ASIMO Leads the DSO

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Music, Science, Videos

What better way to spend an evening than to see Honda’s ASIMO live and in person, conducting the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The bot lead the musicians for the tune “The Impossible Dream,” then met Yo-Yo Ma who played with the DSO and received an award as part of the Power of Dreams Music Education Fund that supports music for kids. We wanted to share ASIMO’s performance with you, and yes, we know its time to get a tripod. Our favorite part had to be when he greeted the audience and they answered back. We were hoping to meet him afterwards, but this is one busy bot.

(Thanks, Honda and Alicia)

Read More | DSO

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Asimo is Coming to Town!

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Misc. Tech, Music, Science

One of our fave robotic buds, Honda’s ASIMO, will be coming to Detroit May 13 to conduct the city’s Symphony Orchestra as part of a performance with cellist Yo-Yo Ma. He will be performing to “Impossible Dream” to draw attention to the DSO’s music education program for younger listeners. He will also be on display to music students May 14, who get to learn what he can do as well as get a lesson from the Master of Strings. We will try to get a peek at the bot when he arrives, so if you plan on going, save us a seat.

Read More | Akihabara News

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NAIAS 2008: Honda S2000CR

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Design, Transportation

We were fairly impressed by Honda’s bright blue S2000CR (Club Racer,) which we were told has this title, “The S2000 CR is the closest thing you can get to a Honda-built racecar with license plate holders and a horn.” 

While this may not be the least expensive sportster on the block (about $37,000,) it did stand out as one of the brightest stars on the showroom floor and undoubtedly a speed trap of the future. Check out a couple more shots of the hot car after the jump.

Click to continue reading NAIAS 2008: Honda S2000CR

Read More | NAIAS 2008

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Honda’s Spokesbot ASIMO Is New, Improved

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Science

Honda has come up with a new, more intelligent generation of ASIMO. So far he has entertained Japanese bigwigs and politicos, but now the company has decided it is time for him to go to work. On display this week, two of them pushed a cart, served tea and drinks, and stepped aside for people to pass. This ASIMO will return to its charger when his battery runs low and, while it is recharging, others will take over. (Do you suppose he can plug himself in?) Japanese companies continue to pump out robots as the elderly population rises, to assist them as well as replace them in the workplace.

Read More | Space Daily

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Toyota Bots Play the Violin

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Household, Misc. Tech, Science, Videos

Just as Honda publicly entered the field of robotics with its spokesrobot Asimo, Toyota has 3-upped them with their trio of Partner Robots. Designed to carry out simple tasks for its humans, the first two can not only be programmed for assistance to the infirm or elderly, they can literally play the violin and trumpet. Mobiro was designed as an advanced sort of wheelchair for those who have difficulty walking. Look for him to achieve the status of being a part of Tokyo Disney Theme Park in 2008. Visit Toyota’s site for more robots that are in various stages of R & D.

Read More | Akihabara News

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Honda Thinks Green

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Transportation

Honda’s new concept car PUYO is made of a gel-like material that is supposed to be safer in case of collision. This must be where they got the name, which translates from Japanese to “touching the vehicle’s soft body.” On display at the Tokyo Motor Show that begins October 27, the car runs on fuel cells and therefore features energy efficiency. The vehicle has a small frame and a roomy “silky feel” interior. Honda will also be displaying its green CR-Z sportscar with its gas-electric hybrid system. Come to think of it, the PUYO does look user friendly.

Read More | Jalopnik

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Asimo Makes Commercials

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Science, Transportation

We just saw one of our fave spokesbots in a cameo on television. Asimo recently made an appearance in Honda’s latest commercial. We also understand that he is streaking across the stage at Disneyland in a mini-demo designed to get the greater public used to the idea of bringing robotics into the mainstream. The robot is becoming so famous that he even has his own website. Kudos to the company for knowing that robots can make an impact on sales without petty demands and/or the high salary of celebrities.

Read More | Honda

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