ASIMO

Short description: Humanoid robot created by Honda

ASIMO

ASIMO at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2011

Year of creation| 2000
Website| asimo.honda.com

ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility) is a humanoid robot created by Honda in 2000. It is displayed in the Miraikan museum in Tokyo, Japan. On 8 July 2018, Honda posted the last update of Asimo through their official page stating 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.[1][2] It made its last active appearance in March 2022, over 20 years after its first, as Honda announced that they are retiring the robot to concentrate on remote-controlled, avatar-style, robotic technology.[3][4]

There are four published models of the Asimo. A few years after the release in 2002 there were 20 units of the first Asimo model produced.[5] As of February 2009, there were over 100 ASIMO units in existence.[6]

## Contents

* 1 Development
* 1.1 Form
* 1.2 Abilities
* 1.3 Impact and technologies
* 1.4 Specifications
* 2 Public appearances
* 2.1 Failures
* 3 See also
* 4 References
* 5 External links

## Development

P3 model (left) compared to ASIMO

Honda began developing humanoid robots in the 1980s, including several prototypes that preceded ASIMO. It was the company's goal to create a walking robot. E0 was the first bipedal (two-legged) model produced as part of the Honda E series, which was an early experimental line of self-regulating, humanoid walking robot with wireless movements created between 1986 and 1993.[7][8] 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.[9][10] ASIMO is an acronym which stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility.[11] The Japanese word Asi also stands for 'leg' and Mo for 'mobility'. ASIMO is pronounced as 'ashimo' and means 'also legs'.

In 2018, Honda ceased the commercial development of ASIMO, although it will continue to be developed as a research platform and make public appearances.[12]

### Form

ASIMO stands 130 cm (4 ft 3 in) tall and weighs 54 kg (119 lb). 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.[7][13] 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 in 2004 increased the amount of time ASIMO can operate before recharging.[14] ASIMO has a three-dimensional computer processor that was created by Honda and consists of a three stacked die, a processor, a signal converter and memory.[15] 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.[16]

### Abilities

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.[7] 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.[16] 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.[16]

There are sensors that assist in autonomous navigation. The two cameras inside the head are used as a visual sensor to detect obstacles. The lower portion of the torso has ground sensor which comprises one laser sensor and one infrared sensor. The laser sensor is used to detect ground surface. The infrared sensor with automatic shutter adjustment based on brightness is used to detect pairs of floor markings to confirm the navigable paths of the planned map. The 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 the obstacles. The front sensor is located at the lower portion of the torso together with the ground sensor. The rear sensor is located at the bottom of the backpack.[17]

* ASIMO environment identifying sensors which include visual, ground, and ultrasonic sensors

* Two cameras inside the black visor of ASIMO

* Pairs of black markings are used to provide targets for its autonomous navigation.

* The ground and front ultrasonic sensors are located at the bottom part of the torso.

* ASIMO autonomous navigation through a couple of targets

ASIMO autonomous navigation through a couple of targets

* The sole of the left foot, which is part of the Floor Reaction Control, is shown.

* Rear view of ASIMO

### Impact and technologies

Honda's work with ASIMO led to further research on walking assist devices that resulted in innovations such as the Stride Management Assist and the Bodyweight Support Assist.[18]

In honor of ASIMO's 10th anniversary in November 2010, Honda developed an application for the iPhone and Android smartphones called "Run with ASIMO." Users learn about the development of ASIMO by virtually walking the robot through the steps of a race and then sharing their lap times on Twitter and Facebook.[19]

### Specifications

Specifications[20][21][22][23][24] Model  | 2000, 2001, 2002  | 2004  | 2005, 2007  | 2011[25][26]

|
|
|
|

Mass  | 54 kilograms (119 lb)  | 48 kilograms (106 lb)[27]
Height  | 120 centimetres (47 in)[20] | 130 centimetres (51 in)
Width  | 45 centimetres (18 in)
Depth  | 44 centimetres (17 in)  | 37 centimetres (15 in)  | 34 centimetres (13 in)
Walking speed  | 1.6 kilometres per hour (0.99 mph)  | 2.5 kilometres per hour (1.6 mph)  | 2.7 kilometres per hour (1.7 mph)
Running speed  | N/A  | 3 kilometres per hour (1.9 mph)  | 6 kilometres per hour (3.7 mph) (straight)
5 kilometres per hour (3.1 mph) (circling)  | 9 kilometres per hour (5.6 mph)
Airborne time
(Running motion)  | N/A  | 0.05 seconds  | 0.08 seconds
Battery  | Nickel metal hydride
38.4 V, 10 Ah, 7.7 kilograms (17 lb)
4 hours to fully charge  | Lithium ion
51.8 V, 6 kilograms (13 lb)
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[28]
(head: 3, arm: 7×2, hand: 2×2, torso: 1, leg: 6×2) | 57[26][29][30]
(head: 3, arm: 7×2, hand: 13×2, torso: 2, leg: 6×2)
Languages  |  |  |  | English & Japanese[31]
Images  |  |  |

## Public appearances

Conducting an orchestra Dancing in Disneyland Original ASIMO

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 U.S. in 2002 when it rang the bell to open trade sessions for the New York Stock Exchange.[32] From January 2003 to March 2005, the robot toured the U.S. and Canada, demonstrating its abilities for more than 130,000 people.[33] From 2003 to 2004, ASIMO was part of the North American educational tour, where it visited top science and technology museums and academic institutions throughout North America.[34] 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.[35] In 2004, ASIMO was inducted into the Carnegie Mellon Robot Hall of Fame.[36] In March 2005, the robot walked the red carpet at the world premiere of the computer-animated film, Robots.[37] 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.[38] This was the only permanent installation of ASIMO in North America until Innoventions was closed in April 2015.[39]

The robot first visited the United Kingdom in January 2003 for private demonstrations at the Science Museum in London.[40] ASIMO continued on a world tour, making stops in countries such as Spain,[41] the United Arab Emirates,[42] Russia,[43] South Africa[44] and Australia.[45] 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.[46]

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.[47]

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 the performing arts in Detroit.[48] 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.[49] Later that year, the robot made an appearance in Italy at the Genoa Science Festival.[50]

In January 2010, Honda debuted its "Living With Robots" documentary at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.[51] The film focuses on the experience of human interaction with robots like ASIMO.[52] 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.[53] 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,[54] and in November 2011 ASIMO was one of the star attractions at the first Abu Dhabi Science Festival.[55]

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.[56]

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.

ASIMO was also the inspiration behind 2012's film Robot & Frank, where a robot assists an aging man to commit his last job as a 'cat burglar'. The robot in the film, portrayed by an actor in costume, has the appearance of an ASIMO robot.

In April 2014, the robot was introduced to President Obama at the Miraikan science museum in Tokyo.[57]

On 24 March 2017, Honda revealed ASIMO in Disneyland's Autopia attraction.

### Failures

On multiple occasions, audience members at public show casings of ASIMO have filmed the robot acting incorrectly and falling down stairs.[58] These videos have been uploaded on YouTube, and some have become viral for their comedic nature.[59][60][61]

## See also

* Humanoid robot
* Japanese robotics
* Actroid
* Android
* iCub
* HRP-4C
* HUBO
* REEM-B
* QRIO
* TOPIO
* Nao
* DARwIn-OP
* Manav
* Musio
* Sophia
* Ameca
* Optimus

## References

1. ↑ "ASIMO by Honda | The World's Most Advanced Humanoid Robot". https://asimo.honda.com/news/hondas-robotics-research-efforts/newsarticle_0154/.
2. ↑ Kupperberg, Paul (2007). Careers in robotics. New York: Rosen Pub. p. 8. ISBN 978-1404209565. https://archive.org/details/careersinrobotic00kupp/page/8.
3. ↑ "Honda's Asimo robot retires after 20-year career wowing public". https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/03/2f1164a820ff-hondas-asimo-robot-to-retire-after-20-year-career-wowing-public.html.
4. ↑ "Honda's humanoid robot Asimo bids farewell | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News" (in en). https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220331_40/.
5. ↑ "Say Hello To Asimo". 2002. https://www.forbes.com/2002/02/21/0221tentech.html.
6. ↑ Kevin Warwick (2009-02-25). "Today it's a cute friend. Tomorrow it could be the dominant life form". Times of London. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article5798625.ece.
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Ford, Jason (22 November 2000). "Two legs good". The Engineer. http://www.theengineer.co.uk/in-depth/two-legs-good/271850.article#ixzz1TF8K9jyc.
8. ↑ Hanlon, Mike. "Twenty years in the making – ASIMO the humanoid robot". Gizmag. http://www.gizmag.com/go/1765/.
9. ↑ Hudson, Paul (31 October 2011). "Honda's ASIMO robot is 10 years old". The Daily Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/8096517/Hondas-Asimo-robot-is-10-years-old.html.
10. ↑ "Inside ASIMO". A.I.. https://sites.google.com/a/siena.edu/a-i/e-asimo/inside-asimo.
11. ↑ Eaton, Malachy (2 February 2015). Evolutionary humanoid robotics. Heidelberg [Germany]: Springer. pp. 40. ISBN 9783662445990. OCLC 902724634. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Evolutionary_Humanoid_Robotics/BuB5BgAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA40.
12. ↑ "Honda's Robotics Research Efforts". 2 July 2018. https://asimo.honda.com/news/hondas-robotics-research-efforts/newsarticle_0154.
13. ↑ Jha, Alok (17 February 2004). "Meet the home help of the future". The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2004/feb/17/sciencenews.uk.
14. ↑ Honda. "The Honda ASIMO Robot". http://hondau3-x.net/asimo.
15. ↑ Hiratsuka, Mark (30 January 2008). "Honda Creates 3D CPU". Digital World Tokyo. http://www.digitalworldtokyo.com/index.php/digital_tokyo/articles/honda_creates_3d_cpu_to_power_super_asimo.
16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 "Honda ASIMO Robot". How Stuff Works. 11 April 2007. http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/asimo1.htm.
17. ↑ ASIMO Technical Information. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.. September 2007. p. 28. http://asimo.honda.com/downloads/pdf/asimo-technical-information.pdf.
18. ↑ Ngo, Dong (14 April 2009). "Honda walking-assist gear steps on U.S. .soil". CNET. http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10219181-1.html.
19. ↑ Hudson, Paul (31 October 2010). "Honda's Asimo robot is 10 years old". The Daily Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/8096517/Hondas-Asimo-robot-is-10-years-old.html.
20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Honda Worldwide | 15 December 2004 "Honda Reveals Technologies Next-Generation ASIMO" . Honda Worldwide (15 December 2004). Retrieved 12 June 2011.
21. ↑ Honda Worldwide | ASIMO | Next-Generation. Honda Worldwide (15 December 2004). Retrieved 12 June 2011.
22. ↑ Honda Worldwide | World News | News Releases | 20 November 2000 . Honda Worldwide (20 November 2000). Retrieved 12 June 2011.
23. ↑ Honda Worldwide | ASIMO. World.honda.com. Retrieved 12 June 2011.
24. ↑ American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (20 December 2006). "ASIMO | Frequently Asked Questions". http://asimo.honda.com/downloads/pdf/asimo-technical-faq.pdf.
25. ↑ "Honda Unveils All-new ASIMO with Significant Advancements "Honda Robotics" established as new collective name to represent Honda robotics research and all product applications". Honda Worldwide site. 8 November 2011. http://world.honda.com/news/2011/c111108All-new-ASIMO/index.html.
26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 (in ja). Honda Worldwide site. November 2011. http://www.honda.co.jp/ASIMO/about/technology2011/index.html.
27. ↑ jornyak, Tim (8 November 2011). "Asimo does bottles, lovey-dovey hand gestures". CNET. http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57320941-1/asimo-does-bottles-lovey-dovey-hand-gestures/.
28. ↑ ASIMO's Specifications. Asimo.honda.com. Retrieved 12 June 2011.
29. ↑ ASIMO's . Asimo.honda.com. Retrieved 8 November 2011.
30. ↑ ASIMO Specifications | ASIMO Innovations by Honda. Asimo.honda.com. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
31. ↑ "Latest Version of ASIMO Makes North American Debut in New York". Honda. 17 April 2014. http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=7720-en.
32. ↑ Hesseldahl, Arik (21 February 2002). "Say Hello to Asi". Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/2002/02/21/0221tentech.html.
33. ↑ Ulanoff, Lance (28 January 2003). "ASIMO Robot to Tour U.S.A". PC Magazine. https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,849588,00.asp.
34. ↑ Haggs (26 February 2005). "ASIMO Tours North America". Absolute Insight. http://www.absoluteinsight.net/2048.
35. ↑ Spice, Byron (2 May 2003). "Robot of future harkens back to the past". Post Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/healthscience/20030502asimosci3p3.asp.
36. ↑ "2004 Inductees". The Robot Hall of Fame. Carnegie Mellon. http://www.robothalloffame.org/inductees/04inductees.html.
37. ↑ Carroll, Larry (21 March 2005). "Halle Berry, Amanda Bynes, Robin Williams Roll Out for 'Robots' Premiere Ewan McGregor, Harland Williams, real robot also turn out". MTV. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1498315/halle-robin-williams-unveil-robots-la.jhtml.
38. ↑ "Mickey Welcomes ASIMO to Disneyland's 50th Anniversary". Physorg. 2 June 2005. http://www.physorg.com/news4408.html.
39. ↑ White, Charlie (29 August 2007). "Honda ASIMO to Return to Disneyland". Gizmodo. https://gizmodo.com/294650/honda-asimo-to-return-to-disneyland-run-around-and-talk-up-a-storm.
40. ↑ Pease, Roland (16 February 2004). "Honda's humanoid robot hits UK". BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3492979.stm.
41. ↑ "ASIMO Welcomes the King of Spain" (News Release). Honda Europe Newsroom Archives. 26 May 2004. http://www.hondanews.eu/en/textresults/index.pmode/modul,detail,0,202-DEFAULT,21,text,1/index.pmode.
42. ↑ "Dubai Motor Show 2005" (Video). AVT Khyber TV News (Dubai, UAE). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nisXp781Kp8&t=3m48s.
43. ↑ "New ASIMO makes Russian Debut at Moscow International Motor Show" (News Release). Moscow, Russia: Honda Motor Co. Newsroom Archives. 26 August 2008. http://world.honda.com/ASIMO/event/2008/080826/.
44. ↑ Venter, Irma (31 August 2011). "Asimo humanoid robot to show off some new skills at Joburg Motor Show". Engineering News (South Africa). http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/asimo-humanoid-robot-to-show-off-some-new-skills-at-joburg-motor-show-2011-08-31. Retrieved 14 September 2011. "An earlier generation of the Asimo robot visited South Africa for the first time at the Auto Africa motor show in 2006.".
45. ↑ Amalfi, Carmelo (29 September 2006). "World's most advanced robot visits Perth Royal Show". Western Australia Science Network. http://www.sciencewa.net.au/777-worlds-most-advanced-robot-visits-perth-royal-show.html. [yes|permanent dead link|dead link}}]
46. ↑ Alderson, Andrew (28 October 2008). "Prince Charles Meets Asimo the Robot on Japanese Tour". The Daily Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/3272562/Prince-Charles-meets-Asimo-the-robot-on-Japanese-tour.html.
47. ↑ Honda (11 December 2007). "Honda Develops Intelligence Technologies Enabling Multiple Asimo Robots to Work Together in Coordination". Asimo.Honda.com. http://asimo.honda.com/news/honda-develops-intelligence-technologies-enabling-multiple-asimo-robots-to-work-together-in-coordination/newsarticle_0073/.
48. ↑ Van Buskirk, Eliot (23 April 2008). "Honda Robot Will Conduct Detroit Symphony". Wired. https://www.wired.com/listening_post/2008/04/hondas-robot-wi/. Retrieved 27 July 2011.
49. ↑ McKeegan, Noel (21 December 2008). "49-foot tall ASIMO rolls into California". Gizmag. http://www.gizmag.com/honda-asimo-49-foot-tall-robot/10600/.
50. ↑ Energetic (21 October 2009). "New Asimo to debut at the Genoa Science Festival". S2KI. http://www.s2ki.com/home/2009/10/21/new-asimo-to-debut-at-the-genoa-science-festival/.
51. ↑ "Asimo Attends Sundance". Robot Living. 14 January 2010. http://www.robotliving.com/robot-news/asimo-attends-sundance.
52. ↑ McCarthy, Erin (27 January 2010). "Asimo Headlines at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival (With Video!)". Popular Mechanics. http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/engineering/robots/4343821.
53. ↑ "Robot meet and greet: ASIMO works on its social skils this week". Scientific American. 2 September 2010. http://www.scientificamerican.com/gallery_directory.cfm?photo_id=D2AA87DD-0F13-F40C-C50D2364409B95A1.
54. ↑ Volkmann, Kelsey (28 April 2011). "Honda's ASIMO visits FIRST robotics event". St. Louis Business Journal. http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/blog/2011/04/hondas-asimo-visits-first-robotics.html.
55. ↑ "ASIMO by Honda | the World's Most Advanced Humanoid Robot". https://asimo.honda.com/news/abu-dhabi-welcomes-asimo-to-its-science-festival/newsarticle_0128/.
56. ↑ Oliveira, Michael (13 May 2011). "Honda's humanoid robot Asimo seen as human helper of the future". News 1130.com. http://www.news1130.com/news/national/article/226150--honda-s-humanoid-robot-asimo-seen-as-human-helper-of-the-future.
57. ↑ "Obama Gets Kick Out of Soccer-Playing Asimo Robot" (in en). April 24, 2014. https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/innovation/obama-gets-kick-out-soccer-playing-asimo-robot-n88631.
58. ↑ "7 Times Honda's ASIMO Bot Showed Off Its Skills, and Once When It Didn't" (in en). 2018-07-05. https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/7-times-hondas-asimo-bot-showed-off-its-skills/.
59. ↑ thekenneth (22 August 2006). "Asimo takes a spill". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dKPkL2oto0.
60. ↑ euqiddis (12 December 2006). "Honda's Asimo Robot buckling on the stairs". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTlV0Y5yAww.
61. ↑ KPJ773 (1 December 2007). "oops Asimo screws up". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FDeEuH6mCQ.

## External links

* Official website (Worldwide) – Honda
* Official website (Japan) – Honda (in Japanese)
* 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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