ZDNet |UK| – News – Story – ‘Asimo’ robot becomes more human-like

15:37 Monday 12th November 2001

Reuters

Honda’s humanoid robot, which can be started up in four minutes, is to be a receptionist at IBM Japan

Honda has refined its human robot “Asimo” to gracefully walk down stairs, respond to human commands and even work like a receptionist — but without the smile.

The two-legged, 1.2 metre (four-foot) white and silver Asimo, whose Japanese name roughly translates as “legs, even,” was on display on Monday, showing off its new skills.

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Although Asimo is not yet available for purchase, many amusement companies have lined up to pay the two million yen per day rental fee to use the humanoid for on-stage chats and tour guides, Honda said.

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