The Next Time You See a Worm, Don’t Step On It…It Might Just Be a Robot
Honda’s new generation of humanoid robots is the world’s most advanced, bringing humanity a step closer to the day when robots will become like a member of the family.
At only 130 cm high, the new version of ASIMO may look the same, but it has become autonomous, with its own decision-making abilities.
This is a revolutionary leap forward in robotic technology, according to Honda’s senior chief engineer Satoshi Shigemi.
“We believe such a robot can make life convenient and comfortable and create completely new set of values.” – Satoshi Shigemi, Large Project Leader ASIMO Development.
The new ASIMO adapts its behaviour to its surroundings in real time.
Its new advancements include a high-level of balance, external recognition capabilities that use multiple sensors to monitor what is going on around it, and an ability to analyse and respond to changes in the environment quickly and safely by itself.
Multi-fingered hands with improved flexibility enable ASIMO to perform a range of tasks efficiently – from fixing your favourite cocktail to moving carts and other objects around at will.
The New ASIMO is also more agile than before, being able to run at 6km/h, and even turn whilst running.
ASIMO currently stars in its very own high-tech stage show in [easyazon_link asin=”B00G2Q2Y78″ locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”default” tag=”seriou03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Disneyland Resort’s Tomorrowland[/easyazon_link] in Anaheim, California, where audiences discover the endless possibilities of having a humanoid robot in the home.
Honda sees robot assistants that can talk and help out with simple tasks as being a normal part of family life one day, and continues to dream of the infinite potential for [easyazon_link asin=”0071422749″ locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”default” tag=”seriou03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]robots[/easyazon_link] to help people in the future.
“We will continue our work on robot research by following two paths – first to strive the realisation of a dreamlike robot able to exist amongst humans and second to transfer the findings and technologies to other applications.” – Satoshi Shigemi, Large Project Leader ASIMO Development.
FUTURE IMPLICATIONS
Whilst mainstream media loves to focus on the stealth elements of artificial intelligence, Honda are at the forefront of developing human-friendly AI. The positive benefits of technology like ASIMO should not be ignored.
ASIMO technology is already being transferred to a whole range of mobility products for example, the walking assist, U3-X, the UNI-CUB and the machines of MotoGP. Anyone suffering with mobility problems will be significantly helped by these technological innovations.
Honda have also developed a high-access survey robot currently in operation in order to help rebuild the Fukushima nuclear power plant. This shows us how robots can be used to tackle dangerous situations.
It is important to remember that technology itself is neither good nor bad. It is the human interface that determines how AI is designed and used in our society, and we must find a useful home for robots like ASIMO.
Thanks goes to Adrian Chitty | Partner Hope&Glory (Communications of ASIMO in Europe)
Photo Credit: Honda
About the author
Massimo Barbato is a writer and commentator on AI and future technologies in the British press and media. His focus is on how we can build a better world. www.artificial-intelligence.org.uk/
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