Honda recently debuted its new ASIMO robot at the International Auto Show in NYC. The space-ready-looking robot measures 4 ft. 3 inches tall, weighs 110 lbs, and can greet you by shaking your hand just like a person.
ASIMO stands for “advanced step in innovative mobility,” as this robot was developed to assist people with limited mobility. In 2000, the prototype of this robot was presented to the public after an intense research period of 14 years. Scientists analyzed and researched how they could make robots’ movements more humanlike.
ASIMO’s latest robot demonstrates incredible balance and flexibility as it completes a variety of tasks. It can jump into the air, walk, and run up to 5.6 miles per hour. This robot knows sign language, and can perhaps aid senior citizens around the house in the future. For example, this device can retrieve a snack from the cupboard for you if you’re too tired to walk there, or turn out the lights for you when you’re about to go to sleep. ASIMO robots can even pour you a drink with its five-fingered hand loaded with feedback sensors. It has two camera eyes so it can perceive objects, navigate around, and prevent itself from bumping into obstacles in its path. 
The 2003 edition of ASIMO was remote-controlled from behind the scenes. This new-and-improved version is programmed by engineers to complete all tasks, and ASIMO interacts with its environment by using its onboard sensors. This robot’s battery life only lasts around 40 minutes.
Honda’s senior chief engineer Satoshi Shigemi stated, “ASIMO was designed to help those in society who need assistance, and Honda believes that these improvements in ASIMO bring us another step closer to our ultimate goal of being able to help all kinds of people in need.” Shigemi is in charge of the development and research of humanoid robots.
Story via Phys.org
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