Honda's Asimo plays soccer with President Obama!

Honda Motor's humanoid robot ASIMO greeted US President Barack Obama at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.

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Amazed by Asimo’s capabilities, Obama joined the robot to play a game of soccer.

ASIMO told Obama, “I can really run fast. I can kick a soccer ball, too.” 

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Obama found the robot “life-like” and was impressed by its capabilities.

ASIMO stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility. ASIMO was created to be a helper for ailing people.

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The latest robot features enhanced hand movements, including the ability to sign in both Japanese and American sign language, as well as the ability to run faster than previously, climb stairs more smoothly, hop, jump, balance on one foot, and transition seamlessly between walking and running, among other new and unique capabilities.

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“ASIMO was designed to help those in society who need assistance, and Honda believes that these improvements in ASIMO bring us another step closer to our ultimate goal of being able to help all kinds of people in need,” said Satoshi Shigemi, Senior Chief Engineer with Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in Japan, responsible for humanoid robotics.

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ASIMO’s height of four feet, three inches makes it ideal for helping around the house, or assisting a person confined to a bed or a wheelchair.

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ASIMO’s size also allows it to look directly at an adult sitting in a chair or sitting up in bed for easy communication. 

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Honda started developing humanoid robots in 1986. 

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The world’s first self-regulating, bipedal (two-legged) humanoid robot, named P2, was completed by Honda in December 1996. 

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P3, the first completely independent, bipedal humanoid walking robot, arrived in September 1997.

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P3 stood 5’2” tall and weighed 286 pounds (130 kilograms).  ASIMO was completed October 31, 2000 and remains the most advanced humanoid robot ever created, says Honda.

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The new model of ASIMO is powered by a 51.8v lithium ion (Li-ION) battery.

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ASIMO can operate for approximately one hour on a single battery.

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Asimo salutes the crowd in Barcelona during its first appearance in Europe.

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Asimo demonstrates its ability to hop during a demonstration for the media at the Jacob Javits Convention Center during the New York International Auto Show in New York.

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Honda Motor's humanoid robot Asimo (R) runs past the audience at a Tokyo science museum during its first appearance outside Honda's facilities.

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Asimo walks after it was presented by Motor manufacturer Honda at the annual car exhibition Helsinki Motor Show in Helsinki.

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ASIMO, joined by the U3-X for the first time ever in Europe, is performing at the Moscow International Automobile Show.

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ASIMO entertains people at an AirVenture event.

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