My second date with ASIMO
Nov 14, 2008 Events
Well, not exactly. I didn’t even get to see it up close. But I thought it was the most adorable thing ever.
This is ASIMO, or Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility. Honda claims it to be the first humanoid robot in the world and I will say it again, it’s the most adorable thing - ever!
I first met ASIMO in 2003 during some technology expo at the National Science Centre. I was editing TECH magazine then and went for the expo to do some research. Then, I heard a buzz about the first ever walking robot and that was when I saw ASIMO. It could barely move then.
Today, at 1-Utama, I was invited to see the new ASIMO. This time, it could walk, run, kick a ball and even serve drinks … well, kinda. In the picture below, it is dancing along with some members of the audience.
The only thing strange is that ASIMO, being a product of Honda’s dreams (how’s that for a free plug???), should be Japanese, right? Then why does it speak with an American accent? heh heh
ASIMO will be making appearances over the next couple of weeks at shopping centres. It will be at 1-Utama until Sunday (Nov 16) before heading to City Square in JB (20-23 Nov) and then Queensbay Mall in Penang (27-30 Nov).
Say hi to it for me!
p/s No, I’m not getting paid for this post so this is not an advertorial. But if Honda feels like sharing some joy, I would really love a new car please. Thanks. :P
5.03pm Malaysian time (+8 GMT)
November 15th, 2008 at 12:52 am
hi Niki,
this morning i had a chance to get a demo with a Nao from Aldebaran Robotics… he had pretty impressive and smooth moves… during the demo, there was a fun dance!
here is a link to a video:
http://www.aldebaran-robotics.com/download/NaoAcademicsV3.mov
the voice on the video is a bit “metallic” but i guess this is not the key robot feature!
more info on their website:
http://www.aldebaran-robotics.com
Cheers,
Thierry
November 15th, 2008 at 9:07 am
New car? Can continue dreaming ah you :-P
didn’t know this is in Malaysia :-P saw it on The Star’s front page, thought it is in Japan. Haha.
November 15th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Thierry! So good to hear from you :) Thanks for the link, will check it out. Hope you are well.
Swee Ping: Er, Honda’s tagline is the power of dreams mah. So I am dreaming lah!
November 19th, 2008 at 2:15 am
[...] find it really funny though that ASIMO speaks with an American accent despite being built by the Japanese! [...]