Z-Machines - consisting of a robotic drummer, keyboardist and guitarist - made their ‘live’ debut last night in Tokyo’s Shibuya district. A duo of (human) singers named Amoyamo provided vocal accompaniment for the band’s performance.

The trio can be controlled and programmed via computer. Designed through a collaboration between engineers from Tokyo University and drinks company Zima (as part of an advertising campaign), DJ TASAKA has taken charge of the band’s debut. WIth a 78-fingered guitarist (Mach) and a six-armed drummer (Ashura), the developers and programmers hope Z-Machines will be able to play music that would be physically impossible for humans.

As a bonus, Z-Machines can also play a part in a show's lighting and multimedia setup, offering in-built video screens and lasers.

Cosmo, the final robot in the band, is wired to a keyboard. Cosmo’s lead designer Yoichiro Kawaguchi hopes to top Chris Hadfield’s recent zero-g music video, saying "my goal is to have the Z-Machine play in outer space someday.”

Z-Machines are not the first robotic band to try and take the musical world by the storm. Compressorhead are another mechanical musical trio that made headlines after their bassist was completed in 2012. While Z-Machines are currently focusing on electronic and techno, Compressorhead are all about the heavy metal: and, like Z-Machines, they come complete with advanced head-banging technology.

A video from Z-Machines' live debut: