Dr. Richard Smith, whose full name is Richard Hamaguchi Smith, is a central supporting character in the live-action series. He was born in the Philippines and became an accomplished scientist, regarded as one of the top scientific minds on Earth. His life took a pivotal turn when he encountered Baron Hrothgar, an alien from the planet Boazan who had crash-landed on Earth. Hrothgar, who would later adopt the identity of Ned Armstrong, shared his story of being a hornless member of Boazan's nobility who was usurped and enslaved, and his warning that Boazan would eventually invade Earth. Unlike many who doubted the alien's story, Dr. Smith believed him, and together they established Camp Big Falcon, a secret fortress and training base designed to prepare for the impending invasion and to develop the giant robot Voltes V as Earth's ultimate defense.

In terms of appearance, Dr. Smith is a tall man with neck-length, messy gray hair, a mustache, and a beard. His personality is defined by a balance of scientific authority and paternal empathy. He serves as a father figure to the Voltes team, particularly to the three Armstrong brothers—Steve, Bert, and Jon—whose father, Ned Armstrong, is absent from Earth. While he is a strict trainer who prepares the team for the harsh realities of battle, he is also magnanimous and supportive. For instance, he initially opposes the deployment of the youngest brother, Jon, due to his age but later encourages his inventive nature, including the creation of his robot companion, Tako. He also shows great compassion, such as when he and pilot Jamie Robinson help teammate Mark Gordon overcome his troubled past.

Dr. Smith’s primary role in the story is as the commander and lead scientist of Camp Big Falcon. From the command center, he guides the Voltes team during their battles against the Boazanian invaders, analyzing enemy Beast Fighters and instructing the pilots on tactical maneuvers. Beyond his strategic mind, he is also a capable combatant. Despite his advanced age, he can defend himself effectively, having been shown to subdue enemy soldiers with martial arts skills, including powerful roundhouse kicks. His key relationships are with the Armstrong family; he is a close friend and collaborator of Ned Armstrong and a trusted ally and colleague of Mary Ann Collins Armstrong, the boys' mother. He is also a mentor to his apprentice, Dr. Larry Hook.

Dr. Smith’s character development culminates in his death, which is a significant turning point in the series. He meets his end when a robotic impostor designed to look like Ned Armstrong infiltrates Camp Big Falcon. Dr. Smith sees through the deception, but before he can act, the android kills him by stabbing him. His death is a major loss for the team, and he is given a full military funeral. Following his death, his office is left untouched out of respect, and his former student, Dr. Hook, takes over command of Camp Big Falcon, though his leadership style is noted to be radically different from Dr. Smith’s.