PSN ID
by ASIMO (アシモ, ashimo?) is a humanoid robot created by Honda. Standing at 130 centimeters (4 feet 3 inches) and weighing 54 kilograms (114 pounds), the robot resembles a small astronaut wearing a backpack and can walk or run on two feet at speeds up to 6 km/h (4.3 mph), matching EMIEW.[1] ASIMO was created at Honda's Research & Development Wako Fundamental Technical Research Center in Japan. It is the current model in a line of twelve that began in 1986 with E0.
The name is an acronym for "Advanced Step in Innovative MObility". Honda states that the robot's name is not a reference to science fiction writer and inventor of the Three Laws of Robotics, Isaac Asimov.[2]
As of February 2009, there are over 100 ASIMO units in existence.[3] Each costs under ¥100 million ($1 million) to manufacture.
Recognition technology
With 2000's ASIMO model Honda added features that enable ASIMO to interact better with humans. These features fall under 5 categories:
ASIMO walking alongside a human while holding hands
1. Recognition of moving objects
Using the visual information captured by the camera mounted in its head, ASIMO detects the movements of multiple objects, assessing distance and direction. Common applications of this feature would include: the ability to follow the movements of people with its camera, to follow a person, or greet a person when he or she approaches.
2. Recognition of postures and gestures
ASIMO interprets the positioning and movement of a hand, recognizing postures and gestures. Because of this ASIMO can react to and be directed by not only voice commands, but also to the natural movements of human beings. This enables it to, for example, recognize when a handshake is offered or when a person waves and respond accordingly. It can also recognize movement directions such as pointing.
3. Environment recognition
ASIMO recognizes the objects and terrain of its environment and act in a way that is safe for both itself and nearby humans. For example, recognizing potential hazards such as stairs, and by stopping and starting to avoid hitting humans or other moving objects.
4. Distinguishing sounds
ASIMO's ability to identify the source of sounds has been improved, and it can distinguish between voices and other sounds. It responds to its name, faces people when spoken to, and recognizes sudden, unusual sounds such as that of a falling object or a collision, and faces in that direction. It can respond to questions, either by a brief nod, a shake of the head or a verbal answer.
5. Facial recognition
ASIMO can recognize faces, even when ASIMO or the human being is moving. It can individually recognize approximately 10 different faces. Once they are registered it can address them by name.
[edit] Network integration
Utilizing networks such as the Internet, ASIMO can provide information and function better for various commercial applications, such as reception. Its abilities fall under 2 categories:
1. Integration with user's network system
By connecting with a user's network ASIMO can offer many useful functions such as greeting visitors and informing personnel of the visitor's arrival by transmitting messages and pictures of the visitor's face and guide visitors to a predetermined location.
2. Internet connectivity
By accessing information via the Internet, ASIMO can, for example, become a provider of news and weather updates.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASIMO
