Building a Street-Legal Drivable Kotatsu: Takahashi's Solo Contest Challenge

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FA-Radio: The Factory Automation Podcast with Chris & Takahashi

Tomoya Takahashi

46 episodes

1 week ago

Welcome to The Factory Automation of future , a podcast by two engineers covering the latest in factory automation. About Takahashi and Chris share insights and news from the FA industry, aiming to build an open and engaging community beyond corporate walls. Hosts Tomoya Takahashi: A control-design engineer based in Toyota city who also runs FA study groups (https://fa-study.connpass.com/) Chris: Hong Kong–born FA professional and tech-guide blogger (http://soup01.com/ja/), believer in “knowledge is free for everyone,” Connect Note: https://note.com/fulhause X:@fulhause

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Building a Street-Legal Drivable Kotatsu: Takahashi's Solo Contest Challenge

FA-Radio: The Factory Automation Podcast with Chris & Takahashi

8 minutes 27 seconds

5 months ago

Building a Street-Legal Drivable Kotatsu: Takahashi's Solo Contest Challenge

Okay, here's an English podcast description based on the discussion about Takahashi's drivable kotatsu project:

Suggested Episode Title: Building a Street-Legal Drivable Kotatsu: Takahashi's Solo Contest Challenge

Description:

Imagine hitting the road... in a heated table? That's the ambitious DIY project Takahashi is tackling right now (May 2025): building a mobile heated table (kotatsu). And he's doing it alone, fueled by a 500,000 yen budget from a company idea contest, with the deadline looming large.

This episode delves into Takahashi's unique undertaking. Hear about the inspiration – a blend of wanting a supremely comfortable, portable workspace and an appreciation for mobile, running-style art installations. Discover how recent legal changes in Japan concerning vehicles like electric kick scooters provided the opening to potentially make such a creation road-legal.

Get a glimpse into the realities of the build, including grappling with design flaws and complex wiring challenges. Learn how rapid prototyping tools like M5Stack are proving invaluable, significantly reducing the need for time-consuming soldering.

The conversation also branches into a fascinating practical challenge: bridging the gap between accessible maker hardware like M5Stack and traditional industrial automation equipment (PLCs). We discuss the difficulties arising from differing communication protocols and contrasting setup philosophies, particularly the industrial preference for reliable hardware-based configuration over purely software-driven approaches.

Tune in for a unique story of personal ambition, the trials of building a complex mobility device, and insightful commentary on connecting modern prototyping tools with the world of industrial control.

#DrivableKotatsu #Kotatsu #DIY #MakerProject #IdeaContest #M5Stack #RapidPrototyping #IndustrialAutomation #PLC #Wiring #Electronics #Podcast #TechStory #Micromobility #Japan