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Honda has just updated its humanoid hero with a series of new abilities which take the robot a big step closer to the real world. In this case, it's not just about a small step but a giant leap.
Honda says Asimo 2011 - it's the 13th generation of a robot that was created in 1986 - is now capable of autonomous operation and fine-skill work including opening screw tops and pouring drinks.
Ironically, the big moves on Asimo come as the latest generation of Honda cars - led by the disappointing new Civic - are hit by critics for their failure to advance or even reflect Honda's traditional engineering-led approach to motoring.
The Civic has even been removed from the 'recommended' list by America's authoritative Consumer Reports organisation and is being tipped for an early upgrade of its cabin quality in 2012.
The all-new CR-V goes public in the USA next week at the Los Angeles Motor Show and there are plenty of people - mostly owners and SUV shoppers - hoping it is more impressive than the Civic.
On the Asimo front, Honda says the robot has "significantly improved intelligence and the physical ability to adapt to situations". That means the day is coming - even if it's slowly - when an Asimo could be a genuine worker and not just a motor show toy.
Honda says the new Asimo is the first that's able to move without being controlled by an operator and also has a new type of robot arm. The result is a robot with better balance, the ability respond to external situations, and autonomous behaviour.
"Asimo can now predict the direction a person will walk and quickly determine an alternative path to take if a collision is detected. This technology also enables Asimo to recognise faces and voices," Honda says.
There is also a multi-fingered hand, with a tactile sensor and a force sensor imbedded on the palm and in each finger, that gives Asimo much greater dexterity. The robot can now pick up a glass bottle and remove a twist cap, hold a soft paper cup, and even make sign language expression.
