ASIMO
 ASIMO (2000) at the Expo 2005 |
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| Manufacturer | Honda |
|---|---|
| Year of creation | 2000 |
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. ASIMO resembles a child in size and is the most human-like robot HONDA has made so far. The robot has 7 DOF (Degrees of freedom) in each arm — two joints of 3 DOF, shoulder and wrist, giving "Six degrees of freedom" and 1 DOF at the elbow; 6 DOF in each leg — 3 DOF at the crotch, 2 DOF at the ankle and 1 DOF at the knee; and 3 DOF in the neck joint. The hands have 2 DOF — 1 DOF in each thumb and 1 in each finger. This gives a total of 34 DOF in all joints.[2]
The name is an acronym for "Advanced Step in Innovative MObility". Online magazine The Future Of Things (TFOT) states that Honda did not name the robot in reference to science fiction writer and inventor of the Three Laws of Robotics, Isaac Asimov.[3]
As of February 2009, there are over 100 ASIMO units in existence.[4] Each costs under ¥100 million ($1 million USD) to manufacture.
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Development history
Experimental models
The E series were six degrees of freedom units in each limb that were complex in locomotion and consisted of a body with two ambulatory legs.
Humanoid prototype models
The P series took the E series the logical step forwards with the addition of arms. This also increased the degrees of freedom to 30 in the P1
ASIMO
Features and technology
Specifications
| Model | 2000 | 2004 | 2005 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mass | 52 kg ? | 54 kg | |
| Height | 120 cm | 130 cm | |
| Width | 45 cm | 45 cm | |
| Depth | 44 cm | 37 cm | |
| Walking speed | 1.6 km/hour | 2.5 km/hour | 2.7 km/hour 1.6 km/hour (carrying 1 kg) |
| Running speed | - | 3 km/hour | 6 km/hour (straight) 5 km/hour (circling) |
| Airborne time | - | 0.05 seconds | 0.08 seconds |
| Battery | Nickel metal hydride 38.4 V / 10 Ah / 7.7 kg 4 hours to fully charge |
Lithium ion 51.8 V / 6 kg 3 hours to fully charge |
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| Continuous operating time | 30 minutes | 40 mins to 1 hour (walking) | |
| Degrees of Freedom | 26 (two in the head, five in each arm, six in each leg, one per hand) | 34 (three in the head, seven in each arm, two in each hand, one in the torso, six in each leg) [10] | |
sources: [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] Retrieved 18 February 2007.
Asimo can be operated from a workstation and also by a remote controller.[11] Honda has also created a 3D CPU to power Asimo consisting of three stacked dice: a processor, a signal converter and some memory.[12] ASIMO runs the VxWorks operating system.
Recognition technology
With 2000's ASIMO model Honda added features that enable ASIMO to interact better with humans. These features fall under 5 categories:
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.
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.
Environment
- 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.
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.
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.
Network integration
Utilizing networks ASIMO can provide information and function better for various commercial applications such as reception. Its abilities fall under 2 categories:
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.
Internet connectivity
- By accessing information via the Internet, ASIMO can, for example, become a provider of news and weather updates.[13]
Public appearances
ASIMO has made lots of public appearances although the ones which are reported more in the media are where they have resulted in mishaps.
See also
- Humanoid robot
- Japanese robotics
- Actroid
- Android
- iCub
- HRP-4C
- HUBO
- REEM-B
- QRIO
- TOPIO
References
- ↑ ASIMO specifications by Honda
- ↑ "ASIMO'S Specifications". Honda. http://world.honda.com/ASIMO/technology/spec.html. Retrieved 8 August 2010.
- ↑ "The Rise and Fall of ASIMO". The Future of Things. http://thefutureofthings.com/pod/121/the-rise-and-fall-of-asimo.html. Retrieved 3 June 2010.
- ↑ Times Online - Asimo the Robot
- ↑ "History of the Humanoids: ASIMO (2000 - )". Honda Motor Co., Ltd.. http://world.honda.com/ASIMO/history/asimo.html. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
- ↑ "Honda Introduces New ASIMO Humanoid Robot for Rental Business". Honda Motor Co., Ltd.. 2001-11-12. http://world.honda.com/news/2001/c011112.html. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
- ↑ "Introducing a New ASIMO Featuring Intelligence Technology". Honda Motor Co., Ltd.. 2002-12-05. http://world.honda.com/news/2002/c021205.html. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
- ↑ "The Next Generation: Specification of the Research Model (December, 2004)". Honda Motor Co., Ltd.. http://world.honda.com/ASIMO/next-generation/index.html. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
- ↑ "New ASIMO: Honda Debuts New ASIMO (December, 2005)". Honda Motor Co., Ltd.. http://world.honda.com/ASIMO/new/. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
- ↑ http://asimo.honda.com/asimo_specifications.html
- ↑ http://www.eetimes.com/story/OEG20001122S0048
- ↑ http://www.digitalworldtokyo.com/index.php/digital_tokyo/articles/honda_creates_3d_cpu_to_power_super_asimo/
- ↑ source: Honda Worldwide - ASIMO Technology (2004). [1]. Retrieved Dec. 24, 2004.
External links
- Official website (Worldwide) – Honda
- Official website (Japan) – Honda
- Official website (United States) – Honda
- "Humanoid robot learns how to run" – BBC News Online
- "Humanoid robot gets job as receptionist" – New Scientist
- "Who Is Asimo?" – Michael Shea
- ASIMO buckles on the stairs
- Honda unveils helmet that lets wearer control a robot by thought alone
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