Posted on 11/18/2001 8:27:22 AM PST by VeritatisSplendor
TOKYO - 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, four-foot white and silver Asimo, whose Japanese name roughly translates as ''legs, even,'' was on display on Monday, showing off its new skills.
Unlike Sony Corp.'s virtual pet dog ABIO, and Omron Corp.'s robo-cat Necor, Asimo does more than please the gadget loving nation by wagging a tail or purring.
Asked to turn around at a press briefing, Asimo responded in a neutral, if somewhat monotone, voice: ''What do you want?'' while raising a hand and moving some fingers.
The 114.6-pound product of 15 years of development by Japan's third largest carmaker, first unveiled a year ago, can now be initialized, or booted, within four minutes -- a big leap from a previous 40-minute start-up.
It has also found some new work.
Honda Motor Corp., which has been renting out the robot for use at theme park events nationwide since April this year, on Monday said it chosen three clients out of 40 offers for long-term contracts.
Among them is IBM Japan, which hired Asimo as a receptionist for an annual contract of $166,200.
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.
''In terms of costs and attraction, Asimo would rank among the celebrities called on to host events,'' said Toshiji Asai, manager of Asimo's business office.
But unlike many TV talents who are at the mercy of fickle audiences, Honda hopes to keep modifying Asimo so it remains a novelty.
''We hope to have Asimo on sale once it is more user-friendly, when it will be able to fetch things you ask for,'' said Makoto Hirose, senior chief engineer at Honda R&D Co. Ltd.
The reporter is an ignoramus, but I am sure Isaac Asimov would appreciate the company's choice of a name.
Surely this is a typo. Probably could hire 10 or 12 human receptionists for this amount.
'Daisy, Daisy, Give me Your Answer True'.
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