Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox robot
ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility)<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> is a humanoid robot created by Honda in 2000.
In 2002, there were 20 units of the first ASIMO model produced;<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> three different ASIMO models subsequently followed. As of February 2009, there were over 100 ASIMO units in existence.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore</ref>
In July of 2018, Honda stated that it would be ceasing all development and production of ASIMO robots in order to focus on more practical applications using the technology developed through ASIMO's lifespan.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It made its last active appearance in March 2022, as Honda announced the retirement of ASIMO to concentrate on remote-controlled, avatar-style robotic technology.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
DevelopmentEdit
Honda began developing humanoid robots in the 1980s with the goal of making a walking robot, including several prototypes that preceded ASIMO.
E0 was the first bipedal model produced as part of the Honda E series, which was an early experimental line of self-regulating walking robots with wireless movements created between 1986 and 1993.<ref name="Guardian" /><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> This was followed by the Honda P series of robots produced from 1993 through 1997. The research made on the E- and P-series led to the creation of ASIMO. Development began at Honda's Wako Fundamental Technical Research Center in Japan in 1999, and ASIMO was unveiled in October 2000.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
DesignEdit
ASIMO stands Template:Convert tall and weighs Template:Convert. Research conducted by Honda found that the ideal height for a mobility assistant robot was between 120 cm and the height of an average adult, which is conducive to operating door knobs and light switches.<ref name=Guardian>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> ASIMO is powered by a rechargeable 51.8 V lithium-ion battery with an operating time of one hour. Switching from a nickel–metal hydride battery in 2004 increased the amount of time ASIMO can operate before recharging.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> ASIMO has a three-dimensional computer processor created by Honda that consists of three stacked dies, a processor, a signal converter, and memory.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The computer that controls ASIMO's movement is housed in the robot's waist area and can be controlled by a PC, wireless controller, or voice commands.<ref name=HowStuffWorks>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
AbilitiesEdit
ASIMO has the ability to recognize moving objects, postures, gestures, its surrounding environment, sounds, and faces, which enables it to interact with humans. The robot can detect the movements of multiple objects by using visual information captured by two camera "eyes" in its head and also determine distance and direction. This feature allows ASIMO to follow or face a person when approached.<ref name="Guardian" /> The robot interprets voice commands and human gestures, enabling it to recognize when a handshake is offered or when a person waves or points, and then respond accordingly.<ref name=HowStuffWorks /> ASIMO's ability to distinguish between voices and other sounds allows it to identify its companions. ASIMO is able to respond to its name and recognizes sounds associated with a falling object or collision. This allows the robot to face a person when spoken to or look towards a sound. ASIMO responds to questions by nodding or providing a verbal answer in different languages and can recognize approximately 10 different faces and address them by name.<ref name=HowStuffWorks />
ASIMO is equipped with sensors that assist in autonomous navigation. The two cameras inside its head act as visual sensors to detect obstacles. The lower portion of the torso has two ground sensors—one laser sensor and one infrared sensor. The laser sensor is used to detect the ground surface, and the infrared sensor with automatic shutter adjustment based on brightness is used to detect pairs of floor markings to navigate along paths. A pre-loaded map and the detection of floor markings help the robot to precisely identify its present location and continuously adjust its position. There are front and rear ultrasonic sensors to sense obstacles; the front sensor is located at the lower torso together with the ground sensors, and the rear sensor is located at the bottom of the "backpack".<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- ASIMO environment identifying sensors.jpg
ASIMO environment sensor suite
- ASIMO visual sensor.jpg
Two cameras behind ASIMO's visor
- ASIMO floor markers.jpg
Pairs of black markings used for autonomous navigation
- ASIMO ground and ultrasonic sensors.jpg
Ground sensors and front ultrasonic sensor, located at the lower torso
- ASIMO autonomous navigation.webm
ASIMO autonomously navigating through targets
- ASIMO sole of the left foot.jpg
Foot padding, called "Floor Reaction Control", accounts for small surface irregularities
- ASIMO rear view.jpg
Rear view
Impact and technologiesEdit
Honda's work with ASIMO led to further research on walking assist devices, resulting in the Stride Management Assist and Bodyweight Support Assist prototypes.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In 2004, ASIMO was inducted into the Carnegie Mellon Robot Hall of Fame.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In honor of ASIMO's 10th anniversary in November 2010, Honda developed a mobile app called "Run with ASIMO", wherein users learn about the robot by virtually walking it through the steps of a race and then sharing their lap times on Twitter and Facebook.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
ASIMO was also the inspiration behind the 2012 film Robot & Frank, wherein a similar humanoid robot, portrayed by an actress in a costume, assists an aging cat burglar.
SpecificationsEdit
| CitationClass=web
}}</ref> | ||||
| Model | 2000-2002 | 2004 | 2005-2007 | 2011<ref name=Asimo2011en>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=Asimo2011jp>Template:Cite news</ref> |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mass | Template:Convert | Template:Convert<ref name=c.net>Template:Cite news</ref> | ||
| Height | Template:Convert<ref name="world.honda.com">Honda Worldwide | 15 December 2004 "Honda Reveals Technologies Next-Generation ASIMO" Template:Webarchive. Honda Worldwide (15 December 2004). Retrieved 12 June 2011.</ref> | Template:Convert | ||
| Width | Template:Convert | |||
| Depth | Template:Convert | Template:Convert | Template:Convert | |
| Walking speed | Template:Convert | Template:Convert | Template:Convert | |
| Running speed | Template:N/a | Template:Convert | Template:Convert (straight) Template:Convert (circling) |
Template:Convert |
| Airborne time (Running motion) |
Template:N/a | 0.05 seconds | 0.08 seconds | |
| Battery | Nickel–metal hydride 38.4 V, 10 Ah, Template:Convert 4 hours to fully charge |
Lithium ion 51.8 V, Template:Convert 3 hours to fully charge | ||
| Continuous operating time | 30 minutes | 40 mins to 1 hour (walking) | 1 hour (running/walking) | |
| Degrees of Freedom | 26 (head: 2, arm: 5×2, hand: 1×2, leg: 6×2) |
34<ref>ASIMO's Specifications. Asimo.honda.com. Retrieved 12 June 2011.</ref> (head: 3, arm: 7×2, hand: 2×2, torso: 1, leg: 6×2) |
57<ref name=Asimo2011jp /><ref>ASIMO's Template:Webarchive. Asimo.honda.com. Retrieved 8 November 2011.</ref><ref>ASIMO Specifications | ASIMO Innovations by Honda. Asimo.honda.com. Retrieved 17 February 2015.</ref> (head: 3, arm: 7×2, hand: 13×2, torso: 2, leg: 6×2) | |
| Languages | English & Japanese<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | |||
| Images | File:ASIMO-2001.jpg | File:2005 Honda ASIMO 01.JPG | File:Honda ASIMO (ver. 2011) 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.jpg | |
_2011_Tokyo_Motor_Show.jpg){kind=link}
Public appearancesEdit
Since ASIMO was introduced in 2000, the robot has traveled around the world and performed in front of international audiences.
ASIMO made its first public appearance in the United States in 2002 when it rang the bell to open trade sessions for the New York Stock Exchange.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
The robot first visited the United Kingdom in January 2003 for private demonstrations at the Science Museum in London.<ref name="bbcuk">Template:Cite news</ref> ASIMO continued on a world tour, making stops in countries such as Spain,<ref name="spain">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> the United Arab Emirates,<ref name="dubai">Template:Cite news</ref> Russia,<ref name="moscow">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> South Africa,<ref name="southafrica">Template:Cite journal</ref> and Australia.<ref name="australia">Template:Cite newsTemplate:Dead link</ref>
From January 2003 to March 2005, the robot toured the U.S. and Canada, demonstrating its abilities for more than 130,000 people.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> From 2003 to 2004, ASIMO was part of a North American educational tour, where it visited top science and technology museums and academic institutions throughout North America.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The goal of the tour was to encourage students to study science through a live show that highlighted ASIMO's abilities. Additionally, the robot visited top engineering and computer science colleges and universities across the US as part of the ASIMO Technology Circuit Tour in an effort to encourage students to consider scientific careers.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In March 2005, the robot walked the red carpet at the world premiere of the animated film Robots.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In June 2005, ASIMO became a feature in a show called "Say 'Hello' to Honda's ASIMO" at Disneyland's Innoventions attraction, which was a part of the Tomorrowland area of the park.<ref name="physorg">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> This was the only permanent installation of ASIMO in North America until Innoventions was closed in April 2015.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In a demonstration at Honda's Tokyo headquarters in 2007, the company demonstrated new intelligence technologies that enabled multiple ASIMO robots to work together. The demonstration showed the robot's ability to identify and avoid oncoming people, work with another ASIMO, recognize when to recharge its battery, and perform new tasks such as carrying a tray and pushing a cart.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In October 2008, ASIMO greeted Prince Charles during a visit to the Miraikan museum in Tokyo, where it performed a seven-minute step and dance routine.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Cbignore</ref> In 2014, then-U.S. President Barack Obama was introduced to ASIMO at Miraikan.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In 2008, ASIMO conducted the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in a performance of "The Impossible Dream" to bring attention to its partnership with the Orchestra and support performing arts in Detroit.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> A 49-foot replica of ASIMO made with natural materials, such as lettuce seed, rice and carnations, led the 120th Rose Parade in celebration of Honda's 50th year of operation in the US.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Later that year, the robot made an appearance in Italy at the Genoa Science Festival.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In January 2010, Honda debuted its "Living With Robots" documentary at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The film focuses on the experience of human interaction with robots like ASIMO.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> ASIMO attended the Ars Electronica festival in Linz, Austria in September 2010, which allowed Honda to study the results of human and robot interaction and use the results to guide development of future versions of the robot.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In April 2011, ASIMO was demonstrated at the FIRST Championship in St. Louis, Missouri, US to encourage students to pursue studies in math, science and engineering,<ref name="bizjournals">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and in November 2011 ASIMO was one of the star attractions at the first Abu Dhabi Science Festival.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
ASIMO visited the Ontario Science Center in Toronto in May 2011 and demonstrated its abilities to Canadian students. The robot later traveled to Ottawa for the unveiling of an exhibit at the Canadian Museum of Civilization 19 May through 22 May 2011.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
ASIMO appeared as a guest on the British quiz show QI on 2 December 2011. After serving water to host Stephen Fry and dancing with comedian Jo Brand, ASIMO won with 32 points.
On 24 March 2017, Honda revealed ASIMO in Disneyland's Autopia attraction.
FailuresEdit
On multiple occasions, audience members at public showcasings of ASIMO have filmed the robot malfunctioning and falling down stairs.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> These videos have been uploaded on YouTube, and some have become viral for their comedic nature.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
See alsoEdit
- Humanoid robot
- Japanese robotics
- Actroid
- Android
- iCub
- HRP-4C
- HUBO
- REEM-B
- QRIO
- TOPIO
- Nao
- DARwIn-OP
- Manav
- Musio
- Sophia
- Ameca
- Optimus
ReferencesEdit
External linksEdit
- Official website (Worldwide) – Honda
- Official website (Japan) – Honda Template:In lang
- Official website (United States) – Honda
- "Humanoid robot learns how to run" – BBC News Online
- "Humanoid robot gets a job as a receptionist" – New Scientist
- Japan product demonstration
- Honda unveils helmet that lets wearer control a robot by thought alone
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