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Suspended structure will house research into space-exploring Japanese robots

Suspension of Disbelief

Suspended structure will house research into space-exploring Japanese robots

New York–based firm Clouds Architecture Office has designed a suspended research facility for AVATAR X, a partnership between ANA Holdings Inc. and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Japanese space agency, developing space-exploring robots. The levitating building will be at the center of the AVATAR X Lab Oita campus, which will host office and laboratory space for various tech companies invited to participate in the partnership’s research, along with a lunar-like landscape for testing remotely-operated vehicles.

AVATAR X is a partnership focused on developing space robots. (Courtesy AVATAR X)

AVATAR X is focused on developing avatars, specialized robots that humans can direct and manipulate from a remote location, thereby obviating the need for humans to go to space themselves.

The AVATAR X Oita campus (Clouds Architecture Office)

The floating lab structure will stand nearly 60 feet above the bottom of an artificial crater at the center of the campus. A series of other buildings will complete the campus in Oita prefecture, Kyushu, Japan.


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