Honda's ASIMO getting more intelligent?

We're not getting too hopeful about all of this just yet, but reportedly, Honda has worked a new series of "cutting-edge intelligence technologies" into ASIMO. Apparently aimed to keep the poor humanoid from tumbling down stairs, the improvements will supposedly enable it to "operate autonomously with people and other ASIMOs," essentially making it more suitable for real world use. More specifically, the new technologies include a "new system that enables multiple ASIMO humanoid robots to share tasks and work together to provide uninterrupted service to people," an automatic charging function, intelligence to avoid obstacles by stepping back or yielding to oncoming objects and the ability to "perform tasks such as carrying a tray and pushing a trolley." That sound you hear? Yeah, that's the collective grumbling of butlers / maids the world over.

[Via Pocket-Lint]

[TC @ Dec 11th 2007 2:40AM]

So it can change it's own batteries?　Huh. So, uh, what happens if you get in between it and a fresh battery?

[Chuckles McGee @ Dec 11th 2007 10:11AM]

Then ASIMO runs "cap_hater.exe".

[BobTurbo @ Dec 11th 2007 2:43AM]

I saw ASIMO the other day and was extremely unimpressed. He has no weapons and doesn't resemble a human all that much.

[ekwmin @ Dec 11th 2007 10:56AM]

And it walks like someone with a really bad lower back pain. It's painful just watching it walk.

[Frankenstein Black @ Dec 11th 2007 12:06PM]

Add one Real Doll skin cover and in walks Paris (Hilton) 2.0! I'm just saying...

[derX @ Dec 11th 2007 3:05AM]

Intelligent, eh?

derX: What do you call one who cooks very well?
ASIMO says: A master chef.
derX: What do he do?
ASIMO: *gestures emulate cooking*

derX: What do you call one who writes very well?
ASIMO says: *takes time* A master writer.
derX: And what does he do?
ASIMO: *gestures imitates writing*

derX: What do you call one who baits well?
ASIMO says: *takes time* A master baiter.
derX: And what does he do?
ASIMO: *gestures demonstrates masturbating*

Honda: *yanks Robot off stage* Okay, we have a few kinks to work out, here.

Oh yes, kinks, indeed.

[Reader @ Dec 11th 2007 3:16AM]

It scares me to know that ASIMO makes you think of masturbating...albeit I'm sure there's a Japanese fetish for that.

[derX @ Dec 11th 2007 3:18AM]

It scares me that you don't realize I am overly-fond of homophones.

Master baiting and masturbating sound the same when pronounced. Go ahead, give it a try.

[Reader @ Dec 11th 2007 3:48AM]

Orly?!

[derX @ Dec 11th 2007 4:02AM]

xDDDD

Cool, no?

[Joel @ Dec 11th 2007 3:16AM]

So when are we going to see the first restaurant with an entirely robotic wait staff?

[Brian Sexton @ Dec 11th 2007 6:38AM]

I don't know about wait staffs, but I expect service to improve when these things start jockeying cash registers at fast food restaurants. The places will probably be cleaner too.

[derX @ Dec 11th 2007 3:21AM]

Why have robots wait restaurants when we have aliens doing the same thing?

Seen AVP? Aliens don't like it when others encroach upon their territory.

[Brian Sexton @ Dec 11th 2007 7:42AM]

We already have a lot of aliens working in some of our restaurants, just not the kind you're thinking of.

[webon @ Dec 11th 2007 3:44AM]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23jdsvwk95k

Is this same dude the one bringing the beers??
I want mine in a un-opened can please!

[w @ Dec 11th 2007 6:08AM]

the should teach him to cry for help.

[caaahl @ Dec 11th 2007 6:54AM]

Hi guys!

On http://world.honda.com/HDTV/ASIMO/ you can check the new improvements via several new videos.

[chris.d.heywood @ Dec 11th 2007 7:12AM]

the new technologies include a "new system that enables multiple ASIMO humanoid robots to share tasks and work together to provide uninterrupted service to people," an automatic charging function, intelligence to avoid obstacles by stepping back or yielding to oncoming objects and the ability to "perform tasks such as carrying a tray and pushing a trolley."

I, for one, welcome our new robot overlords. "Work together to provide uniterrupted service to people" Does anyone else shiver when they hear this?

[Garrett @ Dec 11th 2007 7:37AM]

Oh finally! My ASIMO can now work with other ASIMOs, how are your guys' ASIMOs doing? Mine is fine, thanks.

"Other ASIMOs - HAH," I can hear my Roomba muttering from here.

[bratkun @ Dec 11th 2007 8:02AM]

Saw Asimo last Sunday during the Fukuoka Motor Show here in Japan, and all I can say is that he is quite a fast fella. Quick on his feet... but I still wont trust him to pour me my beer, thats reserved for my Takara Tomy super cheapo beer robot. The new Honda Puyo concept car was impressive though.

[Ayle @ Dec 11th 2007 1:05PM]

I prefer Qrio... TO bad Sony pulled the plug on that one... WHY???

[Asa @ Dec 12th 2007 9:32PM]

Could run for next president. ;)