Honda Robot Asimo Learns to Jog

[Khephra]

WAKO, Japan -- The walking, talking child-size robot from Honda Motor Co. now manages an easy, although comical, jog -- the latest in the Japanese automaker's quest to imitate human movement.

The 51-inch-tall, bubble-headed robot added a couple of infrared cameras and a sensor to better absorb shock and keep its balance for a steady, mechanical-looking run at a slow pace of 1.9 mph in a demonstration Wednesday at a Honda facility.

The robot called Asimo, a take on the Japanese word for "leg" or "ashi," debuted four years ago and has undergone several upgrades.

The latest has a rotating hip that counters the impact of landing on the ground when running -- an activity that's different from walking in that both feet must be off the ground in a hop at a given point in time.

http://www.newsday.com/business/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-japan-honda-robot,0,5136474.story?coll=sns-ap-business-headlines

[catzies]

1. So help me God, I love Honda stuff.

My fantasy is to have my Accord in the garage next to to a Honda generator, a Honda snowblower, a Honda ATV and a Honda motorcycle.

Then I jump in my boat powered by a Honda outboard motor, and go to my private landing strip, where my Honda Jet (yes, they make them too) is piloted by the Honda Asimo.

Just like in the commercials. Did I leave any Honda products out? :P

[tridim]

2. I just wish Honda would go back to making "cool" cars

Like the CRX. Their cars are so boring now.

[catzies]

3. I'm boring.! They suit me perfectly!

My 98 Accord has been paid off for 2 years, and I really don't want to have to think about a new car, but the new V6 hybrird Accords are out, so I might be looking at that in a couple of years. I know it's not even the "best" hyrbrid out there, but that's what I want.

The only thing that would make me get a new car is if my current one gets totaled.

[Zenlitened]

4. Video at the Honda ASIMO site

http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/200412-run/index.html

Looks kinda like the way I jog, sadly for Asimo! :D

[Beetwasher]

5. I Love That They Named Him "Asimo"

Mega props!