At the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, one of the standout exhibits wasn’t a sleek electric car or a next-gen aircraft — it was a walking robot. Named the SR-02, this large quadrupedal machine resembles a rhinoceros and is designed to carry people on its back like a rideable attraction. Developed by Japanese company Sansei Technologies, the SR-02 blends mobility, engineering, and amusement park aesthetics in a strikingly unique way.
The Japan Mobility Show, formerly known as the Japan Motor Show, has widened its focus in recent years to include a broader range of transportation and mobility innovations. The SR-02 fits squarely within this expanded vision. Measuring 3.6 meters in length, 2.0 meters in width, and 2.1 meters in height (roughly 12 feet long, 6.5 feet wide, and 7 feet tall), this minivan-sized robot is designed to comfortably seat four passengers. Its size is not just for show — it was conceived as an amusement ride experience, offering a “totally new experience of the dynamic motion when walking on four that riders can feel with their whole body,” according to Sansei Technologies.
Sansei is well known for creating rides at major theme parks including Disney and Universal Studios, and the SR-02 is a natural extension of their amusement park expertise. Originally unveiled in early 2023, the SR-02 has been described by the company as the “world’s first quadruped walking robot ride” that can carry multiple passengers. While it isn’t clear whether the unit is headed for mass production or any specific amusement park installation, its development signals an interest in merging robotics with immersive experiences.
Visually, the SR-02 resembles a creature out of science fiction. The design draws inspiration from both animals and pop culture, with some observers comparing it to an AT-AT walker from the Star Wars universe. That similarity is no accident. The robot’s aesthetics were shaped in collaboration with mechanical designer Hidetaka Tenjin, known for his work in anime and video games. The result is a functional machine that also caters to Japan’s strong cultural link between technology and anime-style design.
Functionally, the SR-02 operates in two modes: it can be controlled remotely or driven by a person sitting inside the cabin. This dual-mode capability adds flexibility depending on the use case — be it amusement park rides, event transportation, or promotional appearances. Powered electrically, the machine provides a smooth and deliberate walking motion on four legs, which is part of its appeal as a body-engaging ride rather than just a means of transport.
While details like its top speed, range, or battery capacity have not been disclosed, the SR-02’s focus is clearly on short-range, controlled environments — not on replacing conventional vehicles. Its current form appears suited to amusement parks, trade show exhibitions, and potentially themed events where eye-catching mobility solutions are part of the attraction.
Sansei Technologies sees the SR-02 as more than just a novelty. “It’s not merely a step forward in mobility; it’s a quantum leap into a realm where fantasy converges with reality, and practicality is infused with a sense of wonder,” the company stated in one of their presentations. However, the company has not committed to a commercial release timeline, and it remains a prototype for now.
Other exhibitors at the Japan Mobility Show showcased various concepts ranging from tiny electric excavators and delivery robots to rugged exploration buggies. Yet the SR-02 managed to stand out due to its scale, design, and clear nod to entertainment-driven mobility.
No pricing details have been disclosed as of now, and Sansei Technologies has not confirmed whether the SR-02 will eventually be available for commercial amusement park use or rentals. However, the company hinted at a future where the SR-02 could be featured at global events and exhibitions.
Source: Sansei Technologies (YouTube)
