ASIMO

Here is a popular “person” with pupils, especially younger ones when we talk about Technology in ICT... ASIMO!

ASIMO is a robot created and developed by Honda. His name stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility. One of his main talents is that he can walk and indeed run almost like a human. His name is based on I, Robot author Isaac Asimov.

As any sci-fi fan will know Asimov (the author) created the “Three Laws of Robotics” which are:

<![if !supportLists]>1.      <![endif]>A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

<![if !supportLists]>2.      <![endif]>A robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

<![if !supportLists]>3.      <![endif]>A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.

Honda believe he is a STEM ambassador of a very unique kind, with one aim to get more children interested in Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics (though not necessarily in that order).

ASIMO is 4ft 3, so is akin to a child in a way. He is powered by a Lithium battery which can last for around an hour.

Here is Top Gear’s James May meeting ASIMO a couple of years ago: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DMDLrsicZ8

I have read that he has been at Disneyland since 2005. Well when I was there in 2009 I didn’t see him! Perhaps he was on tour as he does get about for a little chap.

For more information on the remarkable ASIMO, here is his official webpage: http://world.honda.com/ASIMO/