Honda's ASIMO robot turns 10

The world's cutest and most advanced robo-boy has turned 10. Honda's ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility) humanoid robot was created exactly 10 years ago as part of Honda's program of research and development into robotics and human mobility. Honda says it can now run and walk on uneven slopes and surfaces, climb stairs, and reach for and grasp objects. ASIMO can also comprehend and respond to simple voice commands, recognize faces and even avoid moving obstacles as it runs. Honda hopes in the future ASIMO-style robots could perform simple household tasks. Happy birthday Asimo!

The world's cutest and most advanced robo-boy has turned 10. Honda's ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility) humanoid robot was created exactly 10 years ago as part of Honda's program of research and development into robotics and human mobility. Honda says the robot can now run and walk on uneven slopes and surfaces, climb stairs, and reach for and grasp objects. ASIMO can also comprehend and respond to simple voice commands, recognize faces and even avoid moving obstacles as it runs. Honda hopes in the future ASIMO-style robots could perform simple household tasks. Happy birthday ASIMO! (Photo: AFP)

Honda's ASIMO humanoid robot is so advanced that it has heralded a revolution in the technology of humanoid robots. (Photo credit: www.world.honda.com)
Honda believes the benefits of such a humanoid robot is not only for home, but could help people in situations where they need support and assistance. (Photo credit: www.world.honda.com)
ASIMO is 4 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 54 kilograms. It resembles a small astronaut wearing a backpack and can walk or run on two feet at speeds up to 6 km/h (3.7 mph) (Photo credit: www.world.honda.com)

Honda says to see the faces of our future scientists and engineers light up as ASIMO enters the stage is incredibly rewarding. (Photo credit: www.world.honda.com)
Honda's humanoid robot has given rise to breakthroughs in mobility technology. With this the company aims to develop a robot that will be able to help people in their everyday lives. (Photo credit: www.world.honda.com)
ASIMO attends a major festival celebrating science and robotics in Switzerland. (Photo credit: www.world.honda.com)

According to Honda, wherever ASIMO goes it receives overwhelming response with each performance fully booked. (Photo credit: www.world.honda.com)
ASIMO waves the flag on the starting line of Honda's GreenChallenge in Romania. (Photo credit: www.world.honda.com)
ASIMO carrying the flags of Turkey and Japan during a show. (Photo credit: www.world.honda.com)

A young child looks on at a cardboard representation of Honda Motor's humanoid robot Asimo, during a promotional event marking the robots tenth anniversary at the company's headquarters in Tokyo on October 31, 2010. Asimo, which officially stands for "Advanced Step in Innovative MObility", was the culmination of two decades of humanoid robotics research by Honda engineers, who began research on the project in the 1980s and unveiled Asimo in 2000. (Photo: AFP)
ASIMO applauds young scientists at Belgian robot festival. (Photo credit: www.world.honda.com)
ASIMO running on stage during the show. (Photo credit: www.world.honda.com)
In this picture ASIMO was invited to the newspaper by its Editor James Harding, who wanted to give Times journalists the chance to see the capabilities of the world's most advanced humanoid robot first hand. (Photo credit: www.world.honda.com)
ASIMO demonstrating abilities such as walking forwards and backwards at various speeds, carrying a tray, and dancing and interacting with people. (Photo credit: www.world.honda.com)
ASIMO in a hospital assisting patients. (Photo credit: www.world.honda.com)
ASIMO conducting the Detroit (US) symphony orchestra. (Photo credit: www.world.honda.com)
A performer shaking hands with ASIMO during the symphony orchestra. (Photo credit: www.world.honda.com)
ASIMO making the intricate gesture of clapping hands during the show. (Photo credit: www.world.honda.com)
ASIMO takes to the skies in Switzerland's 30th International Hot-Air Balloon Festival. (Photo credit: www.world.honda.com)
ASIMO is the culmination of more than two decades of humanoid robotics research and development incorporating several significant technological advancements. (Photo credit: www.world.honda.com)
ASIMO playing with football during a demonstration. (Photo credit: www.world.honda.com)
The aim of the Asimo project is to develop a truly usable humanoid robot and continue the development of intelligent systems for use in other Honda products. (Photo credit: www.world.honda.com)