ASIMO with patients from Nationwide ChildrenÕs Hospital in Columbus, Ohio

Honda has announced that ASIMO, its child-sized humanoid robot will be retiring after a 20-year career in the public eye. ASIMO is the culmination of two decades of humanoid robotics research by Honda engineers. ASIMO can run, walk on uneven slopes and surfaces, turn smoothly, climb stairs, and reach for and grasp objects.

ASIMO can also comprehend and respond to simple voice commands. It also has the ability to recognize the face of a select group of individuals. Using its camera eyes, ASIMO can map its environment and register stationary objects. It can even avoid moving obstacles as it moves through its environment – thanks to its last update in 2011.

ASIMO has had some noteworthy public appearances over its 20-year career. Including ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange in 2002. And even meeting former U.S. President Barack Obama during his visit to Japan in 2014.

What’s Next for Honda Robotics?

In September last year, Honda announced a plan to develop an avatar robot, allowing a user to operate it virtually from a remote location. The new robot will be equipped with a multi-fingered hand and an original AI-supported remote control function according to Honda.