Robot ASIMO

We're sure you've heard about the Honda brand in the automotive market at least once. Either because you know someone who has a car of the brand, or because you have one yourself. Of course, this brand is famous for its variety of cars and contributions to the automotive industry. However, this company is also heavily involved in robotics and is responsible for the creation of the Asimo robot. One of the most advanced humanoids in the world, and if you don't know it, we tell you why you should.

What is Robot ASIMO?

Honda presents ASIMO as "the world's most advanced humanoid robot". Many think its name is a tribute to Isaac Asimov, but it's actually just an acronym for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility. The acronym's meaning already reflects the purpose of the ASIMO robot: to help people with reduced or no mobility.

The humanoid robot we can see today is the result of nearly three decades of research and technical development. Moreover, ASIMO is enshrined as the first robot equipped with the technology of autonomous behavior. This robot is 4 feet tall and weighs about 110 pounds, and can also reach 4 miles per hour when running.

Some features

ASIMO is sculpted in an alloy of magnesium, resins, plastics, and other materials. It can currently be active for 40 minutes between recharges thanks to Deion lithium batteries. This guarantees an energy source of greater capacity than the metal hydride batteries with which it was born in 2000. In all these years ASIMO has improved its skills and capabilities, after its latest upgrade, it can deftly handle hands, run, jump, climb stairs gracefully and even kick balls. You can see that his movements are becoming more and more human-like, which is in tune with his humanoid appearance.

Robot ASIMO functions

As previously mentioned, ASIMO was created with the initial purpose of assisting those who needed it most. However, over the years it has developed in other areas. This robot is mostly recognized for its public appearances and performance in the world of entertainment. Although it actually has multiple functions that make it a versatile and complete robot.

• It has complete autonomy, so it responds to external inputs. It can change its behavior to match its interlocutor.

• Thanks to its multiple sensors, it can recognize its external environment. It detects the sounds and movements of the people around it, so it can adapt quickly.

• The coordination between its visual and auditory sensors allows it to recognize people's faces and voices simultaneously. Even when they're talking at the same time.

• It can walk, run both upright and in reverse, jump on one or two legs, and still maintain perfect balance. Even on rough surfaces.

• It can control each of its fingers independently. It's, therefore, able to perform tasks with a level of precision that is unusual for both humans and robots.

• AI technology and its level of hand dexterity allow it to communicate in sign languages.

Honda has now set itself the challenge of perfecting this robot to make it fully resistant and functional when intervening in natural disasters. Thus it won't only be able to help people with disabilities but will also be a useful tool to assist in firefighting or cleaning up toxic spills, among other tasks that are dangerous for humans.