Honda’s Continuing Progress With the Asimo Robot and the Honda Odyssey

Honda (producer of high quality auto parts like Acura CL EGR valve) has recently achieved another breakthrough in the field of robotics when it has successfully made two humanoid robots to work in pairs.

The demonstration was held in Tokyo where the two child-size ASIMOs were made to serve tea and do other tasks in coordination with each other. According to Honda, the new robot buddy system enables the humanoids to share information on each other’s location as well as keep track of each other’s activities.

To demonstrate the new capabilities of the ASIMOs they were made to make their way around the room while pushing a refreshment cart then picking up and setting down drink trays.

According to the automaker the upgrades that they have put on the ASIMO robots allow them to recognize drink choices and to carry a tray with the particular ordered drink. The most amazing about the ASIMO is the part where they can analyze and at the same time predict the movement of real humans enabling them to avoid getting in the way.

Dodge Minivan to Bow Down to Honda Odyssey

Aside from the ASIMO, Honda’s Odyssey is also making waves and it may grab the minivan crown from Chrysler.

It can be noted that it was Chrysler that single-handedly developed the minivan market segment with its Dodge Caravan and the Chrysler Town & Country. Since the introduction of the Caravan in the US in 1983 it has become the top-selling minivan.

But it seems that Chrysler will not be holding the minivan crown for long especially with Honda selling over 158,139 Odyssey minivans compared to the 154,824 Dodge Caravans sold in the same period that is according to data gathered by AutoData.

Chrysler’s sales suffered for 2007 because of changeover to the new version that is according to Chrysler spokeswoman Beverly Thacker. Aside from that more buyers are shifting to crossover SUVs thereby reducing further the minivan market share. The Caravan sales are now down by 21 percent as compared to the number it sold by the end of November in 2006.

With regards to total minivan sales including Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan, Chrysler LLC remains to be the market leader with 279,000 units of minivans sold. But despite this fact industry analysts thinks that Chrysler need to do better than that, if it wants to keep the title as US best-selling minivan especially with Honda working hard to improve the sales of its minivans and so far it’s doing a pretty good job.

Honda Unveils Latest Asimo Robot at La’s Consumer Electronics Show

In California: Honda, the world’s creator of the first ever ASIMO robot has one again made another breakthrough with their humanoid creation. Honda’s latest ASIMO was presented at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The new ASIMO has been upgraded and was given a streamlined of new design. Honda’s ASIMO is now more agile and is capable of quick movements – such as running nearly 4mph. Aside from the ability to run, the humanoid robot was also provided with artificial intelligence capabilities to further enhance human interaction.

Jeffrey Smith, American Honda Assistant Vice President was the one tasked of presenting the ASIMO during its North American Debut at the CES. And here is what he has to say about the ASIMO:

“For the first time in North America, we’re demonstrating this newest iteration of Honda’s remarkable humanoid robotics technology. ASIMO now has a revolutionary ability to run and maneuver at unprecedented speeds… Honda continues to further the development of humanoid robotics technology, believing that one day ASIMO will be a helper to people in need.”

“The new ASIMO can much better interact with and carry out commands given by people and can more effectively perform numerous new tasks including moving carts and carrying objects. The primary advancements of the newest ASIMO include:

Enhanced human Interaction- By providing ASIMO with the ability to recognize the surrounding environment through its visual sensors, floor surface sensor, ultrasonic sensor, and by an IC Tele-interaction Communication Card1, ASIMO can more autonomously interact with people. Through the coordinated use of its eye cameras in the head and the force (kinesthetic) sensors on its wrists, ASIMO can give and receive an object such as a tray. And by using these force sensors, ASIMO can hold the hand of the person and move in sync with them.

Carrying objects using a cart- ASIMO is now capable of handling a cart freely while maintaining an appropriate distance from the cart by adjusting the force of its right and left arms to push a cart using the force sensors on its wrists. Even when the movement of the cart is disturbed, ASIMO can continue maneuvering by taking flexible actions such as slowing down or changing directions.

Running- Through proactive control of ASIMO’s posture while both feet are off the ground, ASIMO can run at nearly 4 mph. In addition, running in a circular pattern at a high speed was achieved by tilting the center of gravity of ASIMO’s body inside of the circle to maintain balance with the amount of centrifugal force experienced.

The main objective of Honda in pursuing the development of the ASIMO robot is to one day create a robot that would have ability to assist those whose mobility are restricted and to replace those who are working in environments that are harmful to humans.

Facts on Honda

Honda is one of the leading producers in the world of various types of mobility products such as automobiles, motorcycles and ATVs, power products; top-of-the-line auto parts products like Civic tie rod end, marine engines, personal watercraft, and light jet. Honda has started its North American operations in the year 1959 with the American Honda Motor Co., Inc. as its first overseas subsidiary.

At present Honda is employing 35,000 associates and operates 13 major manufacturing plants. A great number of Honda products are designed and developed at Honda’s US R&D centers in Ohio, LA and North Carolina. Honda spends $16 billion annually for parts and materials for its North American operations.