100 Robot Series | 32nd Robot | How to Build a Robot Like Takasugi Shinsuke’s Mecha (Gintama)

4 min readJan 28, 2025

Role: Comedic Battle Robot
Unique Capability: Hilariously exaggerated combat and unpredictable behavior

In the eccentric world of Gintama, Takasugi Shinsuke’s mecha represents the epitome of comedic absurdity in battle. This article dives into building a similar robot using advanced hardware, software, and Python programming. Let’s bring the hilarity of exaggerated combat and unpredictable antics to life!

Hardware Components

Chassis and Frame:

Aluminum-alloy frame with articulated joints for exaggerated movements.

Motors:

16 high-torque servo motors for dynamic limb movements.
Brushless DC motors for high-speed erratic mobility.

Sensors:

Ultrasonic sensors for obstacle detection.
Gyroscope and accelerometer for balance and chaotic motion control.

Actuators:

Pneumatic actuators for exaggerated punch and kick movements.

Power Supply:

Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery for compact and powerful energy storage.

Controller:

Raspberry Pi 4 with 8GB RAM for advanced processing.

Speaker System:

High-definition speakers to deliver battle cries and sarcastic dialogues.

Display:

LED matrix for expressive “face” animations.

Software Components

Operating System:

Raspberry Pi OS with real-time kernel enhancements.

Programming Language:

Python 3 for control, behavior scripting, and machine learning integration.

Libraries:

OpenCV for visual recognition and comedic effects.
PyAudio for sound effects and voice synthesis.
TensorFlow Lite for implementing simple AI decision-making.

Wireless Connectivity:

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules for remote control and communication.

Python Codes for Its Capabilities

1. “Ha! You call that a punch? Watch this!”

Capability: Delivering an exaggerated spinning punch with perfect comedic timing.

import time
import RPi.GPIO as GPIO

# Pin setup for servos
LEFT_ARM_SERVO = 17
RIGHT_ARM_SERVO = 18

GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BCM)
GPIO.setup(LEFT_ARM_SERVO, GPIO.OUT)
GPIO.setup(RIGHT_ARM_SERVO, GPIO.OUT)

left_arm = GPIO.PWM(LEFT_ARM_SERVO, 50)  # 50Hz pulse
right_arm = GPIO.PWM(RIGHT_ARM_SERVO, 50)

left_arm.start(0)
right_arm.start(0)

def exaggerated_spin_punch():
    print("Spinning up for an exaggerated punch!")
    for angle in range(0, 181, 15):
        duty_cycle = 2 + (angle / 18)  # Map angle to duty cycle
        left_arm.ChangeDutyCycle(duty_cycle)
        right_arm.ChangeDutyCycle(duty_cycle)
        time.sleep(0.05)
    print("Punch delivered with a flourish!")
    left_arm.ChangeDutyCycle(0)
    right_arm.ChangeDutyCycle(0)

try:
    exaggerated_spin_punch()
finally:
    left_arm.stop()
    right_arm.stop()
    GPIO.cleanup()

2. “Missed me! Try harder next time!”

Capability: Evasive dodges with erratic movements.

import random
import time

def dodge():
    directions = ["left", "right", "back", "spin"]
    print("Initiating erratic dodge maneuvers...")
    for _ in range(5):
        move = random.choice(directions)
        print(f"Dodging {move}!")
        time.sleep(0.5)

dodge()

3. “Now for my ultimate attack — KaBoom Chaos!”

Capability: Over-the-top explosion effect with sound and lights.

from playsound import playsound
import time

def kaboom_chaos():
    print("Activating lights and sound for ultimate attack...")
    for _ in range(3):
        print("Flash!")
        time.sleep(0.2)
    playsound('kaboom.mp3')
    print("KaBoom Chaos executed!")

kaboom_chaos()

4. “This isn’t even my final form!”

Capability: Transforming into a larger, more absurd form with limb extensions.

import time

def transform():
    print("Beginning transformation sequence...")
    print("Extending limbs...")
    time.sleep(1)
    print("Deploying additional armor...")
    time.sleep(1)
    print("Transformation complete! Now I’m even more ridiculous.")

transform()

5. “Oh, you thought I was out of tricks?”

Capability: Using a hidden compartment to launch confetti.

import random
import time

def launch_confetti():
    print("Releasing confetti from hidden compartment!")
    colors = ["red", "blue", "gold", "green", "silver"]
    for _ in range(10):
        print(f"Confetti color: {random.choice(colors)}")
        time.sleep(0.3)

launch_confetti()

6. “My sensors detect… pure foolishness!”

Capability: Scanning surroundings and delivering a sarcastic comment.

def sarcastic_scan():
    print("Scanning surroundings...")
    time.sleep(2)
    print("Analysis complete: 99% foolishness detected.")

sarcastic_scan()

7. “Prepare to witness comedy in motion!”

Capability: Performing a victory dance.

import time

def victory_dance():
    moves = ["wiggle left", "wiggle right", "spin", "jump", "pose"]
    print("Starting victory dance sequence...")
    for move in moves:
        print(f"Performing: {move}")
        time.sleep(1)

victory_dance()

Bringing It All Together

Combining hardware, software, and Python scripts, you can recreate the hilarity and chaos of Takasugi Shinsuke’s mecha. Its exaggerated combat and unpredictable antics make it a perfect addition to the 100 Robot Series. Start building your comedic battle robot today!

Toolzam AI celebrates the technological wonders that continue to inspire generations, bridging the worlds of imagination and innovation.

And ,if you’re curious about more amazing robots and want to explore the vast world of AI, visit Toolzam AI. With over 500 AI tools and tons of information on robotics, it’s your go-to place for staying up-to-date on the latest in AI and robot tech. Toolzam AI has also collaborated with many companies to feature their robots on the platform.

Stay tuned for more in-depth analyses and coding guides for iconic robots!