Humanoid Robot Conducts Yo-Yo Ma
The ASIMO humanoid robot conducted the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) as it performed “Impossible Dream” to open a special concert performance with
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renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. The appearance was designed to draw attention to the DSO’s music education programs, particularly the effort to encourage and support involvement of children in Detroit.
ASIMO, which stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility, is being developed by Honda to someday assist the elderly and disabled in their homes. In the meantime, the robot is helping to encourage and inspire young students to consider studies in math and science. The addition of music education to ASIMO’s repertoire is an extension of these efforts.
Honda engineers began developing a humanoid robot in 1986. After years of research and development, they created an advanced humanoid robot able to function in real-world environments. ASIMO made its U.S. debut February 14, 2002, when it rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange and the latest version of ASIMO, which includes the ability to run, debuted in North America at the Consumer Electronics Show, January 2007, in Las Vegas.
ASIMO is permanently installed in Disneyland’s Innoventions attraction where the live 15-minute Say ‘Hello’ to Honda’s ASIMO demonstration take places several times daily. The program gives visitors a glimpse into a not-too-distant future when humanoid robots, such as ASIMO, will assist humans in their homes. ASIMO also stars in “Step to Safety with ASIMO,” a pedestrian safety program that teaches children safe ways to cross the street. Demonstrations of ASIMO’s abilties can be viewed at asimo.honda.com.
