A Japanese company has started sales of its massive 4.5-meter tall manned robot called Archax - but with a price tag of $2.7 million, it's clearly aimed at the ultra-wealthy rather than the average consumer.

Tokyo-based Tsubame Industries founder Masato Kusakabe says the goal is to "turn science fiction into scientific reality." The bipedal robotic frame shifts into a wheeled vehicle mode reminiscent of futuristic tanks in movies.

Only five units will be produced in the first batch, available exclusively to pre-ordering Japanese buyers willing to pay the 400 million yen ($2.68 million) base cost. Clearly more of a high-tech status symbol than practical device, Archax nonetheless represents an impressive feat of engineering.

The human pilot sits enclosed in the center of the robot's torso, surrounded by display screens showing video feeds and data like speed and battery level. They control the machine either through joysticks and pedals or a touchscreen.

Each 4.5-meter tall robotic arm has independent shoulder, elbow, wrist, and finger articulation controlled by the pilot. The head pans left and right, with a camera for vision. And Archax can shift between bipedal and wheeled "vehicle mode" for stability while driving.

Constructed from welded aluminum and steel covered in fiberglass and automotive paints, the robot weighs 3.5 tons. Top speed is 10 km/h (~6 mph) in drive mode - a lumbersome pace fitting its hulking, mechanical form.

Real-world applications could include extreme construction, mining, and disaster response scenarios where Archax's all-terrain versatility and protection for the human operator inside would prove useful.

But its announced role is primarily recreational. According to Kusakabe, wealthy buyers can expect joyrides around town, remote-controlled tours for friends, and even a built-in karaoke system and cocktails from the on-board bar.

This highlights that while still exceedingly niche, giant human-piloted robots have graduated from science fiction and carnival novelties to functioning (if exorbitantly priced) vehicles thanks to modern technology.

Future iterations could see improved speeds, armor, and artificial intelligence to unlock more practical purposes. For now, they remain hi-tech status symbols edging towards mainstream reality.

While Archax's whopping price tag limits it to the ultra-elite, its launch proves pilotable giant robots have stepped from fantasy into feasible products. The next generation could make them accessible to more than just multimillionaires.