Newest version of Honda's ASIMO coming to TV on April 15

[Haltech]

Filed under: Technology, Honda, Celebrities, TV/Movies



Honda's ASIMO robot is moving into its teenage years, having originally been introduced in 2000, and like all teens, it's still learning. The bot has received regular incremental upgrades over that time, and the latest version will premiere on LIVE with Kelly and Michael on Tuesday, April 15.

The newest enhancements provide ASIMO with improved hand dexterity, the ability to use sign language, run faster, climb stars more smoothly, balance on one foot, jump and more. Honda says other new features will be demonstrated with hosts Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan on the show.

The ongoing development of ASIMO, which stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility, is being done so that one day it can help humans who require assistance. The current version is 4-feet, 3-inches tall, weighs 110 pounds and is made mostly from magnesium alloy and plastic. A big limit is still its lithium-ion battery that only provides 40 minutes of charge. The robot has not needed human control to move since a previous iteration in 2011, which also improved its manual dexterity. It could even pour drinks.

While you can't stroll into your local Honda dealer and buy an ASIMO (at least not yet), its technology has been adapted to other Honda projects. The Miimo lawnmower trims grass without human assistance, and the Uni-Cub β mobility device is adapted from the robot's balancing and movement tech. Scroll down to read a bit about the new abilities.Continue reading Newest version of Honda's ASIMO coming to TV on April 15

Newest version of Honda's ASIMO coming to TV on April 15 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Apr 2014 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



Permalink | Email this | Comments


More...