Who doesn't know Asimo? Asimo (Advanced Step in Innovative MObility) is a humaoid (human-like) robot created by the Honda Motor Company of Japan. Asimo's stats: height: 4'3" , weight: 119 lb. Asimo is not the first. It is the current model in a line of eleven that began in 1986 with E0. [1] So what's so special with little kid Asimo? It just boasts an autonomous movement system and uninterrupted service to real human beings. In clearer terms, it can walk freely but with the ability not to bump on things and people. As of 2007, carrying a tray (as seen in the photo) and pushing a cart are added to Asimo's abilities. Asimo is just battery-operated but it can charge itself. I mean, after reaching a low battery level, it would go and rest in the battery charging area. You might wonder why there are two Asimos in the photo. There is not only one Asimo. Asimos can coordinate with each other to perform tasks in the most efficient way.

Asimo's size is not accidental. It's purpose is to make Asimo do all its jobs well. The robot's size was chosen to allow it to operate freely in the human living space and to make it people-friendly. This size allows the robot to operate light switches and door knobs, and work at tables and work benches. Its eyes are located at the level of an adult's eyes when the adult is sitting in a chair. A height of 120cm makes it easy to communicate with. Honda feels that a robot height between 120cm and that of an adult is ideal for operating in the human living space. [2]

In 2002, Asimo's intelligence was added. We call it Intelligence Technology. Through this, Asimo can detect human posture and gestures and react to those. Asimo is human-friendly. It is funny and cool to think that it can greet people, follow them, move in the direction they indicate and what's more, recognize a face and know someone's name. ASIMO is the world’s first humanoid robot to exhibit such a broad range of intelligent capabilities. [3]

There are a lot to know, see and experience of Asimo. If you like Asimo, click here to be led to a page that contains the complete information about it.

As of 2007, there are 46 ASIMO units in existence. Each one costs less than $1 million (¥106,710,325 or €638,186 or £504,720) to manufacture, and some units are available to be hired out for $166,000 (¥17,714,316 or €105,920 or £83,789) per year. [1]


Sources:
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASIMO
[2] http://world.honda.com/ASIMO/technology/concept.html
[3] http://world.honda.com/ASIMO/technology/intelligence.html

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