https://www.engineeringnews.co.za

Honda unveils newest version of advanced humanoid robot

30th May 2014

By: Irma Venter

Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

  

Font size: - +

Honda has unveiled the newest version of Asimo, its advanced humanoid robot, now featuring the ability to communicate in sign language and climb stairs without stopping.

Asimo, which stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility, was first introduced 14 years ago. Since then, engineers at the Japanese manufacturer have continued to make improvements on the little guy, including physical advances, such as running and hopping on one leg, and dexterity improvements, all in the line of promoting the company’s dream of creating a humanoid robot that can provide assistance to society.

“This is an exciting project for Honda,” says Honda humanoid robotics programme leader Satoshi Shigemi. “Our engineers are working tirelessly to develop new technologies aimed at helping Asimo work in a real-world environment.”

The new version of Asimo has undergone numerous changes to its 1.3 m, 50 kg body.

Developments in the lower body have enhanced stability and balance control, allowing the robot to climb more smoothly, run faster and change direction in a more controlled fashion.

Enhancements in the upper body include major increases in the degree of freedom in the hands.

Each hand now has 13˚ of freedom, which allows Asimo to perform many more intricate and precise tasks.

The increased hand dexterity provides additional movement in each finger, which also led to the development of Asimo’s new ability to communicate using both American and Japanese sign language.

Force sensors in the robot’s hands also provide instantaneous feedback, allowing Asimo to use the appropriate amount of force when performing a task. This allows the robot to pick up paper cups without crushing them, but also enables stronger force when necessary.

“It was obvious that overall flexibility was necessary, and many more complex tasks can now be performed because of the improved operational capacity in the hands,” notes Shigemi. “But, perhaps more importantly, these innovations enhance Asimo’s communication skills, which are essential to interact with human beings.”

The advanced technologies derived from research on Asimo have also benefited other Honda business lines over the year and found applications in the vehicle stability assist system developed for the Honda Civic, for example.

 

Edited by Martin Zhuwakinyu
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

Comments

Showroom

Weir Minerals Africa and Middle East
Weir Minerals Africa and Middle East

Weir Minerals Europe, Middle East and Africa is a global supplier of excellent minerals solutions, including pumps, valves, hydrocyclones,...

VISIT SHOWROOM 
Rittal
Rittal

Rittal is a world leading provider of top-quality integrated systems for enclosures, power distribution, climate control, IT infrastructure and...

VISIT SHOWROOM 

Latest Multimedia

sponsored by

Photo of Martin Creamer
On-The-Air (15/03/2024)
15th March 2024 By: Martin Creamer

Option 1 (equivalent of R125 a month):

Receive a weekly copy of Creamer Media's Engineering News & Mining Weekly magazine
(print copy for those in South Africa and e-magazine for those outside of South Africa)
Receive daily email newsletters
Access to full search results
Access archive of magazine back copies
Access to Projects in Progress
Access to ONE Research Report of your choice in PDF format

Option 2 (equivalent of R375 a month):

All benefits from Option 1
PLUS
Access to Creamer Media's Research Channel Africa for ALL Research Reports, in PDF format, on various industrial and mining sectors including Electricity; Water; Energy Transition; Hydrogen; Roads, Rail and Ports; Coal; Gold; Platinum; Battery Metals; etc.

Already a subscriber?

Forgotten your password?

MAGAZINE & ONLINE

SUBSCRIBE

RESEARCH CHANNEL AFRICA

SUBSCRIBE

CORPORATE PACKAGES

CLICK FOR A QUOTATION







sq:0.133 0.181s - 137pq - 2rq
Subscribe Now