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A brand new version of ASIMO – Honda’s humanoid robot, which has been in development for over 10 years now – was recently demonstrated. The new model can jump on one leg, pour drinks and much more.
Via Reddit
[YouTube - Link]
Asimo asked for an office chair, so Honda made him one. This Segway for even lazier people follows in the footsteps of other interesting but unnecessary balancing acts: A robot that balances on a ball, the hands free transporter, and the even dorkier Segseat.
And so it has begun: Honda has developed a new brain-machine interface technology that allows humans to control the Asimo robot simply by thinking:
The BMI system, which Honda developed along with Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR) and Shimadzu Corporation, consists of a sensor-laden helmet that measures the user’s brain activity and a computer that analyzes the thought patterns and relays them as wireless commands to the robot.
When the user simply thinks about moving his or her right hand, the pre-programmed Asimo responds several seconds later by raising its right arm. Likewise, Asimo lifts its left arm when the person thinks about moving their left hand, it begins to walk when the person thinks about moving their legs, and it holds its hand up in front of its mouth when the person thinks about moving their tongue.
Pink Tentacle blog has more: Link (with video clip)
Just in case that car thing doesn’t work out, Honda has a plan B in its quest to dominate the world. Behold, the giant 49-foot tall ASIMO robot replica (masquerading as a float, but we’re not fooled!):
Honda has tested a 49-foot replica of their ASIMO humanoid robot, that’s 12 times the height of the original. The animated replica will be a guest of honor at the 120th Rose Parade as well as kick off Honda’s 50th anniversary of U.S. operations.
The creation called “Hats Off in Celebration” will be completed with natural materials like lettuce seed, rice, carnations and strawflower.
I, for one, welcome our new giant ASIMO robot overlord: Link
