ASIMO,
Honda's humanoid robot
ASIMO, standing for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility, is Honda's
take on robots. He/she/it is a step on the way to designing a robot
capable of living, interacting and working with people. ASIMO has
the appearance of a child in a space suit, his smaller size, about
120 cm, allows him to interact with people seated at a table and gives
him a more likable and less 'intimidating' appearance. After all who
wants to be served coffee by a machine that looks like it could snap
you in two. One of Honda's predeccessors to ASIMO was 6'2" and
386 lbs!
ASIMO has recently been given the ability to run, something very difficult
for robots to do as the computations required to maintain balance
are far greater then those required to walk where one foot is always
in contact with the ground.
Honda's research into humanoid robots began in 1986, key elements
to the development of this robot was the research done regarding intelligence
and maneuverability. The first ASIMO robot prototype was unveiled
in 2000 and since then many upgrades and improvements have been made.
Just some of ASIMO's tricks include; greeting approaching people,
following them whilst avoiding objects, moving where indicated (by
pointing and looking), going up and down stairs, turning lights on
and off, closing doors, recognizing faces and addressing people by
name. ASIMO can also recognize his own name when called, and he looks
to see when a sudden sound is made.
ASIMO is a great ambassador for Human-Robot relations, helping to
further the way for more like him, and travelling the world to show
what is really possible. Honda see a time where ASIMO's offspring
help the disabled or infirm, tackle dangerous situations like fire-fighting
or cleaning up toxic waste, and perform mundane tasks nobody else
wants to do. Honda's research into robotics over the last 20 years
has yeilded amazing results, and it shows no sign of slowing.
Similar and related articles and vehicles:
- Artificial Intelligence,
a theory but no answer
- Toyota i-foot
Related external links:
- Honda ASIMO official site
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