Commentary: Honda introduces robot capable of human motion

Daily Record, The (Baltimore), Aug 1, 2003 by Special to The Daily Record

After 16 years of development, Honda Corp. is introducing ASIMO to school children around the United States this year.

ASIMO is the product of Honda's desire to create a humanoid robot that can reproduce the complexities of human motion for the purpose of assisting humans.

ASIMO, which stands for "Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility," has been designed to function in an environment of uneven surfaces, obstacles and even stairs. Utilizing 26 "Degrees of Freedom," ASIMO is able to reach for items, pick them up, navigate through rooms with furniture and ascend/descend staircases.

These "Degrees of Freedom" are actually 26 small servo motors throughout ASIMO's body which help ASIMO walk and move smoothly. "Degrees of Freedom" function very much like the joints in a human body in order to provide maximum movement and flexibility.

Limitless potential

ASIMO is constructed of lightweight materials, such as magnesium alloy, and houses powerful computers in its "backpack" to process information and control movement.

While ASIMO is not currently available for retail sale, Honda sees many possible uses for the humanoid robot. From helping the elderly and disabled to performing hazardous tasks, ASIMO's potential is virtually limitless.

The ASIMO North American Educational Tour is introducing kids across America to ASIMO, and the tour encourages children to study robotics and science. The tour features a live, high-tech stage show demonstrating ASIMO's unique and amazing capabilities.

For more information on ASIMO and the ASIMO North American Educational Tour, visit www.asimo.honda.com. This site provides detailed information about the current generation of ASIMO, as well as a timeline depicting the past 16 years of development leading up to today's ASIMO.

Larry Fiorino is founder and chief executive of G1440, a Baltimore-based e-solutions firm. His column, Web Sightings, appears in this space every week. He can be reached at 410-843-3800.