Honda humanoid robots development

• Published in: Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series A: Mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences Vol. 365; no. 1850; pp. 11 - 19
• Main Authors: Hirose, Masato, Ogawa, Kenichi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London The Royal Society 15.01.2007
• Subjects: Applications; Arm; Artificial Intelligence; Biomimetics - instrumentation; Biomimetics - trends; Biotechnology - instrumentation; Biotechnology - trends; Biped Walking; Cameras; Cybernetics - instrumentation; Cybernetics - trends; Environmental technology; Human societies; Humanoid Robots; Humans; Industry - instrumentation; Industry - trends; Japan; Legs; Research - trends; Robotics; Robotics - instrumentation; Robotics - trends; Robots; Sensors; Torso; Walking; Japan
• ISSN: 1364-503X; 1471-2962
• DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2006.1917

Honda has been doing research on robotics since 1986 with a focus upon bipedal walking technology. The research started with straight and static walking of the first prototype two-legged robot. Now, the continuous transition from walking in a straight line to making a turn has been achieved with the latest humanoid robot ASIMO. ASIMO is the most advanced robot of Honda so far in the mechanism and the control system. ASIMO's configuration allows it to operate freely in the human living space. It could be of practical help to humans with its ability of five-finger arms as well as its walking function. The target of further development of ASIMO is to develop a robot to improve life in human society. Much development work will be continued both mechanically and electronically, staying true to Honda's 'challenging spirit'.