ROBOT魂 AV-98Plus Ingram Kai Unit 1 Revealed for 2026 Release

The venerable ROBOT魂 series, a cornerstone for collectors of articulated robot figures from BANDAI SPIRITS’ TAMASHII NATIONS, has pulled back the curtain on its latest entry, the AV-98Plus Ingram Kai Unit 1. Hailing from the highly anticipated anime film “Mobile Police Patlabor EZY,” this figure is slated for an August 2026 debut, and based on early glimpses, it\’s shaping up to be one of those releases that looks even better in hand than in official product shots.

“Mobile Police Patlabor EZY” continues the celebrated Patlabor timeline, casting us into a 2030s Japan where an aging population means that Labor units—those multi-legged walking machines once considered cutting-edge—are now fundamental societal infrastructure. Yet, even these are being phased out by fully autonomous robots, leaving human-piloted Labor units like relics of a bygone era. Despite the march of progress, the Metropolitan Police Department’s Special Vehicle Section 2 remains vigilant. The story follows protagonist Kuga Towa and his Second Unit, piloting the extensively modified AV-98Plus Ingram, as they employ both wit and grit against evolving technological crime. This narrative perfectly sets the stage for a figure that embodies both heritage and innovation.

The AV-98Plus Ingram, the primary Labor unit of Special Vehicle Section 2’s Second Unit, is a thoroughly revamped version of the iconic “Type 98 AV Ingram” from 1998. Everything from its control system software to its mechanical hardware has been significantly upgraded. Notably, the pilot’s head-mounted display now leverages AR (Augmented Reality) HUD technology, allowing crucial information to be monitored without diverting attention—a fantastic detail that shows how deep the narrative\’s tech evolution runs, and how it informs the updated design.

The ROBOT魂 AV-98Plus Ingram Kai Unit 1 meticulously translates its animated counterpart into a poseable, approximately 13 cm (about 5.12 inches) tall collectible. The sculpt faithfully captures the “improved Ingram\’s” richer details, showcasing a clear evolution from its predecessor. Precision molding highlights intricate elements like the shoulder warning lights and the chest insignia. What truly stands out, however, is the use of transfer printing to crisply render the numerous texts and serial numbers across the shoulder armor, backpack, and shield. This choice elevates the visual fidelity considerably, avoiding the soft look sometimes seen with tampo printing on mass-produced figures and placing it firmly in the upper echelons of this scale. The head even includes interchangeable parts to display the visor in a closed, more aggressive stance, which adds a layer of character that a static sculpt alone couldn\’t achieve.

The figure\’s robust articulation system, encompassing shoulders, waist, and hip joints, is seamlessly integrated, allowing for a broad range of dynamic poses—from a commanding high-kneel to powerful two-handed weapon grips. Its armaments are equally thoughtful: a pair of stun sticks (one long, one short) can be cleverly stored within the shield via interchangeable parts or displayed in their extended baton form. Perhaps the most compelling feature is the revolver cannon, which can be holstered within the right shin armor. Specialized right arm frame parts enable collectors to replicate the Ingram\’s signature hand extension maneuver to draw the weapon, a pivotal moment in the series that brings a fantastic bit of in-universe mechanics to life on your shelf. This level of considered functionality and detail is a clear benchmark for what advanced articulated figures should strive for, beautifully bridging the gap between design and narrative intent.

The Collector’s Survival Guide: How to Justify This

The Collector Math: Look, this isn’t just a 5.12-inch figure; it’s a precisely scaled representation of the AV-98Plus Ingram Kai Unit 1. At roughly $72 USD (appx. 11,000 JPY), considering the specialized transfer printing for the markings and the complex articulation needed for those two-handed gun poses, that’s practically a steal for a 2026 release. Think of it as pre-paying for future engineering brilliance, an investment in the cutting edge of figure manufacturing.

How to tell your wife: Honey, remember how I mentioned that classic Japanese animation, Patlabor? Well, this AV-98Plus Ingram Kai Unit 1 is an evolutionary design from that very series, representing the progression of industrial design. It’s a miniature piece of cultural history, not just a robot, and honestly, displaying it is like having a tiny, sophisticated art installation that appreciates good storytelling. It’s far more refined than any ordinary “toy.”

How to tell your parents: Mom and Dad, this ROBOT魂 figure isn’t just “another toy.” It’s a detailed model of the AV-98Plus Ingram, highlighting advanced robotic engineering concepts like the AR headset for the pilot and intricate weapon storage, like the revolver cannon in the shin. It’s truly an educational piece, demonstrating how far design can push functionality in a compact 5.12-inch form, a testament to Japanese innovation planned for 2026.

How to tell your kids: Kids, this AV-98Plus Ingram Kai Unit 1 isn’t just cool because it’s from Patlabor EZY and has awesome stun sticks. It represents how technology *evolves*. It’s like comparing your first video game console to the one coming out in 2026 – everything is improved! This specific model even has its revolver cannon hidden in its leg, showing smart design for quick access, teaching us about efficiency in future tech in a really engaging way.

The AV-98Plus Ingram Kai Unit 1 from Patlabor EZY, while a significant wait until 2026, presents a refreshing take on a beloved design that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Its detailed sculpt and functional articulation, especially the clever revolver cannon storage, truly elevate this ROBOT魂 entry beyond a simple rehash, making it a compelling piece for any serious Labor enthusiast.

🟢 Product Specifications 🟢

✅ Reference Price: 11,000 JPY (tax included) / Appx. $72 USD
✅ Estimated Release Date: 2026/08
✅ Product Specifications: ABS, PVC pre-painted articulated figure, approximately 130mm (5.12 inches) tall
✅ Copyright: © HEADGEAR / 機動警察パトレイバー EZY製作委員会

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