The Journey of Hiroyuki Watanabe: Inventor of the Armatron
Early Career
Hiroyuki Watanabe embarked on his career at Komatsu Manufacturing, motivated by his affinity for bulldozers. However, in 1974, he discovered an exciting opportunity at Tomy, Japan’s leading toy manufacturer. Intrigued by the prospect of working in a dynamic environment focused on creativity, he decided to take a night train from Tohoku to Tokyo to attend a job exam, leading him to join the company.
Inspiration Behind the Armatron
The concept for the Armatron emerged from an unexpected source—an article that one of Watanabe’s supervisors brought to his attention. It featured a mechanical arm delicately holding an egg with three fingers. This notion sparked intense discussions among the team as they envisioned the potential of creating an innovative robotic arm.
Development Process
Watanabe initially led a team that developed a prototype for the robotic arm. However, upon returning to the project after a brief diversion, he discovered a model that significantly diverged from the final design of the Armatron. The early version’s hand protruded awkwardly, enabling only a limited range of motion. Additionally, the control panel featured six movement positions operated by separate switches, an arrangement Watanabe found unsatisfactory.
Innovative Breakthrough
Watanabe garnered inspiration for a more refined control system from his hobby of operating radio-controlled helicopters. With a dual joystick remote, he realized that it was possible to execute multiple movements simultaneously. He explained, “This stick operation allows you to perform four movements with two arms, but I thought that if you twist this part, you can use six movements.” This revelation led him to envision a design that could rotate entirely, setting the stage for a more advanced robotic arm.
Legacy of the Armatron
The journey of the Armatron reflects Watanabe’s perseverance and creative vision. His commitment to refining the design ultimately led to a product that not only captured the imaginations of users but also set a precedent in the world of robotics and toys.
