AHChallenge: Make Giant Mechas Possible

Yes, with POD of pre-1900 (but the construction can be later), make giant robots built through advancement of engineering, physics, and other related disciplines.

The mechas can be humanoid or quadripedal. At least must be 15 meters tall (if bipedal)

Thanks in advance!
 
Two problems with this idea. First, something that size makes a really big target. Your mechas would be munitions magnets. Second, the necessary propulsion mechanisms would be very large and complicated and prone to break down; they would be a maintenance nightmare. The mechas would be like early tanks; more in the shop than in the battle.

We could field mechas today if we wanted; we have the technology. We don't because our existing equipment is better. Tanks are lower, therefore harder to hit and easier to protect, and nearly as mobile. Helicopters can go anywhere a mecha can, are much faster, and are harder to hit. Mechas might look cool, but in practice other vehicles are better.

That said it should be possible to create a steam powered steel limbed walking machine with late nineteenth century technology; making it practical is a different matter.
 
Leviathan, by Scott Westerfeld, has some in an alternate World War I.

As Spacebattles will tell you every time the issue is raised (so, monthly), mechs don't work in combat. They never will, as any technological advance that works for mechs will apply at least equally well to tanks.
 
Actually not (just) for combat, but for technological demonstrator or for intimidation ("we have bigger weapons, you just surrender!")

The emphasis here is that they CAN built it, no matter if it became a bullet magnet
 

NothingNow

Banned
Actually not (just) for combat, but for technological demonstrator or for intimidation ("we have bigger weapons, you just surrender!")

The emphasis here is that they CAN built it, no matter if it became a bullet magnet

So, we've done it already. There's a guy up in Alaska with one who's been looking to start a fighting league with them. They're just impractical and really fucking terrible. They don't move quickly enough to be viable even for intimidation, and they're far, far too delicate.
 
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