Honda ASIMO Robot
ASIMO is a humanoid robot created in 2000 by Honda.
ASIMO is 11th in a line of successive bipedal humanoid models created by Honda, starting with E0 in 1986 and with ASIMO being the latest design. ASIMO is considered the 4th man-like humanoid robot that can walk on two feet in a manner resembling human locomotion. Weighing 54 kilograms, the robot resembles a small astronaut wearing a backpack. Honda reports this robot can now run around at 6km/h speed. It rents for USD $160,000 per year.
Officially, the name is an acronym for "Advanced Step in Innovative MObility". Contrary to popular belief, Honda's official statements indicate that the robot's name is not an homage to science fiction writer Isaac Asimov. In Japanese, the name is pronounced ashimo and, not coincidentally, means "legs also".
Features and technology
Specifications
Recognition technology
- Weight: 54 kilograms
- Walking speed: 0-2.5 km/h (Update: As of December 13, 2005, speed increased to 0-2.7 km/h)
- Running speed: 3 km/h (Update: As of December 13, 2005, speed increased to 6 km/h)
- Height: 130 cm
- Width: 45 cm
- Depth: 44 cm
- Continuous operating time: 1 hour
- Degrees of Freedom: 34
With 2000's ASIMO model Honda added many features, labelled "Intelligence Technology", that enable ASIMO to interact better with humans. These features fall under 5 categories:
1. Recognition of moving objects
Using the visual information captured by the camera mounted in its head, ASIMO can detect the movements of multiple objects, assessing distance and direction. Common applications this feature would serve include the ability to follow the movements of people with its camera, to follow a person, or greet a person when he or she approaches.
2. Recognition of postures and gestures
ASIMO can also interpret the positioning and movement of a hand, recognizing postures and gestures. Because of this ASIMO can react and be directed not only to voice commands, but also to the natural movements of human beings. This enables him to, for example, recognize when a handshake is offered or when a person waves and respond accordingly. He can also recognize movement directions such as pointing.
3. Environment recognition
ASIMO can recognize the objects and terrain of his environment and act in a way that is safe for both himself and nearby humans. For example, recognizing potential hazards such as stairs, and by stopping and starting to avoid hitting humans or other moving objects.
4. Distinguishing sounds
ASIMO's ability to identify the source of sounds has been improved, and it can distinguish between voices and other sounds. He can respond to his name, face people when being spoken to, and recognize sudden, unusual sounds such as that of a falling object or a collision, and face in that direction.
5. Facial recognition
ASIMO has the ability to recognize faces, even when ASIMO or the human being is moving. It can individually recognize approximately 10 different faces. Once they are registered it can address them by name.
Network Integration
Utilizing networks such as the Internet, ASIMO can provide information and function better for various commercial applications, such as reception. His abilities fall under 2 categories:
1. Integration with user's network system
By connecting with a user's network ASIMO can offer many useful functions such as greeting visitors and informing personnel of the visitor's arrival by transmitting messages and pictures of the visitor's face and guide visitors to a predetermined location.
2. Internet connectivity
By accessing information via the Internet, ASIMO can, for example, become a provider of news and weather updates.