Honda's Humanoid Robot To Make UK Debut At The Science Museum

ASIMO – why create a humanoid robot?

Honda’s long-term commitment to the development of humanoid robots stretches back two decades and was originated by the desire of its associates (employees) to take on a unique engineering and technological challenge in the field of mobility. The company developed its first robot to walk on two legs in 1986. The ground-breaking programme that followed has been inspired by Honda’s commitment to innovation and the development of advanced products that will deliver real benefits to people now and in the future.

Honda’s vision is to create a humanoid robot capable of interacting with and supporting humans to make our lives easier and more pleasant. Although there is a long way to go before specific roles can be assigned to humanoid robots, it might be possible that they could provide assistance and give greater independence to the disabled and elderly. This of course is still many years into the future but nevertheless ASIMO is already being hired to corporations and organisations in Japan for promotional roles such as welcoming visitors.

Although the market potential and application of ASIMO is still to be defined (and may not be clear for many years) it has already resulted in a number of benefits to Honda. First it has provided a unique and compelling showcase for Honda’s world class engineering and technological capabilities; which in turn has enabled the company to achieve its objective of recruiting and retaining the very best engineers and R&D specialists. In addition, the positive reception given to ASIMO across the world, especially from young people, the company believes will serve to inspire the next generation of engineers.

ASIMO – the future

Honda’s ASIMO R&D programme is ongoing. The company will continue to develop the functionality and intelligence of ASIMO and work in partnership with others working in the field to bring closer the vision of a humanoid robot that can be beneficial to mankind.