Mecha
Mechas or mechs are typically large, humanoid, piloted machines. They are usually intended for purposes such as combat or heavy lifting, and are thus usually heavily armored and have integrated weaponry.
In popular culture
In real life
Some bespoke real-world mechas have been created. These range from basic exoskeletons to enhance the pilot’s strength or speed, such as the Guardian XO by Sarcos Robotics, to those attempting to recreate fictional mechas, like Archax by Tsubame Industries.
In media
Mechas are a staple of Japanese anime, the 1979 “real robot” mecha series Mobile Suit Gundam arguably being where the concept originates.
Mechas have since appeared in several anime series, including future spin-offs of Gundam, The Super Dimension Fortress Macross, Neon Genesis Evangelion
The concept was copied by western media through the Voltron series (originally an adaptop of two other mecha anime: Beast King GoLion and Armored Fleet Dairugger XV), the Transformers franchise, and the live-action film series Pacific Rim.
Video games featuring mecha include the eponymous Titans in the Titanfall series, BattleTech and it’s several spin-offs, and the Armored Core series.