ASIMO (4/28/2011) |
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| Manufacturer | Honda |
| Year of creation | 2000 |
| Website | http://asimo.honda.com/ |
ASIMO (アシモ Ashimo) is a humanoid robot created by Honda. Introduced in 2000, ASIMO, which is an acronym for "Advanced Step in Innovative MObility", was created to be a helper to people.[1] That acronym was derived from the Japanese name, which does not easily translate into English but is based partly on the Japanese word "asi" (or "ashi") which translates to "foot" (or "leg"). Apparently the resemblance to the name of Isaac Asimov is merely a coincidence.[2] With aspirations of helping people who lack full mobility, ASIMO is used to encourage young people to study science and mathematics.[3] At 130 cm (4 feet, 3 inches) tall and 54 kg (119 lbs), ASIMO was designed to operate in real-world environments, with the ability to walk or run on two feet at speeds up to 3.7 mph (6km/h).[1] In the USA, ASIMO is part of the Innoventions attraction at Disneyland and has been featured in a 15-minute show called "Say 'Hello' to Honda's ASIMO" since June 2005.[4] The robot has made public appearances around the world, including the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the Miraikan Museum in Japan and the Ars Electronica festival in Austria.[5]
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Honda began developing humanoid robots in the 1980s, including several prototypes that preceded ASIMO. It was the company's goal to create a walking robot which could not only adapt and interact in human situations, but also improve the quality of life. The E0 was the first bipedal (two-legged) model produced as part of the Honda E series, which was an early experimental line of humanoid robots created between 1986 and 1993. This was followed by the Honda P series of robots produced from 1993 through 1997, which included the first self-regulating, humanoid walking robot with wireless movements.[6][7]
The research conducted on the E- and P-series led to the creation of ASIMO. Development began at Honda's Wako Fundamental Technical Research Center in Japan in 1999 and ASIMO was unveiled in October 2000.[8][9]
Differing from its predecessors, ASIMO was the first to incorporate predicted movement control, allowing for increased joint flexibility and a smoother, more human-like walking motion.[10] Introduced in 2000, the first version of ASIMO was designed to function in a human environment, which would enable it to better assist people in real-world situations. Since then, several updated models have been produced to improve upon its original abilities of carrying out mobility assistance tasks. A new ASIMO was introduced in 2005, with an increased running speed to 3.7 mph, which is twice as fast as the original robot.[10] ASIMO fell during an attempt to climb stairs at a presentation in Tokyo in December 2006,[11] but then a month later, ASIMO demonstrated tasks such as kicking a football, running and walking up and down a set of stairs at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.[12]
In 2007, Honda updated ASIMO's intelligence technologies, enabling multiple ASIMO robots to work together in coordination.[13] This version also introduced the ability to step aside when humans approach the robot and the ability to return to its charging unit upon sensing low battery levels.[13]
ASIMO stands 4 feet 3 inches (130 cm) tall and weighs 119 pounds (54kg). Research conducted by Honda found that the ideal height for a robot was between 120 cm and the height of an average adult, which is conducive to operating door knobs and light switches.[6][14] ASIMO is powered by a re-chargeable 51.8V lithium ion battery with an operating time of one hour. Switching from a nickel metal hydride in 2004 increased the amount of time ASIMO can operate before recharging.[15] ASIMO has a three-dimensional computer processor that was created by Honda and consists of a three stacked die, a processor, a signal converter and memory.[16] The computer that controls ASIMO's movement is housed in the robot's waist area and can be controlled by a PC, wireless controller or voice commands.[17]
ASIMO has a walking speed of 1.7 mph (2.7 km/hour) and a running speed of 3.7 mph (6km/hour).[17] Its movements are determined by floor reaction control and target Zero Moment Point control,[17] which enables the robot to keep a firm stance and maintain position. ASIMO can adjust the length of its steps, body position, speed and the direction in which it is stepping. Its arms, hands, legs, waist and neck also have varying degrees of movement.[6] The technology that allows the robot to maintain its balance was later used by Honda when it began the research and development project for its motorized unicycle, U3-X, in 2009.[18][19] ASIMO has a total of 34 degrees of freedom. The neck, shoulder, wrist and hip joints each have three degrees of freedom, while each hand has four fingers and a thumb that have two degrees of freedom. Each ankle has two degrees of freedom, and the waist, knees and elbows each have one degree of freedom.[6]
ASIMO has the ability to recognize moving objects, postures, gestures, its surrounding environment, sounds and faces, which enables it to interact with humans. The robot can detect the movements of multiple objects by using visual information captured by two camera "eyes" in its head and also determine distance and direction. This feature allows ASIMO to follow a person, or face him or her when approached.[6] The robot interprets voice commands and human hand movements, enabling it to recognize when a handshake is offered or when a person waves or points, and then respond accordingly.[17] ASIMO's ability to distinguish between voices and other sounds allows it to identify its companions. ASIMO is able to respond to its name and recognizes sounds associated with a falling object or collision. This allows the robot to face a person when spoken to or look towards a sound. ASIMO responds to questions by nodding or providing a verbal answer and can recognize approximately 10 different faces and address them by name.[17]
Honda's work with ASIMO led to its later research on walking assist devices that resulted in innovations, such as the Stride Management Assist and the Bodyweight Support Assist.[20]
In honor of ASIMO's 10th anniversary in November 2010, Honda developed an application for iPhone and Android (operating system) Smartphones called "Run with ASIMO." Users learn about the development of ASIMO by virtually walking the robot through the steps of a race and then sharing their lap times on Twitter and Facebook.[21]
| Model | 2000 | 2004 | 2005 | 2011 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mass | 52 kg ? | 54 kg | 48 kg[22] | |
| Height | 120 cm | 130 cm | ||
| Width | 45 cm | 45 cm | ||
| Depth | 44 cm | 37 cm | ||
| Walking speed | 1.6 km/hour | 2.5 km/hour | 2.7 km/hour 1.6 km/hour (carrying 1 kg) |
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| Running speed | – | 3 km/hour | 6 km/hour (straight) 5 km/hour (circling) |
9 km/hour (straight) |
| Airborne time | – | 0.05 seconds | 0.08 seconds | |
| Battery | Nickel metal hydride 38.4 V / 10 Ah/ 7.7 kg 4 hours to fully charge |
Lithium ion 51.8 V / 6 kg 3 hours to fully charge |
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| Continuous operating time | 30 minutes | 40 mins to 1 hour (walking) | ||
| Degrees of Freedom | 26 (head: 2, arm: 5×2, leg: 6×2, hand: 1×2) |
34[23] (head: 3, arm: 7×2, hand: 2×2, torso: 1, leg: 6×2) |
57[24] |
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Since ASIMO was introduced in 2000, the robot has traveled around the world and performed in front of international audiences. ASIMO made its first public appearance in the U.S. in 2002 when it rang the bell to open trade sessions for the New York Stock Exchange.[29] From January 2003 to March 2005, the robot toured the USA and Canada, demonstrating its abilities for more than 130,000 people.[30] From 2003-2004, ASIMO was part of the North American educational tour, which visited top science and technology museums and academic institutions throughout North America.[31] The goal of the tour was to encourage students to study science through a live show that highlighted ASIMO's abilities. Additionally, the robot visited top engineering and computer science colleges and universities across the USA as part of the ASIMO Technology Circuit Tour in an effort to encourage students to consider scientific careers.[32] In 2004, ASIMO was inducted into the Carnegie Mellon Robot Hall of Fame.[33] In March 2005, the robot walked the red carpet at the world premiere of the computer-animated film Robots (film).[34] In June 2005, ASIMO became a feature in a show called "Say 'Hello' to Honda's ASIMO" at Disneyland's Innoventions attraction, which is a part of the Tomorrowland area of the park.[4] As of 2011, this is the only permanent installation of ASIMO in North America.[35]
The robot first visited the United Kingdom in January 2004 for public demonstrations at the Science Museum in London.[36] ASIMO continued on a world tour, making stops in countries such as Spain,[37] Dubai,[38] Russia,[39] South Africa[40] and Australia.[41] In October 2008, ASIMO greeted Prince Charles during a visit to the Miraikan Museum in Tokyo, where it performed a seven-minute step and dance routine.[42]
In a demonstration at Honda's Tokyo headquarters in 2007, the company demonstrated new intelligence technologies that enabled multiple ASIMO robots to work together. The demonstration showed the robot's ability to identify and avoid oncoming people, work with another ASIMO, recognize when to recharge its battery and perform new tasks, such as carrying a tray and pushing a cart.[43]
In 2008, ASIMO conducted the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in a performance of "The Impossible Dream" to bring attention to its partnership with the Orchestra and support the performing arts in Detroit.[44] A 49-foot replica of ASIMO made with natural materials, such as lettuce seed, rice and carnations led the 120th Rose Parade in celebration of Honda's 50th year of operation in the USA.[45] Later that year, the robot made an appearance in Italy at the Genoa Science Festival.[46]
In January 2010, Honda debuted its "Living With Robots" documentary at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.[47] The film focuses on the experience of human interaction with robots like ASIMO.[48] ASIMO attended the Ars Electronica festival in Linz, Austria in September 2010, which allowed Honda to study the results of human and robot interaction and use the results to guide development of future versions of the robot.[49] In April 2011, ASIMO was demonstrated at the FIRST Championship in St. Louis, Missouri to encourage students to pursue studies in math, science and engineering.[3]
ASIMO visited the Ontario Science Center in Toronto in May 2011 and demonstrated its abilities to Canadian students. The robot later traveled to Quebec for the unveiling of an exhibit at the Canadian Museum of Civilization May 19 through May 22, 2011.[50].
ASIMO appeared as a guest on the British quiz show QI on December 2nd. After serving water to host Stephen Fry and dancing with comedienne Jo Brand, ASIMO won with 32 points.
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