On Tuesday 13th May 2008, ASIMO the robot conducted the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as it performed ‘Impossible Dream’ during a concert with world renowned cellist, Yo-Yo Ma.

This robot, was designed and built by the Honda Motor Co. Its name is an acronym for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility. The robot conductor cannot react to the musicians in the orchestra but his movements mimicked the actions of a conductor who had been videotaped earlier.

ASIMO will, one day, be used to help the elderly and disabled in their homes but at the present time Honda are using him to encourage young students to study mathematics and science. Teaching ASIMO music is just a natural extension of this.

Honda has also given the Detroit Symphony Orchestra $1 million to create the ‘Power of Dreams String Project’ which will provide music education to children. ASIMO will play a big part in this project.

Development of this robot began in 1986 and in 2002 an advanced humanoid version of ASIMO rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (February 14th).

The latest version which has the ability to run made its debut in 2007. He also stars in the pedestrian safety program ‘Step To Safety With ASIMO’.

This amazing robot is still being developed, so who knows what it will be able to do in a few years time?