TOKYO – A Japanese startup plans to launch a spherical robot inspired by the iconic Haro from the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam to the International Space Station by next spring.
Space Entry, based in Tsukuba near Tokyo, is leading the project to test if “Everyone’s Haro” can successfully deploy, navigate in microgravity, and interact as a companion, mirroring its anime counterpart.
The robot’s design comes from Kunio Okawara, the mechanical designer behind the original Haro in the Gundam franchise. It will operate from the Kibo Japanese experiment module, gathering data on autonomous robots in space.
The 21cm-diameter aluminum sphere moves in all directions using propellers embedded in its cheeks. Sensors detect obstacles to halt movement, while a camera, microphone, and LED “eyes” enable communication with astronauts through blinking signals.
A crowdfunding campaign launched on April 14 hit its initial 3 million yen (S$24,200) target in just three days, with 200 backers pledging support. Contributors can join as project participants for development involvement and launch events, or receive exclusive merchandise.