Editing Mecha (section)

==Characteristics==

'Mecha' is an abbreviation, first used in Japanese, of 'mechanical'. In Japanese, mecha encompasses all mechanical objects, including [[automobile|cars]], [[firearm|guns]], [[computers]], and other devices, and 'robot' or 'giant robot' is used to distinguish limbed vehicles from other mechanical devices.{{Citation needed|date=December 2017}} It has also become associated with large humanoid machines with limbs or other biological characteristics. Mecha differ from robots in that they are piloted from a [[cockpit]], typically located in the chest or head of the mech.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mech (Object) - Giant Bomb |url=https://www.giantbomb.com/mech/3055-21/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003221046/https://www.giantbomb.com/mech/3055-21/ |archive-date=2018-10-03 |access-date=2018-10-03 |website=Giant Bomb |language=en}}</ref>

While the distinction is often hazy, mecha typically does not refer to form-fitting [[Powered exoskeleton|powered armor]] such as [[Iron Man]]'s suit. They are usually much larger than the wearer, like Iron Man's enemy the [[Iron Monger]], or the mobile suits depicted in the ''[[Gundam]]'' franchise.

In most cases, mecha are depicted as fighting machines, whose appeal comes from the combination of potent weaponry with a more stylish combat technique than a mere vehicle. Often, they are the primary means of combat, with conflicts sometimes being decided through [[gladiator|gladiatorial matches]]. Other works represent mecha as one component of an integrated [[military]] force, supported by and fighting alongside [[tank]]s, [[fighter aircraft]], and [[infantry]]. The applications often highlight the theoretical usefulness of such a device. Combining a tank's resilience and firepower with infantry's ability to cross unstable terrain. In some continuities, special scenarios are constructed to make mecha more viable than current-day status. For example, in Gundam the fictional Minovsky particle inhibits the use of radar, making long-range ballistic strikes impractical, thus favouring relatively close-range warfare of Mobile Suits.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Simmons |first=Mark |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/49661605 |title=Animerica Gundam official guide |date=2002 |publisher=Viz Communications |others=Benjamin Wright, Animerica |isbn=1-56931-739-9 |location=San Francisco, CA |oclc=49661605}}</ref>

However, some stories, such as the manga/anime franchise ''[[Patlabor]]'' and the American wargame ''[[BattleTech]]'' [[Fictional universe|universe]], also encompass mecha used for civilian purposes, such as heavy construction work, [[police]] functions, or [[firefighting]]. Mecha also have roles as transporters, recreation, advanced [[hazmat suit]]s, and other [[research and development]] applications.

Mecha have been used in fantasy settings, for example in the anime series ''[[Aura Battler Dunbine]]'', ''[[The Vision of Escaflowne]]'', ''[[Panzer World Galient]]'', and ''[[Maze (anime)|Maze]]''. In those cases, the mecha designs are usually based on some alternative or "lost" science-fiction technology from ancient times. In case of anime series ''[[Zoids]]'', the machines resemble dinosaurs and animals, and have been shown to [[Evolution|evolve]] from native metallic organisms.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zoids (TV) - Anime News Network |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=1031 |access-date=2023-03-19 |website=www.animenewsnetwork.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Ueyama |first=Michiro |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/50021886 |title=ZOIDS : chaotic century |date=2002 |publisher=Viz Comics |isbn=1-56931-750-X |location=San Francisco, CA |oclc=50021886}}</ref>

A chicken walker is a [[List of fictional robots and androids|fictional]] type of bipedal [[robot]] or mecha, distinguished by its rear-facing [[knee joint]]. This type of articulation resembles a [[bird]]'s legs, hence the name.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Slavicsek |first=Bill |url=https://archive.org/details/guidetostarwars00slav/page/14 |title=A Guide to the Star Wars Universe: Third Edition |publisher=Del Rey and Lucas Books |year=2000 |isbn=0-345-42066-7 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/guidetostarwars00slav/page/14 14] |url-access=registration}}</ref> However, birds actually have forward-facing knees; they are [[digitigrade]], and what most call the "knee" is actually the ankle.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kochan |first=Jack |title=Feet & Legs |publisher=Stackpole Books |year=1994 |isbn=0-8117-2515-4}}</ref>