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.
Failures
On multiple occasions, audience members at public showcasings of ASIMO have filmed the robot malfunctioning and falling down stairs.[57] These videos have been uploaded on YouTube, and some have become viral for their comedic nature.[58][59][60]
