Originally Posted By Darkbeer Honda/Disneyland Resort Press Release Honda's Newest ASIMO Humanoid Robot Runs onto Disneyland Stage New Robot Capabilities Featured in Stage Show in 'Innoventions' ANAHEIM, Calif., Aug. 29, 2007 -- With the ability to run nearly 4 miles per hour, the all-new ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility) humanoid robot is advancing closer to in-home applications. Beginning today, Disneyland park guests can experience the latest version of ASIMO at the Honda ASIMO Theater inside the Innoventions attraction. In the Say 'Hello' to Honda's ASIMO show, park guests can see the newest ASIMO interact with a live host in a 15-minute science show. The show demonstrates ASIMO's latest technological advancements including several new mobility and artificial intelligence capabilities for enhanced human interaction, in addition to the ability to run. Originally opened in June 2005 as part of the theme park's 50th Anniversary celebration, the Honda ASIMO Theatre gives visitors a glimpse into a not-too-distant future when humanoid robots, like ASIMO, will assist humans in their homes. Park guests see ASIMO operate in a modern home environment by using all of its unique technological capabilities, such as running, walking forward and backward, climbing and descending a flight of stairs and taking direction from a person. The only permanent installation of ASIMO in North America, Say 'Hello' to Honda's ASIMO demonstrations take place several times daily in Innoventions. More information about ASIMO and the Say 'Hello' to Honda's ASIMO show is available at asimo.honda.com. About ASIMO ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility) is the world's most advanced humanoid robot, with the ability to run, walk forward and backward, climb stairs, turn smoothly without pausing, and maintain balance, even while walking on uneven slopes and surfaces. Honda engineers began developing a humanoid robot in 1986 for the purpose of someday helping people in need. After years of research and development, they created an advanced humanoid robot able to function in real-world environments. ASIMO originally made its U.S. debut February 14, 2002, when it rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange and the latest version of ASIMO, which includes the ability to run, debuted in North America at the Consumer Electronics Show, January 2007, in Las Vegas. Learn more about ASIMO at asimo.honda.com. About Honda Honda is one of the world's leading producers of mobility products including its diverse line-up of automobiles, motorcycles and ATVs, power products, marine engines and personal watercraft. Founded in Japan in 1948, Honda began operations in the U.S. in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. Honda began U.S. production(1) of motorcycles in 1979 and automobiles in 1982. The company has invested more than $9 billion in its North American operations, with employment of more than 33,000 associates, and annual purchases of more than $16 billion in parts and materials from suppliers in North America. About Innoventions Located in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park, "Innoventions" offers hands-on experience of current technologies, enabling people of all ages to experiment with an array of interactive devices, games and exhibits demonstrating how today's innovations can improve life for all of us. "Innoventions" combines Disney's storytelling abilities with the expertise of technology companies in a partnership that meets everyone's needs. The result is hands-on exhibits from leading companies in the field that tell the stories of today's technology in an interactive way. About Disneyland Resort Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks - Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney's California Adventure - plus the Downtown Disney district comprised of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. Resort hotels include the luxurious 745-room Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, the magical 990-room Disneyland Hotel and the "day at the beach" fun of the 502-room Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel. (1) Honda products are produced using domestic and globally-sourced parts
Originally Posted By avromark Asimo in action (As never seen at Disneyland) <a href="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6947118853654187245&sourceid=docidfeed&hl=en" target="_blank">http://video.google.com/videop lay?docid=-6947118853654187245&sourceid=docidfeed&hl=en</a>
Originally Posted By nemopoppins Does anyone know how much of ASIMO is interaction and how much is pre programmed? The show is scripted and they don't declare at which times they're interacting. It seems that it could just be written to appear that way.
Originally Posted By Darkbeer The entire show is scripted, and every word ASIMO speaks is pre-recorded, and not part of his main function (as you can tell on the video link above). There is one live actor, which can either be male or female, and they have two different sets of pre-recorded sounds and video (the family and neighbors) to round out the show. (They might have more, but at least 2). ASIMO has a set path that is always followed. He has certain points on the stage where he stops, and then a off-stage CM pushes a button to have him timed to the show (the sound tech), one button tells ASIMO to move, and also has the pre-recorded sound be played (from a seperate machine) that matches the part of the script currently being performed.
Originally Posted By oc_dean Anyone ever see South Park's take on Asimo? "Awsom-O"? Frikin hilarious! (... and Cartman thought he outsmarted Butters
Originally Posted By nemopoppins Why do they brag that ASIMO is interactive yet not employ or display any of those interactive capabilities? Is this interactivity mostly just wishful thinking on their part? Wouldn't that be a more useful ability than climbing stairs? How helpful can a stupid robot be if two people have to make his actions? Why doesn't one person just accomplish a task himself?
Originally Posted By Darkbeer As I understand it, when he walks, or goes up and down stairs, he basically is following his internal program, and is basically following GPS points, but his steps are based on what he "sees" and what his internal processors think is the correct movement. They do this to be able to claim he is moving on his own. But the script has the GPS specific locations (for example, a specific spot near the stairs in the middle of the stage) preprogrammed, and the CM hits the button to tell ASIMO to move from point A to point B, and then from point B to point C, and that all the timed breaks are to allow the live actor to respond naturally and if needed, interact with the audience. The number one aspect of the Honda show in Innoventions is a SHOW.
Originally Posted By nemopoppins >>>The number one aspect of the Honda show in Innoventions is a SHOW<<< Thank you for reminding me of that. And it is a cute show, too.
