ST. LOUIS: Honda’s ASIMO, the world’s most advanced humanoid robot, made its debut at the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Championship today in St. Louis, Mo. ASIMO, which stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility, is a culmination of more than two decades of research and development by Honda engineers.Designed to someday assist people in their homes, ASIMO is being used today to encourage and inspire young students, like those involved in the FIRST robotics programs, to consider studies in math and science. The demonstrations highlight ASIMO’s unique capabilities including walking forward and backward, running nearly 4 mph, climbing stairs and more.
“Honda and FIRST share many of the same values, including inspiring students to pursue opportunities in science, technology and engineering,” said Erik Wedin, ASIMO North American project leader. “We think a student robotics competition is the perfect setting to share and showcase ASIMO’s capabilities.” Honda is one of the sponsors of the FIRST Championship, where over 11,000 students from 29 countries will participate in three simultaneous robotics competitions. As part of the activities, Honda was conducting ASIMO demonstrations today at the Second Level Atrium of the America’s Center Convention Complex in downtown St. Louis.
ASIMO visited 17 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces on a North American tour from 2003 through 2005, but this is the first time the humanoid robot has been demonstrated in Missouri. Honda’s innovative research and development efforts during the past decade have yielded such diverse outcomes as humanoid robotics, walking assist devices, HondaJet, fuel cell electric vehicle technology, thin film solar cells, increased rice crop yields and functional nano-materials – in addition to the design and development of automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment products.
