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Honda's ASIMO robot sheds a few pounds, gets all autonomous on us (video) — Parallax Forums

Honda's ASIMO robot sheds a few pounds, gets all autonomous on us (video)

Ron CzapalaRon Czapala Posts: 2,418
edited 2011-11-08 16:07 in General Discussion
http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/hondas-asimo-robot-sheds-a-few-pounds-gets-all-autonomous-on-u/

[video=youtube_share;wYspBX6Kq4o]

We've already seen it dance, sing and read minds, but Honda's ASIMO humanoid has now taken that one great leap into decidedly more dystopian territory. The revamped bot ... was unveiled today in Japan, sporting a streamlined physique and scarily adept mind.
In fact, Honda claims that its bot is now less "automated" than it is "autonomous" -- all thanks to new behavior control technology that allows it to move and make decisions on its own, independent of human operators.
Its external recognition capability and set of onboard visual and auditory sensors enable it to rapidly process information about its environment, which the ASIMO then uses to plot its next move.
Combining long- and short-term sensor data, the droid can predict human movements and automatically recognize voices or gestures. Because of this, Honda says, the ASIMO could be more easily integrated within social environments, and peacefully coexist with its human prey counterparts.
Physically, meanwhile, the robot's looking svelter than ever, having shed a full six kilograms. It can now run at a maximum speed of 9 kilometers per hour, jump up and down for as long as it wants, and even hop on one leg, should it ever need to.
Plus, its hands are now more dexterous than ever, thanks to new independent finger control functions that allow it to handle the most delicate of tasks -- like pouring you a stiff one after work, or before your inevitable demise.

Comments

  • ercoerco Posts: 20,261
    edited 2011-11-08 10:52
    Great update! As ever, Asimo sets the standard. I notice he wisely didn't try to walk up any stairs in this demo. :)
  • Martin_HMartin_H Posts: 4,051
    edited 2011-11-08 11:20
    Picking up the container, opening it, and pouring out the liquid is impressive. I wonder how much of that was adaptive to the environment versus careful placement?

    I've never been impressed by ASIMO's walking, its gait seems like a toddler with a full diaper. It doesn't fluidly fall forward and catch itself like a human, or let its legs swing freely. Our gate is designed for energy efficiency which lets us cover more ground (although more slowly) than other mammals.
  • Ron CzapalaRon Czapala Posts: 2,418
    edited 2011-11-08 12:12
    Martin_H wrote: »
    Picking up the container, opening it, and pouring out the liquid is impressive. I wonder how much of that was adaptive to the environment versus careful placement?

    I've never been impressed by ASIMO's walking, its gait seems like a toddler with a full diaper. It doesn't fluidly fall forward and catch itself like a human, or let its legs swing freely. Our gate is designed for energy efficiency which lets us cover more ground (although more slowly) than other mammals.

    He runs pretty well check the first video at this link http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/hondas-asimo-robot-sheds-a-few-pounds-gets-all-autonomous-on-u/

    and hops on one foot...
  • hover1hover1 Posts: 1,929
    edited 2011-11-08 15:07
    Now that ASIMO is slim and trim, they need to seen him to Philly to try retrace these steps.

    Admit it, everybody loves that song. :)

    Jim
  • mindrobotsmindrobots Posts: 6,506
    edited 2011-11-08 15:17
    "peacefully coexist with its human PREY counterparts"

    I'm thinking Marketing may want to rephrase that bit.
  • Ron CzapalaRon Czapala Posts: 2,418
    edited 2011-11-08 16:07
    mindrobots wrote: »
    "peacefully coexist with its human PREY counterparts"

    I'm thinking Marketing may want to rephrase that bit.

    Actually that was "Engadget"s attempt at humor - the word "prey" had a strike thru line (which didn't transfer when I copied the text)...
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