suit Zero - Screenshot 01.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|''[[Strike Suit Zero]]'' is a 2013 space combat video game featuring mecha designs by Junji Okubo.]]
[[File:Gearhead rpg 01.png|thumb|right|Mecha selection menu in the [[roguelike]], ''GearHead RPG'']]
Mecha are often featured in computer and console [[video game]]s. Because of their size and fictional power, mecha are quite popular subjects for games, both tabletop and electronic. They have been featured in video games since the 1980s, particularly in [[vehicular combat game|vehicular combat]] and [[shooter game]]s, including Sesame Japan's [[side-scrolling shooter]] game ''[[Vastar]]'' in 1983,<ref>{{KLOV game|10299|Vastar}}</ref> various [[List of Gundam video games|''Gundam'' games]] such as ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam: Last Shooting]]'' in 1984 and ''[[Kidō Senshi Z-Gundam: Hot Scramble|Z-Gundam: Hot Scramble]]'' in 1986,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Savorelli |first=Carlos |date=October 6, 2017 |title=Kidō Senshi Z-Gundam: Hot Scramble |url=http://hg101.kontek.net/zgundam/zgundam.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116015726/http://hg101.kontek.net/zgundam/zgundam.htm |archive-date=November 16, 2017 |access-date=November 15, 2017 |website=Hardcore Gaming 101 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> the [[run and gun (video game)|run and gun]] shooters ''[[Shoot 'em up#Golden age and refinement (late 1970s to early 1980s)|Hover Attack]]'' in 1984 and ''[[Thexder]]'' in 1985, and [[Arsys Software]]'s [[3D computer graphics|3D]] [[role-playing shooters]] ''[[Wibarm|WiBArm]]'' in 1986 and ''[[Star Cruiser (1988 video game)|Star Cruiser]]'' in 1988. Historically mecha-based games have been more popular in Japan than in other countries.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=May 1996 |title=Iron Rain |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |issue=17 |page=86}}</ref><!-- Sorted by release date. Note: this is not, and it's not supposed to be a complete list of mecha in video games. -->

* [[Metal Gear|''Metal Gear'' series]] (1987 – 2018) by [[Hideo Kojima]], includes mecha as part of its main premise. The series takes place during the modern day and near future, and the prototype nuclear-capable bipedal tanks called [[Metal Gear (weapon)|Metal Gears]] are a recurring element. 
*A popular classic of mecha in games is the ''[[MechWarrior]]'' series (1989 – 2021) of video games, which takes place in the ''[[Battletech]]'' universe.
*[[Intelligent Systems]]-developed and [[Nintendo]]-published games that feature mecha include ''[[Battle Clash]]'' (1992) and ''[[Metal Combat: Falcon's Revenge]]'' (1993), a single-player mecha-themed shooter series with [[real robot]]-style. All battles are fought with mechas called Standing Tanks (ST).
*''[[One Must Fall]]'' (1994 – 2003) is a series of mecha [[fighting game]]s developed by Diversions Entertainment wherein the stats of the player's mech vary based on the selected pilot, allowing for a large range of customization. It is the earliest fighting game to feature an all-mech roster.
*[[Capcom]]'s arcade [[beat 'em up]] ''[[Armored Warriors]]'' (1994) and followup fighting game ''[[Cyberbots: Full Metal Madness]]'' (1995) feature mechs known as "Variant Armor" which the player can customize by mixing and matching a selection of limb and weaponry options. The latter game also has the player choose a pilot for the mech from a lineup of characters, though this only impacts the game's story mode and not gameplay.
*[[Square (video game company)|Squaresoft]]-developed games that feature mecha include ''[[Front Mission]]'' (1995 – 2019), a turn-based tactical series of games with [[real robot]]-style mecha utilized by near future military forces. ''[[Xenogears]]'' (1998) also used mecha, called Gears, as a main aspect of the story, and the series continues the use of mecha with the [[Monolith Soft]]-developed ''[[Xenoblade Chronicles]]'' series (2010 – ).
*In the ''[[Virtual-On]]'' (1996 – 2018) fighting game series, players assume control of humanoid mecha named Virtuaroids.
*''[[Armored Core]]'' (1997 – ) is a fast-paced action mecha series developed by [[FromSoftware]], set in the distant post apocalyptic futures where mechas called "Armored Core" pilot by mercenaries are the dominant forces on the battlefield. Armored Core games have a wide selection in customizations with the first entry in the series [[Armored Core (video game)]] being as one of the early few 3D mecha games that introduced extensive customizations to the mechas in-game.
*''[[Tech Romancer]]'' (1998) is an arena fighting game with a roster of playable mechs and corresponding pilots. The game heavily spoofs mecha anime, with designs paying homage to several influential series of the genre and a highly stylized presentation meant to emulate a mecha TV show. It is the second Capcom fighting game to revolve around mecha, following ''Cyberbots.'' 
*In ''[[StarCraft]]'' series (1998 – 2017)'','' two of the fictional races (Terran and Protoss) extensively use walkers. In the first game of the series, each faction had only one walker: Goliath (Terran) and Dragoon (Protoss). As of the latest release, in multiplayer games, Terrans have four different walkers (Viking, Thor, Hellbat, and Widow Mine,) while Protoss have three (Colossus, Stalker, and Immortal.) On the whole there are 18 different Terran walkers and 21 Protoss walkers across the entire franchise.
*The [[Monolith Productions]] game ''[[Shogo: Mobile Armor Division]]'' (1998) blended mecha gameplay with that of traditional [[first-person shooter]] games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sabbagh |first=Michel |date=December 17, 2015 |title=Effort Upon Effort: Japanese Influences in Western First-Person Shooters |url=http://users.wpi.edu/~mksabbagh/docs/Sabbagh_IQP_MBJ_1603.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101080544/http://users.wpi.edu/~mksabbagh/docs/Sabbagh_IQP_MBJ_1603.pdf |archive-date=January 1, 2016 |access-date=December 29, 2015 |publisher=Worcester Polytechnic Institute |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
*''[[Heavy Gear 2]]'' (1999) offers a complex yet semi-realistic control system for its mecha in both [[terrain]] and [[outer space]] warfare.
*In ''[[Zone of the Enders]]'' (2001 – 2012) by [[Hideo Kojima]], [[real robot]]s called LEVs exist alongside a more [[super robot]]-like mecha type known as the Orbital Frame.
* ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'' (2001) features Tails and Dr. Eggman in their own mecha suits, the Cyclone and Egg Walker respectively.
*[[Phantom Crash]] (2002) and [[S.L.A.I.: Steel Lancer Arena International]] (2005) by [[Genki (company)|Genki]], are mecha games set in a future where the sport of "rumbling" takes place. In each game the player must climb the ranks of rumbling using a Scoot Vehicle that they have customized and accompanied by an animal intelligence chip.
* In ''[[Mario Party 5]]'' (2003), the minigame Mario Mechs features the solo player piloting a big warlike machine while the team of three players pilot smaller scooters.
*In ''[[Battlefield 2142]]'' (2006), walking mechs fight alongside conventional military units such as [[infantry]], [[tank]]s, [[Armored personnel carrier|APCs]], and aircraft in the forces of the European Union and Pan-Asian Coalition.
*In ''[[Supreme Commander (video game)|Supreme Commander]]'' (2007), all three factions utilize mechs, along with tanks and gunships. The player's Armored Command Unit is one such mech.
*The ''[[Command & Conquer: Tiberian series]]'' franchise (1995 – 2012) features many mechanized walker units. In the last video game of this series, [[Command & Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight|''Command & Conquer 4'']], walkers have gained such predominance that even command centers walk. (In the prior games, they were stationary buildings.) Titan, Wolverine, and Juggernaut are three of such units that have appeared in four ''Command & Conquer'' titles.
*''[[League of Legends]]'' (2009), developed by [[Riot Games]], include mecha as part of champion skins, designed as super robots (Mecha Malphite, Mecha Kha Zix, Mecha Aatrox, Mecha Zero Sion, etc.).
*''[[Hawken (video game)|Hawken]]'' (2012) is an online first person shooter in which players can choose from a variety of bipedal mechas with different specializations and abilities.
*''[[War Thunder]]'' (2012) held an April Fools event in which players were able to control mecha tanks, comprising multiple tank turrets and various other parts, after destroying a certain number of vehicles in a battle.
*[[Halo 4]] (2012) introduced the HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark IX Armor Defense System (or Mantis), which would later reappear in [[Halo 5: Guardians|Halo 5]] (2015).
*In '' [[Titanfall (video game)|Titanfall]]'' (2014) and ''[[Titanfall 2]]'' (2016) from [[Respawn Entertainment]], mechas are heavily involved within gameplay and the story.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Arts |first=Electronic |date=2017-03-22 |title=Titanfall 2 |language=en |work=ea.com |url=https://www.ea.com/games/titanfall/titanfall-2 |url-status=live |access-date=2017-07-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723040031/https://www.ea.com/games/titanfall/titanfall-2 |archive-date=2017-07-23}}</ref>
*In ''[[War Robots]]'' (2014) from Russian developer [[Pixonic]], players only can control mechas to fight each other in a 6v6 battlefield.
*In ''[[Heroes of the Storm]]'' (2015), developed by [[Blizzard Entertainment]], players can take control of the giant mecha, called "Triglav Protector", as a reward for winning objective on Volskaya Foundry battleground. The mecha is co-piloted by two different players, the first serving as a pilot, and the second serving as a gunner. Each player is given control to a different set of unique abilities.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Sam |date=2017-09-15 |title=Heroes of the Storm: Introducing Assault on Volskaya Foundry Battleground |url=https://esports.hollywood.com/heroes-of-the-storm-introducing-assault-on-volskaya-foundry-battleground-33bb4239b578 |access-date=2019-09-26 |website=Medium |language=en}}</ref> In January 2018 and June 2019, Blizzard created two "MechaStorm" events for ''Heroes of the Storm,'' featuring multiple mecha skins for a number of heroes, as well as other items for the Collection.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Sam |date=2018-01-16 |title=Heroes of the Storm: New MechaStorm Skins and Animation |url=https://esports.hollywood.com/heroes-of-the-storm-new-mechastorm-skins-and-animation-497aad0d9f47 |access-date=2019-09-26 |website=Medium |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chen |first=Amy |date=2019-06-19 |title=Heroes of the Storm: MechaStorm II now live with exciting new quest chain |url=https://www.dailyesports.gg/heroes-of-the-storm-mechastorm-ii-now-live-with-exciting-new-quest-chain/ |access-date=2019-09-26 |website=Daily Esports |language=en-US}}</ref> A MechaStorm "anime video trailer" was also released, heavily inspired by series such as ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam]],'' and ''[[Neon Genesis Evangelion]].''
*In ''[[Just Cause 3]]'' (2015) and ''[[Just Cause 4]]'' (2018) mecha make an appearance as [[downloadable content]] in both games where they are owned by fictional in-game factions named the eDen Corporation and The Black Hand respectively. In both games, they are able to be piloted by the player.
*''[[Overwatch (video game)|Overwatch]]'' (2016), team shooter from Blizzard Entertainment, includes [[D.Va]], a tank hero who pilots a mecha. Stylized as MEKA (Mobile Exo-Force of the Korean Army), D.Va's mecha provides her primary hero abilities as well as being a driver of her backstory in the game's lore.<ref>{{Cite web |title=D.Va - Heroes- Overwatch |url=https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/dva/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523021153/https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/heroes/dva/ |archive-date=May 23, 2016 |access-date=April 1, 2019 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> [[Wrecking Ball (Overwatch)|Wrecking Ball]] is a tank-class quadrupedal mecha robot driven by a [[Genetic engineering|genetically engineered]] hamster named Hammond. The mecha is armed with automatic assault weapons known as the "quad cannons", and can be transformed into a high-speed "wrecking ball" equipped with a [[grappling hook]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marshall |first=Cass |date=2018-06-28 |title=Overwatch's next hero is a chubby hamster and I love it |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/28/17513534/overwatch-hero-28-hammond-ptr |access-date=2019-10-22 |website=Polygon |language=en}}</ref>
*''[[Brigador]]'' (2016),  an [[Isometric projection|isometric]] [[Real-time tactics|real-time tactical]] game, features mechas (as well other vehicles, including [[tanks]] and flying "antigravs") with loadouts customizable for different objectives.
*''[[Kirby: Planet Robobot]]'' (2016) features extensive use of mecha suit known as the Robobot Armor to solve puzzles and fight enemies. Mecha resembling [[Kirby (character)|Kirby]] with the ability to copy enemy abilities (known as ''Modes).''
*''[[Daemon X Machina]]'' (2019).
*''[[Iron Harvest]]'' (2020) features many mechs piloted by multiple factions. It is set in the 1920+ [[alternate history]] universe [[Scythe (board game)|Scythe]], created by [[Jakub Różalski]].
*"''[[The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom]]'' (2023) features a ridable mech which can be unlocked through a main quest.

===Toys===
*''[[Bionicle]]'' features many types of mecha sets such as Exo-Toa, Boxor, Nivawk and Skopio XV-1. Most of the story takes place inside Mata Nui, a colossal mecha maintained by its inhabitants.

===Tabletop games===
*In ''[[Warhammer 40,000]]'', various factions use mecha of a variety of sizes and shapes.
*''[[Battletech]]'' uses hex-maps, miniatures & paper record sheets that allow players to use mecha in tactical situations and record realistic damage.

=== Literature ===
*[[John Christopher]]'s [[The Tripods|''Tripods'' saga]] and its [[The Tripods (TV series)|TV series adaptation]] feature tri-legged walkers used by aliens to keep humanity subjugated.
* The [[Mecha Samurai Empire series|''Mecha Samurai Empire'']] franchise by Peter Tieryas is about a world where the Japanese Empire rules over the United States of Japan with a variety of different mechas. Many of the pilots are trained at the Berkeley Military Academy and their primary enemies are the Nazis and their monstrous biomechs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Liptak |first=Andrew |date=2018-02-01 |title=Mecha Samurai Empire imagines that America lost WWII — also there are giant robots |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/2/1/16934424/peter-tieryas-mecha-samurai-empire-alternate-history-science-fiction-book-q-and-a |access-date=2020-12-07 |website=The Verge |language=en}}</ref>
*[[Ian McDonald (British author)|Ian McDonald]] [[Ian McDonald bibliography|has a short story]], "Sanjeev and Robotwallah" (2007), and there is a character named General Robotwallah in the 2010 novel ''[[For the Win]]'' by [[Cory Doctorow]]. Here "robot[[wallah]]" refers to the pilot of a mecha.

==Real mecha==

There are a few real prototypes of mecha-like vehicles. Currently almost all of these are highly specialized or just for concept purpose, and as such may not see [[mass production]]. Most of these experimental projects were made and first presented in East Asia.
*In 2012, Suidobashi Heavy Industry unveiled their prototype of a driveable mecha, the [[Kuratas]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iron Giant: Up close with Kuratas, the $1.4 million, 4-ton mech robot |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/12/3/3722592-four-ton-mech}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hornyak |first=Tim |title=Pilots wanted for giant mech robot Kuratas |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57481991-1/pilots-wanted-for-giant-mech-robot-kuratas/}}</ref>
*In December 2016, Korean company Hankook Mirae posted a video featuring a test run of their bi-pedal prototype mecha METHOD-01, designed by Vitaly Bulgarov.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moon |first=Mariella |date=January 1, 2017 |title=Watch Korea's mech take its first steps with a pilot on board] |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017-01-01-korea-mech-robot-first-steps.html |access-date=November 26, 2020}}</ref>
*A machine called [[Land Walker]] was developed by Sakakibara Kikai with the intention of giving the impression of a bipedal mecha.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sakakibara-Kikai website |url=http://www.sakakibara-kikai.co.jp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042412/http://www.sakakibara-kikai.co.jp/ |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |access-date=November 19, 2017 |website=Sakakibara-Kikai |publisher=Sakakibara Machinery Co. |language=ja |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=kiyomasa |date=April 7, 2006 |title=Land Walker – Japanese Robot suit |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVwbUljGs3g |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204205101/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVwbUljGs3g |archive-date=December 4, 2017 |access-date=November 19, 2017 |website=[[YouTube]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
*In 2018, Japanese engineer Masaaki Nagumo from Sakakibara Kikai completed construction of a functional bipedal mecha inspired by the ''[[Gundam]]'' franchise. The device, standing 8.5 meters tall and weighing about 7 tonnes, possesses fully functional arm and leg servos.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 13, 2018 |title=Japanese engineer builds giant robot to realise 'Gundam' dream |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japanese-engineer-builds-giant-robot-to-realise-gundam-dream |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414082918/http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japanese-engineer-builds-giant-robot-to-realise-gundam-dream |archive-date=April 14, 2018 |access-date=April 14, 2018 |website=[[Straits Times]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
*Another ''Gundam''-based mecha, 60 feet tall and with fully functional articulation, was put on exhibit by [[Gundam Factory Yokohama]] on December 19, 2020, and was kept on display until March 31, 2024. On October, 23rd, 2024, the remains of the mecha were unveiled at a ceremony on Yumeshima Island, now repurposed as a statue for the upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-30 |title=Life-size moving Gundam statue unveiled to media in Yokohama |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/11/30/national/moving-gundam-statue-japan/ |access-date=2021-01-24 |website=The Japan Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 2, 2024 |title=The Yokohama Gundam Factory has closed after just three-plus years |url=https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/news/the-yokohama-gundam-factory-has-closed-after-just-three-plus-years-040224 |access-date=July 1, 2024 |website=[[Gundam Factory Yokohama]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-22 |title=Life-Size Gundam Statue Unveiled at Osaka Expo Site: Kneeling and Reaching for the Stars |url=https://us.oricon-group.com/news/2209/ |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=Japan Anime News powered by ORICON NEWS |language=en-US}}</ref>
*In 2023, the Japanese startup Tsubame Industries developed a 4.5-metre-tall four-wheeled robot called ARCHAX.<ref name="Satoshi Sugiyama 2023 m506">{{cite web | last=Satoshi Sugiyama | first=Chris Gallagher | title=Japan startup develops 'Gundam'-like robot with $3 mln price tag | website=Reuters | date=2023-10-02 | url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/japan-startup-develops-gundam-like-robot-with-3-mln-price-tag-2023-10-02/ | access-date=2024-04-14}}</ref>

In the Western world, there are few examples of mecha, however, several machines have been constructed by both companies and private figures.
*In 1813, British engineer [[William Brunton]] designed and built a steam locomotive propelled by mechanical legs, called the [[Steam Horse]].
* The [[GE Beetle]], a mobile piloted manipulator for nuclear materials, which entered operation in 1961.
*In 2006, [[Timberjack]], a subsidiary of [[John Deere]], built a practical [[Hexapod (robotics)|hexapod]] walking harvester.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 17, 2006 |title=Timberjack Walking Machine |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD2V8GFqk_Y |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222033048/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD2V8GFqk_Y |archive-date=December 22, 2017 |access-date=November 15, 2017 |website=[[YouTube]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
*In 2015, [[MegaBots Inc.|Megabots Inc.]] completed the MKII "Iron Glory" before challenging Kuratas to a duel. In 2017 they completed the MKIII "Eagle Prime".
*In 2017, Canadian engineering company, Furrion Exo-Bionics,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exo-Bionics &#124; Human skill meets advanced technology |url=https://furrion.com/pages/exo-bionics |website=furrion-global}}</ref> unveiled Prosthesis: The Anti-Robot,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Prosthesis – The Anti-Robot |url=http://www.prosthesismechracing.com/}}</ref> invented by Jonathan Tippett, as the company's flagship prototype mech. It is a 3500&nbsp;kg, 200&nbsp;hp, electric powered, 4-legged, all-terrain walking mech intended for use in competitive sport. It is controlled by the human pilot inside via a full-body exo-skeletal interface. In 2020 it was awarded the Guinness World Record as "the world's largest tetrapod exoskeleton".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Largest tetrapod exoskeleton |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/527752-largest-tetrapod-exo-skeleton |website=Guinness World Records}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Anime and manga|Science fiction}}
* [[BattleMech]]
* [[Kuratas]]
* [[MegaBots Inc.|Megabots Inc.]]
* [[Mobile robot]]
* [[Powered exoskeleton]]
* ''[[Robot Romance Trilogy]]''
* [[Sentry gun]]
* [[Walking vehicle]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.mahq.net/ Mecha Anime HQ]: Extensive coverage on Gundams and other mecha.
* [http://www.mechacompany.com/ Mecha Co.]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140403002247/http://mediag.jp/project/project/images/JapaneseAnimationGuide.pdf Japanese Animation Guide: The History of Robot Anime]

{{Mecha}}
{{Film genres}}
{{Machines}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Mecha| ]]
[[Category:Anime and manga terminology]]
[[Category:Science fiction themes]]
[[Category:Science fiction weapons]]