This is the next generation of the already-famous robot

Nov 8, 2011 15:15 GMT  ·  By

Years ago, when Honda first presented Asimo to the world, everyone was utterly impressed. But the corporation managed to leave everyone speechless again, when it launched the new-generation Asimo, which can now perform tasks which seemed impossible to get a machine to do just a decade ago.

One of the most remarkable features the new machine displays is the ability to move without being controlled by an operator. This is a world-first technology that Honda developed, and which is not available anywhere else.

In addition, the robot is equipped with increased artificial intelligence capabilities, and can easily adapt itself to a large number of situations requiring physical dexterity. It can also run or walk seamlessly, which is a vast improvement from the jerky motions robots usually display.

Honda officials believe that the new Asimo represents an impressive new step for robotics in making machines capable of working alongside humans in offices or public spaces. In the end, this is why most humanoid robots are being developed.

An added benefit this particular robot has is a prototype robotic arm, which is capable of accomplishing highly-dexterous tasks. Granted, the arm needs to be controlled by a human operator, but the fact remains that the robot may be deliver amazing performances in hazardous environments.

For example, sending Asimo robots inside nuclear power plants to operate computers could prevent a catastrophe. However, humans would be unable to perform such tasks, due to high radiation levels.

The new robotic arm has multiple joints, which are kept in a precise alignment thanks to innovative postural control technologies. Asimo now belongs to Honda Robotics, the organization currently handling all robotics-related products and technologies Honda manufactures or researches.

In order for it to perform as an autonomous machine, Asimo had to display a high level of balancing capabilities, such as for example reestablishing itself when it is shoved. External recognition capabilities were also required, so that the robot could predict the paths of people around it.

Thanks to these new technologies, and many others included in the robotic body, Asimo is now capable of performing complex tasks in narrow spaces that are filled with obstacles and irregularities. Making a robot navigate such an environment is hell for programmers.

This is precisely why Honda instead opted to work towards giving the robot more AI, so that it could compute these things on its own, and find its own path, NewsPress reports.