Mecha may refer to a
science fiction genre that centers on robots or machines controlled by people. These machines vary greatly in size and shape, but are distinguished from
vehicles by their
humanoid or
biomorphic appearance. Different subgenres exist, with varying connotations of realism. The concept of
Super Robot and
Real Robot are two such examples found in Japanese
anime. The term may also refer to real world piloted
humanoid robots / non-humanoid
robotic platforms, either currently in existence or still on the drawing board (i.e. at the planning or design stage). Alternatively, in the original Japanese context of the word (see
Characteristics), 'mecha' may refer to mobile machinery/vehicles (including aircraft) in general, manned or
otherwise.