system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5 Will we be able to make giant robots (like the ones in pacific rim or gundam) with the technology we have today?

Maybe in my lifetime we can have giant robot battle royales...
gpt
the comprehensive answer is that on the modern battlefield (ever since WWII) weapons have been superior to armor. Modern tanks survive on the battlefield against anti-tank weapons by being low to the ground and taking advantage of terrain to stay hidden or at least reduce their exposure.

Bipedal tanks would have the problem of not being able to take advantage of terrain for safety, and not being able to take advantage of sloping to improve the effectiveness of the armor thickness they can reasonably carry.

The only potential advantage of a bipedal tank would be use in a city where they could use buildings as cover. However, even in this situation infantry with anti-tank weapons would have the greater advantage.

Finally, for large gundam or pacific rim sized bipedal tanks the surface pressure under their feet would tear huge furrows in the ground. Making them impractical.

However, smaller maybe 1 or 2 ton sized powered armor could be highly effective. Offering better protection from small arms while still being able to use terrain for protection from anti-tank weapons.