European launch of Honda’s new ASIMO robot
July saw the European launch of the all-new ASIMO robot, which the company says takes it a step closer to creating a robot for practical use in the home environment or wherever assistance is required. Advancements over the robot’s predecessor include improved intelligence, enhanced hand dexterity (enabling it to open a bottle and pour a drink or express sign language), as well as the ability to run faster, run backwards, climb and descend stairs more smoothly, hop and even jump.
The advancements take Honda another step closer to creating a robot for practical use in the home environment, or wherever assistance is required.
Also making its European debut at the event was the UNI-CUB β (beta), a new personal mobility device that features Honda’s omni-directional driving wheel system and utilises balance control technology amassed from Honda’s extensive research into bipedal humanoid robots.
ASIMO was first introduced to Europe in 2003 at a scientific symposium entitled “From High Tech to Intelligence – The Challenge of Humanoid Robots” held at the Technical University of Darmstadt.
Since then, ASIMO has travelled throughout Europe with a tour which has included many prestigious scientific and robotics events. It is also used extensively to inspire young people about science and engineering, attending events such as the Science Picnic in Warsaw, the world’s largest public outdoor science event, and the Greenlight for Girls event in Brussels, to inspire young women to consider a future in maths, science, technology and engineering.
Find out more at the Honda Robotics website.
