Basic Structure
ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility) features 26 Degrees of Freedom
that help it walk and perform tasks much like a human. One Degree of Freedom is
the ability to move right and left or up and down. These degrees of freedom act
much like human joints for optimum movement and flexibility. ASIMO has two
Degrees of Freedom on its neck, six on each arm and six on each leg.
Lightweight materials, like a magnesium alloy structure, combined with powerful
computers in its backpack and 26 servomotors throughout its body help ASIMO
walk and move smoothly with ease.
Basic Functions
ASIMO
is designed to operate in our world, where we need to reach for things, pick
things up and navigate along floors, sidewalks - even climb stairs. That's why
ASIMO has two arms and two legs and is what is called a humanoid robot. In
fact, ASIMO is the world's only humanoid robot that can walk independently and
climb stairs. This is important, because in a world full of high curbs, uneven
surfaces, obstacles and stairways, this ability is absolutely necessary for
ASIMO to be able to easily function and truly assist humans.
How do you build a humanoid robot?
Building ASIMO was an incredible challenge. In addition to powerful computers
and sophisticated software, ASIMO represents years of research in many
scientific fields like Mathematics, Physics - the study of motion - and Anatomy
- the study of the human body structure - just to name a few.
ASIMO'S ORIGIN
Past
Honda's work in humanoid robotics started in 1986. Engineers first set out to
master the principles of walking. Early experimental models focused on
developing a set of legs that could simulate the complex, dynamic walk of a
human. In later prototype models, Honda engineers added a head, body, and arms
to the robot, to improve walking and balancing skills, and to allow the robot
to grasp or move objects.
Present
Standing just four feet tall and weighing 115 lbs., ASIMO can walk forward and
backward, turn corners, even walk up and down stairs - all with a remarkable
sense of balance, agility, and grace. ASIMO also has two arms and two hands -
to perform tasks such as switching lights on and off, moving objects, and
opening and closing doors.
Future
ASIMO might someday serve as another set of eyes, ears, and legs for people in
need. This means ASIMO might someday help with important tasks, like assisting
the elderly, or a person confined to a bed or a wheelchair. ASIMO might also
perform certain tasks that are dangerous to humans, such as moving harmful
chemicals or fighting fires.
ASIMO IN INDIA
During a visit to India in for IETF 2007 , ASIMO
demonstrated its multi-faceted abilities before several audiences. It
introduced to the people of India the immense potential of Robotics. From
dancing to the tunes of songs from the movie Rang De Basanti to talking to
the people about his love for cricket – ASIMO won many hearts and
impressed people with its flexibility of movement and advanced technological
capability.
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