Honda Unveils All-new ASIMO with Significant Advancements

11/07/2011 - TOKYO, Japan
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today unveiled an all-new ASIMO humanoid robot newly equipped with the world's first1 autonomous behavior control technology. With a further advance in autonomy, the all-new ASIMO can now continue moving without being controlled by an operator. Moreover, with significantly improved intelligence and the physical ability to adapt to situations, ASIMO took another step closer to practical use in an office or a public space where many people come and go.

1Honda internal research as of Nov. 8, 2011

Since the establishment of the company, Honda has continued to take on new challenges in the effort to create new products and advance technologies with the spirit of utilizing technology to help people. In the area of humanoid robot research, Honda has been developing and advancing the ASIMO humanoid robot to realize a dream to be useful for people and to help enrich people's daily lives.

Honda has a newly established collective name, Honda Robotics, to represent all of its robotics technologies and product applications created through its research and development of humanoid robots. While continuing the research and development of humanoid robots, Honda will also focus on applying robotics technologies to mass-produced products and putting product applications into practical use.

Based on this concept of Honda Robotics, Honda also introduced an experimental model of a task-performing robot arm that was developed while applying multi-joint simultaneous orbit control and posture control technologies amassed through the research and development of ASIMO. This robot arm can be remotely controlled to perform tasks in unstable places which are difficult for people to access.

All-new ASIMO
The all-new ASIMO is now advanced from an "automatic machine" to an "autonomous machine" with the decision-making capability to determine its behavior in concert with its surroundings such as movements of people. At the beginning of the development process, the following three factors were identified as necessary for a robot to perform as an autonomous machine, and the technologies required to realize these capabilities were developed;
1) high-level postural balancing capability which enables the robot to maintain its posture by putting out its leg in an instant,
2) external recognition capability which enables the robot to integrate information, such as movements of people around it, from multiple sensors and estimate the changes that are taking place, and
3) the capability to generate autonomous behavior which enables the robot to make predictions from gathered information and autonomously determine the next behavior without being controlled by an operator. With these capabilities, the all-new ASIMO takes another step closer to practical use in an environment where it coexists with people.

1. Advancement of intelligence capability
Honda has developed a new system that is a fundamental technology for advanced intelligence, which comprehensively evaluates inputs from multiple sensors that are equivalent to the visual, auditory, and tactile senses of a human being, then estimates the situation of the surrounding environment and determines the corresponding behavior of the robot. With this technology, ASIMO became capable of responding to the movement of people and the surrounding situations. For instance, ASIMO will stop its current action and change its behavior to accommodate the intention of the other party. Moreover, coordination between visual and auditory sensors enables ASIMO to simultaneously recognize a face and voice, enabling ASIMO to recognize the voices of multiple people who are speaking simultaneously, which is difficult even for a human being to accomplish.

Further, ASIMO is now capable of predicting the direction a person will walk within the next few seconds based on information from pre-set space sensors and quickly determining to take an alternate path to avoid a collision with the person if the estimated locations of the person and the ASIMO intersect.

2. Advancement of physical capability
The combination of strengthened legs, an expanded range of leg movement and a newly developed control technology that enables ASIMO to change landing positions in the middle of a motion has enabled ASIMO to walk, run, run backward, hop on one leg or on two legs continuously. As a result of acquiring the ability to make such agile motions, ASIMO has become capable of more flexibly adapting to changing external situations so that it can, as an example, walk over an uneven surface while maintaining a stable posture.

3. Improved task-performing capability
Honda has developed a highly functional compact multi-fingered hand, which has a tactile sensor and a force sensor imbedded on the palm and in each finger, respectively, and which acts to control each finger independently. Combined with the object recognition technology based on visual and tactile senses, this multi-fingered hand enables the all-new ASIMO to perform tasks with dexterity, such as picking up a glass bottle and twisting off the cap, or holding a soft paper cup to pour a liquid without squishing it. Moreover, ASIMO is now capable of making sign language expressions which require the complex movement of fingers.

Key specifications of the all-new ASIMO
1. Height
130 cm
2. Weight
48kg (decreased 6kg from previous model)
3. Operating degreesof freedom
Total: 57 degrees of freedom (increase of 23 degrees of freedom from previous model)
4. Running Speed
9km/hour (previous model: 6km/hour)

Establishing a collective name, Honda Robotics, to represent Honda's robotics technologies and product applications
Studying human beings to understand people and learn from people is the root of Honda's manufacturing. While positioning the humanoid robot research as one of the important pillars in the area of studying human beings, Honda has been working to realize various functions of a human being that is the ultimate mobility with intelligence.

Honda newly established a collective term, Honda Robotics, and the logo to represent Honda's robotics technologies and application products created through its research and development of humanoid robot represented by ASIMO.

In addition to the all-new ASIMO and the task-performing robot arm introduced today, the previously introduced the walking assist device with stride management system which supports walking for people with weakened leg muscles, the bodyweight support assist system which reduces the load on legs by supporting part of the bodyweight, and the U3-X, a compact one-wheel-drive mobility device that provides free movement in all directions, are examples of product applications resulting from the application of bipedal technology and balance control technology amassed through the research and development of ASIMO.

Striving to offer next-generation mobility products which expand the joy and fun of mobility, Honda will continue the robotics research that leads to ASIMO, walking assist devices, U3-X and other technologies. In addition, Honda will also work proactively toward putting such product applications into practical use.

Task-performing Robot Arm
Technologies developed for ASIMO were applied to an experimental model of a task-performing robot arm, which moves on a self-propelled base and was designed under the assumption of being utilized at disaster sites or other places too dangerous for people to work. Toward this end, the robot arm was made possible to be remotely controlled to approach the object and stably perform necessary tasks even in a narrow space with unstable footing and many obstacles.

The stability control technology used for ASIMO's walking and running was applied to stabilize the posture of the end of the arm even on an unstable surface so that the robot arm can exert the necessary power output to perform the task. Moreover, the application of other ASIMO technologies such as the compact layout structural designing technique and multi-joint simultaneous orbit control technology that simultaneously controls as many as 57 motors imbedded in the joints of the arms and legs has enabled the robot arm to avoid obstacles and approach an object even in a narrow space with obstacles such as a complicated layout of pipelines.

In the development process, the robot arm is designed to perform the task of opening and closing valves on pipelines; however, it will become capable of performing a variety of tasks by changing the end piece of the arm.

Key specifications of the task-performing robot arm
1. Length
1583 mm (arm length)
2. Width
338mm (base)
3. Depth
391mm (base)
4. Weight
29.5kg
5. Operating degreesof freedom
10 degrees of freedom (including the end piece of the arm)

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/honda-unveils-all-new-asimo-with-significant-advancements

Honda Produces Short Documentary About Its Work With Robots

I’ve just discovered today that Honda has a short film series about a variety of cool topics, created by award-winning documentarians. Of the most interest to me and this audience, of course, is probably the fantastic little short “Living With Robots”.

This short is directed by Joe Berlinger, who’s done quite a few interesting works, including Metallica: Some Kind of Monster, and Iconoclasts.

The focus of the piece is a pretty fascinating look at Honda’s work in robotics, in particular, its issues and research in producing a robot that walks. But it goes beyond that into exploring how to get humans to be comfortable living and working with robots in their day to day lives — especially when it comes to overcoming the “creepiness” factor.

You can check out the video below. It’s about 9 minutes, but it’s well worth your time:

Source;
http://blogs.forbes.com/alexknapp/2011/04/10/honda-produces-short-documentary-about-its-work-with-robots/

Honda’s Asimo Celebrates 10th Bipedal Anniversary

It’ll be ten years on the 31st of October since the day Honda Motor Company’s bipedal Asimo first successfully walked on his own two legs, and Honda plans to celebrate that special day with several events: Honda are creating a large collage and are soliciting submissions of photographs of people with Asimo or other Honda products, or drawings of Asimo; the Honda Welcome Plaza in Aoyama, Tokyo will have a five-day “Asimo Special Week” with demonstrations, conferences with the design team, and handshake events (like booksigning events in bookstores, except with robotic handshakes); and Honda will release an app called “Run with ASIMO” for smartphones (no details on which platform or platforms) which will let users ‘grow’ their own Asimos (by counting steps like a pedometer) and race Asimos between two smartphone users.

Source;
http://en.akihabaranews.com/67667/robot/hondas-asimo-celebrates-10th-bipedal-anniversary

P4: Honda’s Asimo humanoid gets a re-design after 13 year [Update: No, he doesn't]

Honda’s Asimo is probably the world’s most famous humanoid robot. The company today leaked the first technical details and pictures of the fourth version of Asimo, the P4. And the new and improved Asimo, which took 13 years for Honda to develop (P3 was unveiled in 1997), looks much more elegant and human astronaut-like than the previous models.

Standing 160cm tall, Asimo is probably only second in height to “tower robot” Tsutenkaku. P4 is as tall as P3, but Honda managed to reduce his weight from 130kg to 80kg. He now has 34 joints (two more joints in each hand than P3) and is said to be able to dance better than his predecessors (“dancing” was always one of Asimo’s special skills).

Update: Sorry readers, it looks as if P4 is just being publicly displayed in a museum in Japan, and Honda isn’t planning to manufacture the robot currently. We’ll tell you when they do.

Source;
http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/03/23/p4-honda’s-asimo-humanoid-gets-a-re-design-after-13-years/

ASIMO Turns 9; Parties like a Robot

This is one case where we can't improve on the caption: "Ketch and Hiro-pon, members of the Japanese pantomime group Gamarjobat, take part in a promotional ninth birthday party for Japanese auto giant Honda Motor's humanoid robot Asimo."

Source;
http://jalopnik.com/5394839/honda-asimo-turns-nine-parties-like-a-robot

Honda, ATR and Shimadzu Jointly Develop Brain-Machine Interface Technology Enabling Control of a Robot by Human Thought Alone

Ah yes, those Honda Scientists are at it again....

TOKYO, Japan, March 31, 2009 - Honda Research Institute Japan Co., Ltd. (HRI-JP), a subsidiary of Honda R&D Co., Ltd., Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR) and Shimadzu Corporation have collaboratively developed the world's first*1 Brain Machine Interface (BMI) technology that uses electroencephalography (EEG) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) along with newly developed information extraction technology to enable control of a robot by human thought alone. It does not require any physical movement such as pressing buttons. This technology will be further developed for the application to human-friendly products in the future by integrating it with intelligent technologies and/or robotic technologies.

During the human thought process, slight electrical current and blood flow change occur in the brain. The most important factor in the development of the BMI technology is the accuracy of measuring and analyzing these changes. The newly developed BMI technology uses EEG, which measures changes in electrical potential on the scalp, and NIRS, which measures changes in cerebral blood flow, with a newly developed information extraction technology which enables statistical processing of the complex information from these two types of sensors. As a result, it became possible to distinguish brain activities with high precision without any physical motion, but just human thought alone.

The BMI technology announced by HRI-JP and ATR in 2006 used a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanner to measure brain activities. The large size and powerful magnetic field generated by the fMRI scanner limited the locations and conditions where it can be used. As the newly developed measuring device uses EEG and NIRS sensors, it can be transported to and used in various locations.

Test procedures for experiments with the new BMI

First, EEG and NIRS sensors are placed on the head of the user. Then, one of four pre-determined body part options*2 is provided to the user. The user imagines moving that body part without making any physical movement. Changes in both brain waves and cerebral blood flow triggered by the brain activity are measured simultaneously. The data obtained are analyzed on a real-time basis to distinguish what the user imagined. Upon receiving the result, Honda's ASIMO humanoid robot makes corresponding movements such as raising its arm or leg. The world's highest level*3 accuracy rate of more than 90% was achieved in the tests.

Since 2005, Honda and ATR have been conducting research and development of BMI technology exploring the potential of a new interface which connects people and machines. Honda is looking into the possibility of applying this technology to a people-friendly human interface through integration with other technologies such as artificial intelligence technologies and/or robotics technologies. In May 2006, Honda and ATR successfully developed a BMI technology which utilizes a fMRI scanner and achieved the first success in the world to control a robot hand by decoding brain activities without electrode array implants or special training of the user.

About BMI

While conventional machine-interface uses devices such as switches which need to be operated by a user's hands or feet, BMI uses brain activity data measured by various devices and enables non-contact control of the machines (such as robots). Invasive BMI, which is widely studied by U.S. and European researchers, requires the surgical implant of electrode arrays, whereas non-invasive BMI uses sensors touching the user's scalp.

*1, 3 According to Honda and ATR in-house research.
*2 For this particular research experiment, the four options were left hand, right hand, tongue and feet. The user creates a mental image of moving the selected body part.

Source;

http://www.hondanews.eu/en/news/index.pmode/modul,detail,0,1115-DEFAULT,21,text,1/index.pmode

Honda robot spices up Insight launch in Europe

By Chang-Ran Kim, Asia autos correspondent

GENEVA (Reuters Life!) - Don't tell the boss, but Honda Motor Co may have managed to successfully replace its chief executive with a humanoid robot.

At least, that is, to show off the latest addition to Honda's car line-up at the Geneva auto show on Tuesday.

Like virtually all other carmakers, Honda is looking to save cash anywhere it can as plummeting vehicle sales hammer profits.

So instead of calling a press conference with the top brass attending, which is common practice at international motor shows, Japan's No.2 automaker employed its four-feet-tall robot Asimo to introduce the Insight hybrid, which will go on sale in Europe this month.

"I'm really interested in hybrid technology," the bubble-headed robot said in a boyish voice after being introduced by a Honda spokesman at the company's booth at the show.

Asimo, who normally resides in a studio in Brussels, is scheduled to do several shows a day when the Geneva auto show opens to the public later this week.

"It was cheaper than flying the CEO over from Tokyo for the show," said Shigeki Endo, a spokesman for Honda.

Another spokesman said both the Insight hybrid car and Asimo were "the result of the dream and hard work" of engineers at Honda, which is looking to make a business out of selling humanoid robots one day to assist the elderly or do simple work around the office, such as distributing mail.

During a 20-minute presentation for journalists Asimo fetched two green teas and stood diligently by the Insight on the stage as the spokesman chatted with an engineer about the merits of Honda's first low-cost hybrid car.

After some specifications were rattled off including the car's top speed of 189 km (117 miles) per hour, Asimo waved both hands in a plea for attention.

"I also run on batteries, and my top speed is impressive too," he said.

When Asimo was invited to perform, the robot walked to the front of the stage, loosened up his knees and ankles and dashed across the stage at 6 km/hour -- a record for his kind.

Source;
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-autos/idUSTRE5227QH20090303

Honda robot Asimo set to make appearance at science spectacular

THE world's most advanced humanoid robot is to make an appearance in the Capital later this year, as part of a 21st birthday programme for the Edinburgh International Science Festival.

Highlights of this year's programme, which was launched this morning, include a chance to take a first-hand look at the revolutionary ASIMO robot.

There will also be a spectacular exhibition examining the very edges of the universe, a sleepover at Edinburgh Zoo and a chance to get hands-on with the latest advances in renewable energy.

Launching the programme on the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth, festival director Simon Gage also announced a series of events celebrating the man and his revolutionary ideas.

Mr Gage said: "This is a spectacular programme packed with some of the best popular science events you'll find anywhere in the world.

"It's a sensational way to celebrate the 21st birthday of the first, and I believe best, science festival in the known universe.

"It is a festival that befits an inventive nation that continues to pioneer ways of making the world a better place."

In total, this year's festival will include 170 events in 26 venues over two weeks.

The most eye-catching element of the programme is the first visit to Scotland by ASIMO, which has been created by Honda over the last 22 years.

It is the only robot in the world that walks on two legs, runs, climbs up steps, dances, recognises people and speaks.

The City Art Centre will, for the first time, host part of the family programme – offering seven floors of hands-on experiments and activities.

For more on the article;
http://news.scotsman.com/scitech/Honda-robot-Asimo-set-to.4972822.jp