ASIMO: The Robot of the Future

ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative MObility), is a humanoid robot created by Honda, It is 120cm tall and weighs 54Kg (more than me!). It looks like a small astronaut wearing a backpack and can run at up to speeds of 6km/h (on two feet). In 2007 it was recorded that there are 46 ASIMOs running around, each costing about $1,000,000(one million), but if you don’t have enough for that, then for a cheap $166,000, you can hire one!

Honda added many feature to there 2000s ASIMO model, these fell under 5 main categories:

#1. Recognition of moving objects

Using the camera on its head to detect moving objects, ASIMO is able to greet, follow movements and follow people around a room. ASIMO can also assess the distance and direction it is from a moving object.

#2. Recognition of postures and gestures

ASIMO can detect and interpret the position and movement of a hand and react in the appropriate manner, not only by voice, but also the natural movements of human beings.

#3. Environment recognition

ASIMO can recognize the terrain it is travelling on, and react in a way that is not putting itself in danger or nearby human beings. For example if ASIMO came to a set of stairs it would stop, and not attempt to walk down them. Also by detecting movement of humans and objects ASIMO can avoid running into them.

#4. Distinguishing sounds

ASIMO’s ability to respond and recognise sound has been improved, and now it can distinguish between voices and sounds. It can respond much like a dog, where it responds to its name, face people when spoken to and if it hears a sudden unusual sound (falling object hitting the ground) will face in the direction it cam from.

#5. Facial recognition

ASIMO has the ability to recognise a familiar face (programmed to recognise it). It can recognise up to 10 different faces, once they are registered, it can address them by name.