ASIMO

(CC) Photo: Honda
The New ASIMO at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2007.

ASIMO (アシモ ashimo) is the world's most advanced humanoid robot, developed by the Japanese company Honda. The first ASIMO was completed after 15 years of research, and it was officially unveiled on October 31, 2000. The robot resembles a small astronaut wearing a backpack, and is capable of performing a variety of tasks, including running, dribbling a ball, walking up and down stairs, and recognizing people by their appearance and voice. The name is short for "Advanced Step in Innovative MObility" and is also known as an abbreviation of ashita no mobility, meaning 'mobility in the future.' It was named in reference to Isaac Asimov, an American professor and science fiction writer who is credited with coining the term robotics and proposing the Three Laws of Robotics.

Design concept

"Following in the steps of Honda motorcycles, cars and power products. Honda has taken up a new challenge in mobility - the development of a two-legged humanoid robot that can walk."

Bipedal movement has been the primary focus of Honda's humanoid robotic research to create general-purpose, intelligent robots that can "coexist and cooperate with humans", since it began in 1986 with the development of the 'E0' prototype. While there existed many different visions of futuristic robots, such as R2-D2 and C-3PO from Star Wars, it was recognized that human-like robots with bipedal mobility are the most ideal for operating and interacting with humans in human surroundings.

Based on this concept, ASIMO's design concerns three main elements, which are human-friendliness, adaptability to the human environment, and engineering feasibility. Its height for example was set at 130 cm, which is similar to a child's, because a robot of that size would be easier to engineer (than building an adult-sized robot), less overwhelming and hazardous to humans, and spatially more adept. Its strikingly minimalist appearance, such as its lack of face and detailed feet, achieves greater engineering soundness by providing fewer moving parts and rooms for error, while being clearly discernible to humans as consisting of a head, torso, arms, hands, legs, and feet.

, captures key human body parts, such as the head, arms, and legs, which allow it to move like a human, make gestures and communicate face-to-face

in terms of ASIMO's design is similar to human physique both in terms of the body parts, such as the , as well as proportions. Its size is similar to a child's

was designed with .

The concept behind the ASIMO was to create robots that can be employed in tasks such as reception work (which is currently possible) and elderly care assistance.

It is important to note that the current ASIMO is an experimental technology demonstrator that needs to undergo further development until it can be engaged in tasks such as reception work (currently possible) and elderly care assistance.

can simulate sophisticated and perform other tasks in controlled environments.

for example, a robot designed to move on wheels would not be able to use the stairs or move over tangles of wire.

is an essential feature for as there may be obstacles and situations for which bipedal movement would be ideal. (

ASIMO is a humanoid robot designed with bipedal movement and other human-oriented features that are ideal for operating in human surroundings. Its humanoid body resembling an astronaut suit allows ASIMO to interact with human beings by making gestures and communicating face-to-face.

ASIMO comprises a niche of

The aim of Honda's project with ASIMO is to

ASIMO's design engages the issue of dailythe its concept as a humanoid robot that operates within society as a companion or an assistant through .

in the manner of contains the challenge in it would serve in the capacity of . Its child-like size people-friendliness Honda's humanoid robotic research has evolved over the years to create a humanoid robot that is small and friendly to hu