Back in August, I introduced you to Asimo, a robot from Honda which can really walk and even climb stairs. (Check "Asimo: Honda's New Bipedal Robot" for earlier details.)
You might remember that Asimo is an acronym for "Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility." Now, Honda has announced a newer version.
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 -- about $160,000.
Seven Japanese companies have already signed for one. Here is what it looks like.
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.
Great achievements! I hope that Honda will also rent these robots in Paris.
Source: Kyodo News, in Japan Today, December 12, 2002
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