Our gadget-obsessed brothers at Gizmodo got us the scoop yesterday on Honda's Asimo taking a run at the job of conductor of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra two nights ago. Little did we know Jalopnik friend of friends Fabrizio Costantini (check out his site — the man's a genius with a camera) was in charge of putting together a little video of the performance. Without further ado, here's Asimo the wonder robot. Enjoy.
Remember the transforming Honda Ridgeline parade float for the Tournament of Roses parade we showed you last week? Yeah — you remember, the one piloted by Asimo the amazing super-robot from the number two super best awesome automaker from the land of the rising sun? Well, one of us actually woke up early enough yesterday to catch it in action during the parade. And oh, look — here it is. So hit the play button if you want to check it out in all of its awesome amazing astounding Asimo-piloted tailpipe flame-shooting power. We're going to take another couple of Advil here and call you when they kick in.
Our techtastic siblings over at Gizmodo posted this video of the new, improved and non-faceplanting version of Honda's Asimo robot trying out for a spot on the LA Galaxy squad, auditioning for an O-Town backup-dancer position and proving that he really can climb stairs. No word on whether jogging helps him keep his those unsightly robo-love-handles at bay. Meanwhile, we're still holding out hope for the Asimo Type R. – Davey G. JohnsonMore »
Oh no...not again! It really is creepy how lifelike they look, even when they're falling — but the folks at Honda certainly learned after this, the first stumble of the Asimo tumble-bot, the importance of having a good screen nearby. – Ray WertMore »
After a mishap during a product demonstration in Japan, Honda reps spring into action, shielding their fallen robot comrade from view as they assess his injuries. Just prior, as Asimo hit the floor, smashing his space-helmet faceplate, he (he?) says something that sounds like "sleeping" and "accident." We distinctly heard, SUPER CONCUSSION POTENTIAL! – Mike SpinelliMore »
The newest ESP technology from Honda has not a thing to do with traction control. The company recently demonstrated a system through which brain signals can guide a robotic hand. Holy crap, you say? Yes, exactly. Developed with Japan's Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International, the system uses magnetic resonance imaging — like in a medical MRI — to translate brain function into mechanical movement. Researchers said users will one day be able to control a robot, or a bionic prosthesis, by thinking the action.
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Just in time for the holidays, Honda debuted a new version of its ASIMO humanoid robot than can play the role of office lackey. The new version, the company says, can "pursue key tasks in a real-life environment, such as an office" and has a broader range of physical capabilities. It can sync up with people — walking while holding hands with someone, for example, or... (oh, c'mon) — and can carry objects by wheeling a cart. Additional system development enables the new ASIMO to perform the tasks of a receptionist or information guide, by giving him visual and surface sensors to recognize the surrounding environment. It also has a new top speed of almost 4mph, compared to the previous 2 mph, and can operate in a circular pattern. Honda says the next focus for the ASIMO development team is intelligence capabilities, or getting ASIMO to make comprehensive judgments based on various situations — like, say, determining who ordered the grande half-caf latte with a shot of vanilla and shaved chocolate by the kind of sweater he's wearing.
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