GPracer2500
06-26-2006, 10:21 PM
More amazing technology from Honda...
http://world.honda.com/news/2005/image/c051213/08.jpg
Honda has been quietly developing bipedal robotic technology for more than 20 years. I can only imagine the untold millions spent on research and development. 20 ASIMOs currently exist. You can't buy one (yet) but several large coporations have leased an ASIMO at a cost of $150,000 per month. Honda has never disclosed the cost of building an ASIMO, but one Honda spokesman said they cost "less than $1,000,000" to assemble.
Watch a video of ASIMO running HERE (http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/New-ASIMO-run-6kmh/index.html). And another of ASIMO running while cornering HERE (http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/New-ASIMO-cornering/index.html) . They can climb stairs, stand on one leg, "dance", and do all manner of human-like movements.
ASIMOs are just under 4 feet tall and weight 115lbs. The small stature is designed to integrate easily in our living space and workspace while also appearing non-threatening.
This image shows the development of this technology since it began in 1986.
http://world.honda.com/ASIMO/history/image/top/title.jpg
I believe one impetuous for Honda's dedication in the development of ASIMO is related to the aging population and declining birthrates in Japan. They have faced labor shortage issues for many years. Honda is a very forward thinking company and saw this coming long ago. ASIMO puts Honda in the unique postion of having an innovative way to tackle that issue.
Read and see more about ASIMO (http://world.honda.com/ASIMO/)
....and yes, I want one too. :D
http://world.honda.com/news/2005/image/c051213/08.jpg
Honda has been quietly developing bipedal robotic technology for more than 20 years. I can only imagine the untold millions spent on research and development. 20 ASIMOs currently exist. You can't buy one (yet) but several large coporations have leased an ASIMO at a cost of $150,000 per month. Honda has never disclosed the cost of building an ASIMO, but one Honda spokesman said they cost "less than $1,000,000" to assemble.
Watch a video of ASIMO running HERE (http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/New-ASIMO-run-6kmh/index.html). And another of ASIMO running while cornering HERE (http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/New-ASIMO-cornering/index.html) . They can climb stairs, stand on one leg, "dance", and do all manner of human-like movements.
ASIMOs are just under 4 feet tall and weight 115lbs. The small stature is designed to integrate easily in our living space and workspace while also appearing non-threatening.
This image shows the development of this technology since it began in 1986.
http://world.honda.com/ASIMO/history/image/top/title.jpg
I believe one impetuous for Honda's dedication in the development of ASIMO is related to the aging population and declining birthrates in Japan. They have faced labor shortage issues for many years. Honda is a very forward thinking company and saw this coming long ago. ASIMO puts Honda in the unique postion of having an innovative way to tackle that issue.
Read and see more about ASIMO (http://world.honda.com/ASIMO/)
....and yes, I want one too. :D