ASIMO
ASIMO (アシモ ashimo) is the world's most advanced humanoid robot, developed by the Japanese company Honda. The first ASIMO was completed after 15 years of research, and it was officially unveiled on October 31, 2000. The robot resembles a small astronaut wearing a backpack, and is capable of performing a variety of tasks, including running, dribbling a ball, walking up and down stairs, and recognizing people by their appearance and voice. The name is short for "Advanced Step in Innovative MObility" and is also known as an abbreviation of ashita no mobility, meaning 'mobility in the future.'[1] It was named in reference to Isaac Asimov, an American professor and science fiction writer who is credited with coining the term robotics and proposing the Three Laws of Robotics.
Design concept
"Following in the steps of Honda motorcycles, cars and power products. Honda has taken up a new challenge in mobility - the development of a two-legged humanoid robot that can walk."[2]
Bipedal movement has been the primary focus of Honda's humanoid robotic research to create general-purpose, intelligent robots that can "coexist and cooperate with humans",[3] since it began in 1986 with the development of the 'E0' prototype. While there existed many different visions of futuristic robots, such as R2-D2 and C-3PO from Star Wars, it was recognized that human-like robots with bipedal mobility are the most ideal for operating and interacting with humans in human surroundings.
Based on this concept, ASIMO's design concerns three main elements, which are human-friendliness, adaptability to the human environment, and engineering feasibility. Its height for example was set at 130 cm, which is similar to a child's, because it would be practical both on the engineering aspect (since a smaller and lighter robot is less challenging than an adult-sized robot such as the P2 prototype) and the question of operability in the environment, where light switches are normally located 110 cm from the floor. With less bulk, the robot would be able to move more efficiently in handling obstacles and narrow passages. It would also be less overwhelming presence to humans and, in case of accidents, less hazardous. Its strikingly minimalist appearance, which lacks a detailed face and toes on its feet, provides fewer moving parts as rooms for error, while being clearly discernible to humans as consisting of a head, torso, arms, hands, legs, and feet. And its humanoid form allows it to make gestures and communicate face-to-face, as well as enabling it to use the stairs and possibly take seat in a car.
ASIMO being a popular icon, its design contributes to the conceptual diversity of futuristic robots, based on a very unique design language of modern Japanese aesthetics.
Overall the ASIMO has a more polished look than its immediate predecessors, such as the P2 and the P3, the ASIMO is currently in an experimental technology demonstrator that needs to operate in a controlled environment, it will be able to be engaged in various tasks such as reception work (currently possible) and elderly care assistance.
can simulate sophisticated and perform other tasks in controlled environments.
in terms of ASIMO's design is similar to human physique both in terms of the body parts, such as the , as well as proportions. Its size is similar to a child's
was designed with .
The concept behind the ASIMO was to create robots that can be employed in tasks such as reception work (which is currently possible) and elderly care assistance.
is an essential feature for as there may be obstacles and situations for which bipedal movement would be ideal. (
ASIMO is a humanoid robot designed with bipedal movement and other human-oriented features that are ideal for operating in human surroundings. Its humanoid body resembling an astronaut suit allows ASIMO to interact with human beings by making gestures and communicating face-to-face.
ASIMO comprises a niche of
The aim of Honda's project with ASIMO is to
ASIMO's design engages the issue of dailythe its concept as a humanoid robot that operates within society as a companion or an assistant through .
in the manner of contains the challenge in it would serve in the capacity of . Its child-like size people-friendliness Honda's humanoid robotic research has evolved over the years to create a humanoid robot that is small and friendly to hu
Technology
Development history
notes
- ↑ Hirose, Masato, and Kenichi Ogawa, 2006. pp. 14
- ↑ "ASIMO Technology." Honda Worldwide. Honda Motor Co.,Ltd. Web. 24 Aug. 2011. <http://world.honda.com/ASIMO/technology/>.
- ↑ Pfeiffer, Friedrich, and Hirochika Inoue, 2007. pp. 5