Asimo, new Japanese humanoid that can “think”
Honda's latest humanoid version "Asimo" welcomes a crowd at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Tokyo, Japan on July 3.
By Ko Dong-hwan
Japan introduced a new type of robot that can “think” without input of operator’s control.
Honda’s latest version of its signature humanoid “Asimo” arrived at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Tokyo on July 3 to showcase its unique function. It is the first kind created by the company that walks on two legs.
Asimo’s thinking function was demonstrated by a crowd who gathered at the place to see the robot.
As to show off its trick, Asimo first hinted the crowd with its three major functions. Then, it asked them which of the functions they wish to hear in more detail by requesting them to raise their hands. As the crowd did so, Asimo, using its visual sensor, counted numbers of the raised hands and calculated which of the functions the crowd is the most interested with.
Asimo’s self-driven performance also included designating a person with a question among the crowd. The robot selected the person by analyzing speed of their hands and detecting one that was raised the fastest.
Honda said that the new Asimo can be utilized in improving service sectors such as airports and museums. There, it can perform tasks like guiding passengers through different locations or providing descriptive narration to visitors of the venue.
Honda engaged in researching and developing humanoids in 1986, and introduced its first prototype named Asimo in 2000. The company furthermore introduced Asimo’s upgrade types in 2007 and 2011.