Core Facts
•   A remote controlled Panasonic robot completed a two-month long, 310 mile trip from Tokyo to Kyoto on Monday 22nd November 2010, arriving two and a half weeks ahead of schedule
•   The small robot was powered by Panasonic’s new rechargeable EVOLTA batteries and only stopped once a day to have its batteries recharged
•   The rechargeable EVOLTA battery enables 1,600 charging cycles*, the industry’s No.1 in charging cycles**
•   This is the third challenge that the EVOLTA robot has completed in three years

Quotes
Panasonic’s robo-mascot powered by rechargeable EVOLTA batteries has been welcomed by crowds in Kyoto after completing a two-month long, 310 mile trip from Tokyo on Monday, arriving two and a half weeks ahead of schedule. 

The seven inch tall robot, weighing just two pounds has been nicknamed Mr. EVOLTA and is essentially a small green character made of plastic and carbon fibre with two Panasonic rechargeable EVOLTA batteries on its back.  It walks within a large wheel pulling a trailer containing ten more EVOLTA batteries.

Mr. EVOLTA left Tokyo on the 23rd September and travelled along the ‘53 stations of the Tokaido’, one of Japan’s most important ancient roads, at an average speed of 1.5 miles per hour. Navigating the road was a challenge due to the steep slopes, long bridges and uneven pavements, presenting one rough spot after another for the small robot. Human team mates helped Mr. EVOLTA by pushing a device with an infra red signal which the robot followed and by stopping once a day to recharge its batteries.

Panasonic set this challenge to demonstrate the performance and durability of its new rechargeable AA batteries made from nickel-metal-hydride. The batteries combine the convenience of a disposable battery with the performance and cost benefits of a rechargeable battery. The batteries keep their ability to store power, up to 1600 charging cycles*.

Two years ago Mr. EVOLTA, powered by two EVOLTA  alkaline batteries***, climbed a 530-metre rope to the top of the Grand Canyon in six hours and 46 minutes. The following year it finished the 24 hours Le Mans endurance race of 17 miles and was subsequently recognised in the Guinness World Records for the longest distance covered by a battery operated remote controlled car. However, this latest challenge is the greatest achievement for Mr. EVOLTA to date and received the most attention from the public who commemorated the day with traditional Japanese celebrations. Those who could not make it to the actual site could view the action via Ustream’s live video and through real time Twitter feeds.

Boilerplate Statements
Tomotaka Takahashi, Creator of Mr. EVOLTA:
“I am delighted that Mr. EVOLTA has arrived safely in Kyoto. This journey was much longer and harder than the previous two journeys. The main difficulties were the uneven road surfaces and the changing weather conditions which proved challenging for the robot and the batteries.” 

Philippe Celis, Marketing Director Panasonic Energy Europe, at Panasonic:
“The name EVOLTA comes from a combination of the words evolution and voltage signifying growth and great power. This challenge pushed the boundaries of technology and innovation and demonstrates the high performance and durability of the EVOLTA battery, proving that it is deserving of its name.”