ASIMO
ASIMO (アシモ) is a humanoid robot created in 2000 by Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha. ASIMO is considered the first humanoid robot that can walk on two feet in a manner resembling human locomotion. Weighing 43 kilograms, the external design of the robot resembles a small astronaut wearing a backpack.
Three prototypes preceded the current ASIMO 2000 model: prototype P1 in 1986, P2 in 1996 and P3 in 1997.
The robot's name is a backronym in honor of science fiction writer Isaac Asimov, maker of the Three Laws of Robotics. Officially, the name stands for "Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility". In Japanese, the name is pronounced ashimo and, not coincidentally, means "legs also".
In 2004, ASIMO was inducted into the Robot Hall of Fame.
Public appearances
On February 14, 2002 ASIMO opened the trade session at the New York Stock Exchange.
On August 21, 2003 ASIMO participated in the visit of Japanese prime-minister Junichiro Koizumi to Czech Republic and his meeting with Vladimír Špidla there.
In November 2004, during the visit of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark to Japan she met with ASIMO. They exchanged some jokes in Danish language and the queen received a gift of flowers from ASIMO.