ASIMO

ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility)[1] is a humanoid robot created by Honda. After developing experiental walking robots in the 1980s–1990s, the company introduced the original ASIMO in 2000. Three updated models followed from 2004 to 2011. The line was retired in 2022, with Honda stating that it would utilize some of the technology for other projects.

Development

E0 was the first bipedal model produced as part of the Honda E series, which was an early experimental line of self-regulating walking robots with wireless movements created between 1986 and 1993.[2] This was followed by the Honda P series of robots produced from 1993 through 1997. The research made on the E- and P-series led to the creation of ASIMO. Development began at Honda's Wako Fundamental Technical Research Center in Japan in 1999, and ASIMO was unveiled in October 2000.[3][4] In 2002, 20 units of the first model were produced.[5]

In July 2018, Honda stated that it would be ceasing all development and production of ASIMO robots in order to focus on more practical applications using the technology developed through ASIMO's lifespan.[6][7][8] It made its last active appearance in March 2022, as Honda announced the retirement of ASIMO to concentrate on remote-controlled, avatar-style robotic technology.[9][10]

Public appearances

Since ASIMO was introduced in 2000, the robot has traveled around the world and performed in front of international audiences.

ASIMO made its first public appearance in the United States in 2002 when it rang the bell to open trade sessions for the New York Stock Exchange.[32]

The robot first visited the United Kingdom in January 2003 for private demonstrations at the Science Museum in London.[33] ASIMO continued on a world tour, making stops in countries such as Spain,[34] the United Arab Emirates,[35] Russia,[36] South Africa,[37] and Australia.[38]

From January 2003 to March 2005, the robot toured the US and Canada, demonstrating its abilities for more than 130,000 people.[39] From 2003 to 2004, ASIMO was part of a North American educational tour, where it visited top science and technology museums and academic institutions throughout North America.[40] The goal of the tour was to encourage students to study science through a live show that highlighted ASIMO's abilities. Additionally, the robot visited top engineering and computer science colleges and universities across the US as part of the ASIMO Technology Circuit Tour in an effort to encourage students to consider scientific careers.[41]

In March 2005, ASIMO walked the red carpet at the world premiere of the animated film Robots.[42] In June of that year, the robot became a feature in a show called "Say 'Hello' to Honda's ASIMO" at Disneyland's Innoventions attraction, which was a part of the Tomorrowland area of the park.[43] This was the only permanent installation of ASIMO in North America until Innoventions was closed in April 2015.[44]

In a demonstration at Honda's Tokyo headquarters in 2007, the company demonstrated new intelligence technologies that enabled multiple ASIMO robots to work together. The demonstration showed the robot's ability to identify and avoid oncoming people, work with another ASIMO, recognize when to recharge its battery, and perform new tasks such as carrying a tray and pushing a cart.[45]

In October 2008, ASIMO greeted Prince Charles during a visit to the Miraikan museum in Tokyo, where it performed a seven-minute step and dance routine.[46] In 2014, then–US President Barack Obama was introduced to ASIMO at Miraikan.[47]

In 2008, ASIMO conducted the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in a performance of "The Impossible Dream" to bring attention to its partnership with the orchestra and support performing arts in Detroit.[48] A 49-foot replica of ASIMO made with natural materials, such as lettuce seed, rice and carnations, led the 120th Rose Parade in celebration of Honda's 50th year of operation in the US.[49] Later that year, the robot made an appearance at the Genoa Science Festival in Italy.[50]

In January 2010, Honda debuted a 10-minute documentary at the Sundance Film Festival[51] that focuses on the experience of human interaction with robots like ASIMO.[52] The robot attended the Ars Electronica festival in Linz, Austria, in September 2010, which allowed Honda to study the results of human–robot interaction and use the results to guide development of future versions of the robot.[53] In April 2011, ASIMO was demonstrated at the FIRST Championship in St. Louis, Missouri, to encourage students to pursue studies in math, science and engineering.[54] That November, ASIMO was one of the star attractions at the first Abu Dhabi Science Festival.[55]

ASIMO visited the Ontario Science Center in Toronto in May 2011 and demonstrated its abilities to Canadian students. The robot later traveled to Ottawa for the unveiling of an exhibit at the Canadian Museum of Civilization 19 May through 22 May 2011.[56]

ASIMO appeared as a guest on the British quiz show QI on 2 December 2011. After serving water to host Stephen Fry and dancing with comedian Jo Brand, ASIMO won with 32 points.

On 24 March 2017, Honda revealed ASIMO in Disneyland's Autopia attraction.

See also

• Japanese robotics
• Actroid
• Android
• iCub
• HRP-4C
• HUBO
• REEM-B
• QRIO
• TOPIO
• Nao
• DARwIn-OP
• Musio
• Sophia
• Ameca
• Optimus

External links

• Official website (Worldwide) – Honda
• Official website (Japan) – Honda
• Official website (United States) – Honda
• "Humanoid robot learns how to run" – BBC News Online
• "Humanoid robot gets a job as a receptionist" – New Scientist
• Japan product demonstration
• Honda unveils helmet that lets wearer control a robot by thought alone