12.12.2002

japantoday > technology

Honda releases more intelligent ASIMO humanoid robot

Honda unveils its new ASIMO humanoid robot that walks and gestures like a human in Tokyo on Wednesday.

TOKYO — Honda Motor Co revealed to the press Wednesday a more intelligent version of its ASIMO humanoid robot which walks and gestures like a human.

The new ASIMO can better understand people's postures and gestures and can move independently in response, according to the company.

"Its appearance hasn't changed, but it's more clever, having abilities such as recognizing people's faces," a Honda spokeswoman said. "For example, when it sees a person it has met before, it can respond by greeting that person by name."

Honda plans to start rental of the 120 centimeter tall, 52 kilogram robot to companies and public institutions in January for around 20 million yen a year.

The robot can execute tasks such as reception duties and provide information by being connected to the Internet.

At the demonstration held Wednesday, a presenter waved her hand at ASIMO and the robot responded by approaching her and asking, "Is there some work for me to do?"

When the presenter held out her hand, the robot addressed her by name and said, "Let's shake hands." When she stood close to the robot, it said, "Please don't come too close," and walked backward.

In addition to recognizing people's faces and postures, the ASIMO can distinguish between voices and other sounds, and can avoid people and obstacles that suddenly appear in its path. (Kyodo News)

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