Honda's humanoid robot celebrates 10th anniversary

ASIMO, the world's most advanced humanoid robot, will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Sunday 31 October 2010.

To mark this special occasion, Honda has launched a dedicated website at world.honda.com/ASIMO hosting films and photographs detailing ASIMO's evolution over the past 10 years. A 'Run with Asimo' smartphone and iphone app has also been produced to allow users to interact with a virtual version of the robot on their phone.

ASIMO was created 10 years ago as part of Honda's programme of research and development into robotics and human mobility. After 10 years of innovation, ASIMO can now run and walk on uneven slopes and surfaces, climb stairs, and reach for and grasp objects. ASIMO can also comprehend and respond to simple voice commands, recognise faces and even avoid moving obstacles as it runs.

ASMIO has lead to breakthroughs in mobility technology, but Honda's ultimate goal is to develop ASIMO into a robot to help people, both by carrying out day to day tasks and by performing work too dangerous for a human, such as firefighting and cleaning up toxic spills.

Honda is now focusing its research on the development of ASIMO's intelligence, as well as exploring the scope for interaction between humans and humanoid robots.

To view ASIMO's birthday celebrations, visit world.honda.com/ASIMO.