Own your own Transformer-style robot - for £2.2m

You can now own your own Transformer-style robot - for £2.2m.

The Archax mecha bot lets you climb inside a high-tech cockpit to pilot the machine.

Tokyo-based company Tsubame Industries say they aim to "transform the world of science fiction into science reality".

The 4.5 metre-high robot weighs 3.5 tons and can operate in two modes: robot mode and vehicle mode.

In vehicle mode the robot changes shape by crouching down on four wheels, from where it is able to travel at up to 10kph.

The operator pilots Archax by using two joysticks, pedals and four touchscreen panels that work with nine cameras.

Tsuba say they are "bringing to the world the experience that many people have longed for, such as actually boarding and operating a large robot like the one that appears in science fiction.

They add: "It is packed with elements from Japan's world-renowned fields of robotics,' animation/games, heavy machinery, and automobiles.

"It is a game where you actually get into and operate a large robot that looks like something out of science fiction.

"It was created to share with the world the dream experiences that people have longed for."

The robot is initially made to order with a run of five units, with pre-sales having begun in September 2023.

Tsubame say the estimated delivery date is 12 to 18 months after receiving the order.