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Honda's new ASIMO robot can now pour you a drink all on its own [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Videos, Honda

Honda does a whole lot more than just cars. They do motorbikes, ATVs, power equipment, outboard marine engines, personal watercraft, business jets... and yes, even robots. In fact its ASIMO humanoid robot (parodied in a rather disturbingly hilarious episode of South Park) is one of the most advanced in the field of robotics, and it's only getting more so as the Japanese industrial giant has just unveiled its latest iteration.

While ASIMO may look more-or-less the same as he/she/it always has, the new model encompasses several advancements. For starters, ASIMO longer needs to be controlled by a human - it can walk about and do stuff all on its own, taking in its surroundings and making spatial decisions accordingly. Its new arm and hand mechanisms also allow it to perform delicate and intricate tasks like opening a bottle of water and pouring it into a paper cup without crushing it under the might of its own technological superiority.

The long and short of it is that ASIMO - now under the newly-formed Honda Robotics division - will soon be able to do everything a human can, only better. So start stocking the bomb shelter again. Or better yet, let ASIMO do that for you. You've had a long day.

Click past the jump to let ASIMO pour you a drink and show off some of its newfound skills.

Continue reading Honda's new ASIMO robot can now pour you a drink all on its own [w/video]

Honda's new ASIMO robot can now pour you a drink all on its own [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda's Asimo + Kinect = Creepy animatronic hokey-pokey

Zach Bowman — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Japan, Technology, Videos

When the end of the world comes, it will arrive on the shoulders of dancing robots. The researchers behind Asimo, the humanoid robot from Honda, have tapped into the muscle behind the Xbox Kinect system to allow users to control Asimo using nothing more than their own body movements. With self-collision safeguards and upper and lower body correlation programming in place, the adorable face of our robotic overlords is moving more like a human than ever before. What's more, Aismo can now utilize a database of text-inspired gestures as a form of communication.

Why does this matter? In the past, programmers had to individually code the movements in each of Asimo's joints in order for the robot to be able to perform a simple task. The design required a symphony of programming just for the robot to be able to walk across a stage. Now Asimo merely requires a human to move naturally in order to instruct his joints. It's a massive step forward. We're guessing it wouldn't take much to be able to record those movements for future replay, either. Hit the jump to check out the video.

Continue reading Honda's Asimo + Kinect = Creepy animatronic hokey-pokey

Honda's Asimo + Kinect = Creepy animatronic hokey-pokey originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Oct 2011 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda denies Asimo being modified for nuclear clean up

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Honda

ASIMO is the humanoid robot created by Honda that looks like a diminutive moonman who loves to slowly climb stairs. The four-foot three-inch robot is capable of a lot more than ascending stairways faster than the elderly, however, and rumors were swirling that ASIMO might be outfitted to handle nuclear cleanup duty.

Japan is still recovering from the devastating earthquake that struck on March 11th of this year. One of the most critical areas to receive damage was the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, which was rated a seven on the International Nuclear Event Scale. Seven is the highest rating.

The reactor pools have since been cooled, but the nuclear contamination still needs to be cleaned up, and a Japanese press report stated that Honda was prepping ASIMO for the task. The rumor stated that tank treads would be replace its legs, and more sensitive hands and arms would be utilized so that ASIMO could interact with nuts and bolts. It all sounds quite interesting, but none of it is true according to Honda.

The automaker has stated that, although it's technical research and development team is looking at various uses for robots to help with disasters, it's not ready to convert ASIMO into a nuclear contamination cleaning machine.

Honda denies Asimo being modified for nuclear clean up originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda's ASIMO gets an iPhone app

Alex Nunez — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 18:04:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Honda

Honda loves its friendly ASIMO robot, and for the most part, we get a kick out of him, too. (Especially when he has a bad day.) The little guy's latest endeavor is a starring role in a new iPhone app (coming soon to Android as well) designed to get you up and moving. Run With ASIMO is basically a fancy pedometer that uses your phone's accelerometer to count each step you take.

For every 100 "steps" made (you can obviously just game this by shaking the phone), you level up, eventually evolving your robot through all the generations that preceded ASIMO. As a bonus, for every 'bot evolution, you get to watch a movie of it in action. Once you unlock ASIMO himself, you can virtually tackle the Suzuka Circuit and compare your times against other players, as well as brag via the usual social networks. Once a million users complete the Suzuka level, the real ASIMO becomes sentient and embarks on his ultimate mission to annihilate humanity. (Kidding! We think.)

Want more details? Honda has them posted here. You can download Run With ASIMO for free in the App Store.

[Source: Honda]

Honda's ASIMO gets an iPhone app originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Nov 2010 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda's ASIMO celebrates 10 years [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Japan, Technology, Honda

ASIMO turns 10 - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Sure enough, Honda has been playing with ASIMO for 10 years. To mark the occasion, Honda has rolled out a new website dedicated to the life and times of its humanoid robot. There are baby pictures, adorable stories and even a video or two to sink your teeth into. You know, if you're into that sort of thing. Of course, ASIMO itself is the result of over a quarter of a century of work on humanoid robot technology that Honda hopes will one day aid in human mobility. Additionally, the Japanese company wants ASIMO to evolve into a robot that can help people in their everyday lives, potentially taking over household chores.

For now, though, ASIMO has been busy meeting heads of state and conducting orchestras. Important work, sure, but meanwhile, General Motors' one-year old R2 Robot is headed to outer space to lend a hand or two at the International Space station.

Damn kids.

If you want to check out the Honda ASIMO festivities, head over to the company's robot-themed site. There's even an iPhone app available for download. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Honda History of Humanoid Robotics

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda's ASIMO celebrates 10 years [w/video]

Honda's ASIMO celebrates 10 years [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda testing 49' Asimo for Rose Bowl

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Green, Honda, Lifestyle, Motorcycle

Honda might be killing off the NSX and pulling its factory support out of various two- and four-wheeled racing events along with its long-running Honda Hoot gathering, but the automaker has managed to find the resources to invest in a five-story top hat-wearing Asimo float to lead the Rose Parade on January 1. In addition to the towering presence of Asimo, a hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity will pace the event, which moves pretty slow and therefore probably doesn't really need a pace car at all. No matter, this spectacle will be witnessed by millions of people tuning in to watch the 120th Tournament of Roses and the event will celebrate Honda's 50th year in the United States.

In addition to the giant Asimo robot and FCX Clarity, which will be accompanied by a Super Cub motorcycle, Honda will be providing 166 Metropolitan scooters and 12 generators to power the event. As you may have guessed, Honda is a major sponsor to the Tournament of Roses and is hoping to win another major award, as it's done in 13 of the last 14 years.

Gallery: Honda Asimo parade float

Continue reading Honda testing 49' Asimo for Rose Bowl

Honda testing 49' Asimo for Rose Bowl originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda unveils supplemental robot legs for humans

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Technology, Honda

Click above for more shots of the Honda Walking Assist Device

Those who have difficulty walking may not be bound to a Segway for like thanks to Honda. The Japanese automaker is developing a new technology called the experimental walking assist device. These accessory legs have been designed as a means to offer a helping, um... leg to those who have difficult supporting themselves in day-to-day life but are capable of walking without assistance. Ongoing research for Honda's humanoid Asimo project spurred the robotic leg development, which began in earnest way back in 1999. Honda is now testing the legs at one of its Japanese factories in Sayama, Saitama.

To use the legs, the wearer slips on the special (and extremely stylish) shoes and adjusts the seat so that it supports their weight. Two motors move the frame and seat position while lithium-ion batteries keep the system powered for about two hours on a full charge. Are we the only ones who think Honda's new toy looks like the lower half of a Star Wars droid? OK, just checking.

Gallery: Honda Walking Assist Device

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda unveils supplemental robot legs for humans

Honda unveils supplemental robot legs for humans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASIMO succeeds in leading orchestra, does not fall down

John Neff — Wed, 14 May 2008 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Honda

Click above to view video after the jump

While our blogging brethren over at Engadget are just relieved that Honda's ASIMO robot didn't attempt a global coup while conducting the Detroit Symphony Orchestra last night, we're more impressed it didn't fall over and crack its head open. (Seriously Honda, you don't think you're ever going to live that down, do you?) As we reported late last month, Honda's creepy little humanoid robot opened for Yo-Yo Ma in Detroit by conducting the DSO in a rousing rendition of "Impossible Dream". We're not sure what great advances in technology are demonstrated by having a robot conduct an orchestra, however, because we're pretty sure that an actual human conductor is just a glorified metronome. Check out some video of ASIMozart conducting after the break.

UPDATE: Replaced video snippet after jump with professionally edited video from Honda.

Gallery: ASIMO conducting orchestra

[Source: Engadget]

Continue reading ASIMO succeeds in leading orchestra, does not fall down

ASIMO succeeds in leading orchestra, does not fall down originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 May 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aw Snap! Honda ASIMO robot to conduct Detroit Symphony Orchestra

John Neff — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Honda

This one's has to sting a little bit for the Big 3. On May 13th, Honda's coming to D-town with its ASIMO robot, which will (hopefully) walk on stage and open a special performance with Yo-Yo Ma by successfully conducting the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in a rousing rendition of "Impossible Dream". Not only do General Motors, Ford Motor Company and Chrysler LLC lack a humanoid robot that scares us every time we see it walk, dance, skip or run, but it certainly doesn't have one that can wave a stick in the air. Honda is working with the DSO to bring music eduction to kids and has gifted the big band with a $1 million donation to create The Power of Dreams Music Education Fund. As for ASIMO, we'll be impressed when he drops the baton and picks up Yo-Yo Ma's violin to play a flawless performance of Mozart's 4th. Well here's an Aw Snap! for Honda: Toyota already built that robot.

[Source: Engadget]

Aw Snap! Honda ASIMO robot to conduct Detroit Symphony Orchestra originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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