Japan's ASIMO Humanoid robot
ASIMO, an acronym for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility, is a humanoid robot created by HONDA. It was introduced on 21st October 2000, ASIMO was designed to be a multifunctional mobile assistant with aspirations of helping those who lack full mobility. ASIMO is frequently being used as an inspiration to those who love science and mathematics.
Being about 3 to 4 feet tall and 54KG heavy ASIMO was designed to operate in real-world environments, with the ability to walk or run on two feet at speeds of up to 6 kilometres per hour (3.7 mph). In the USA, ASIMO is part of the inventions which act attraction within Disneyland and has been featured in a 15-minute show called "Say 'Hello' to Honda's ASIMO" since June 2005.The robot has made public appearances around the world, including the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the Miraikan Museum and Honda Collection Hall in Japan, and the Ars Electronica festival in Austria.
Features and Technology:
ASIMO's FORM:
ASIMO stands 130 cm (4 ft 3 in) tall and weighs 54 kg (119 lb). Research conducted by Honda found that the ideal height for a mobility assistant robot was between 120 cm and the height of an average adult, which is conducive to operating door knobs and light switches. ASIMO is powered by a rechargeable 51.8V lithium ion battery with an operating time of one hour. Switching from a nickel metal hydride in 2004 increased the amount of time ASIMO can operate before recharging. ASIMO has a three-dimensional computer processor that was created by Honda and consists of a three stacked die, a processor, a signal converter and memory.The computer that controls ASIMO's movement is housed in the robot's waist area and can be controlled by a PC, wireless controller, or voice commands. .
ABILITIES:
ASIMO has the ability to recognise moving objects, postures, gestures, its surrounding environment and all the faces and everything, which in turn enables it to interact with humans. This bot can detect the movements of multiple objects by using visual information captured by two camera "eyes" in its head and also determine distance and direction with its sensors. This feature allows ASIMO to follow or face a person when approached. The robot interprets voice commands and human gestures, enabling it to recognise when a handshake is offered or when a person waves or points, and then respond accordingly. ASIMO's ability to distinguish between voices and other sounds allows it to identify its companions. ASIMO is able to respond to its name and recognises sounds associated with a falling object or collision. This allows the robot to face a person when spoken to or look towards a sound. ASIMO responds to questions by nodding or providing a verbal answer in different languages and can recognise approximately 10 different faces and address them by name.
MOBILITY:
ASIMO has a walking speed of 2.7 kilometres per hour (1.7 mph) and a running speed of 6 kilometres per hour (3.7 mph). Its movements are determined by floor reaction control and target Zero movement point control, which enables the robot to keep a firm stance and maintain position. ASIMO can adjust the length of its steps, body position, speed and the direction in which it is stepping. Its arms, hands, legs, waist and neck also have varying degrees of movement. The technology that allows the robot to maintain its balance was later used by Honda when it began the research and development project for its motorised unicycle in 2009. ASIMO has a total of 34 degrees of freedom. The neck, shoulder, wrist and hip joints each have three degrees of freedom, while each hand has four fingers and a thumb that have two degrees of freedom, Each ankle has two degrees of freedom, and the waist, knees and elbows each have one degree of freedom. I know it sounds a little hard to understand but it basically means that each body part of this robot has some space given for its mobility.
There are sensors that assist in autonomous navigation. The two cameras inside the head are used as a visual sensor to detect obstacles. The lower portion of the torso has ground sensor which comprises one laser sensor and one infrared sensor. The laser sensor is used to detect ground surface. The infrared sensor with automatic shutter adjustment based on brightness is used to detect pairs of floor markings to confirm the navigable paths of the planned map. The pre-loaded map and the detection of floor markings help the robot to precisely identify its present location and continuously adjusting its position. There are front and rear ultrasonic sensors to sense the obstacles. The front sensor is located at the lower portion of the torso together with the ground sensor. The rear sensor is located at the bottom of the backpack.
Conclusion:
'Japan is developing more robotics for a future that is technical, safe and informative.
It has accomplished wonders and with their efficient yet innovative technology and ideas,
they can start a whole new era with exciting and amazing inventions.'
It has accomplished wonders and with their efficient yet innovative technology and ideas,
they can start a whole new era with exciting and amazing inventions.'
