Asimo breaks new ground in robot movement
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TOKYO -- Honda Motor Co. unveiled an upgraded version of its Asimo humanoid robot Tuesday that can move at a speed of 6 kilometers per hour and perform a greater number of tasks such as passing a tray.
Compared with its predecessor models, the new Asimo can better interact with people -- for example, walking hand in hand with a person.
Visual sensors, a floor surface sensor and an ultrasonic sensor have been built into the robot along with an IC card to help it recognize its surroundings, Honda said.
The robot can run various errands, including carrying objects using a cart and acting as a receptionist or guide.
Even if the movement of the cart is disturbed, Asimo can continue to carry the object by slowing down or changing direction, Honda said.
The speed of movement of the new Asimo is double that of its predecessor, Honda said. The new Asimo can move in circles.
The robot's ability to move in a circular pattern at a high speed has been improved by tilting the center of gravity of its body inside of the circle to maintain balance with the amount of centrifugal force experienced, the company said.
The major carmaker will begin operating the latest model of Asimo next spring next year at its office in Wako, Saitama Prefecture.