Archive for January 2014
A unique fusion of rider and vehicle, the U3-X makes new strides in the advancement of human mobility.
Technology developed from research into walking and balance for ASIMO provides the U3-X with balance and free movement in all directions, just as in human walking. Any change in the incline of the U3-X caused by a rider’s weight shift is analyzed to determine the rider's intention in terms of direction and speed. Precise control then returns the device to an upright position. The effect is smooth, agile movements and simple operation simply by shifting your weight.
Honda Omni Traction Drive System
The Honda Omni Traction Drive System is the world’s first wheel structure that enables movement in all directions. Multiple small-diameter motor-controlled wheels are connected in-line to form one large-diameter wheel. Rotating the large-diameter wheel moves the U3-X forward and backward, while rotating the small-diameter wheels moves it side-to-side. Combining these movements causes the U3-X to move diagonally.
Compact and Innovative Design
Weighing in at less than 22 pounds, the U3-X is lightweight and portable. The carbon fiber body-cover doubles as the support frame and also houses the foldable seat and foot rests when not in use.
Freedom of Motion
Walking Assist Device with Stride Management Assist
For those with weakened leg muscles who are still able to walk
When walking is a struggle, you need a leg up. And that’s literally what
Honda’s prototype Stride Management Assist device is designed to
provide. A motor helps lift each leg at the thigh as it moves forward and
backward. This helps lengthen the user’s stride, making it easier to cover
longer distances at a greater speed.
For those with weakened leg muscles who are still able to walk
A lightweight, simple design with a belt worn around the hips and thighs
was created to reduce the wearer’s load and to fit different body shapes.
More than 130 patents have been applied for pertaining to the walking
assist devices, which are currently being tested in real-world conditions to
evaluate their effectiveness.
As a company that values mobility, Honda began research into a walking
device in 1999. The cumulative study of human walking, along with research
and development of technologies conducted for Honda’s advanced
humanoid robot, ASIMO, made these developments possible.
| THE HISTORY OF ASIMO :THE PAST |  | |
In 1986, Honda engineers set out to create a walking robot. Early models (E1, E2, E3) focused on developing legs that could simulate the walk of a human. The next series of models (E4, E5, E6) were focused on walk stabilization and stair climbing. Next, a head, body and arms were added to the robot to improve balance and add functionality. Honda’s first humanoid robot, P1 was rather rugged at 6’ 2” tall, and 386 lbs. P2 improved with a more friendly design, improved walking, stair climbing/descending, and wireless automatic movements. The P3 model was even more compact, standing 5’ 2” tall and weighing 287 lbs. | ||
 | THE PRESENT | |
ASIMO is the culmination of two decades of humanoid robotics research by Honda engineers. ASIMO can run, walk on uneven slopes and surfaces, turn smoothly, climb stairs, and reach for and grasp objects. ASIMO can also comprehend and respond to simple voice commands. ASIMO has the ability to recognize the face of a select group of individuals. Using its camera eyes, ASIMO can map its environment and register stationary objects. ASIMO can also avoid moving obstacles as it moves through its environment. | ||
| THE FUTURE | |
As development continues on ASIMO, today Honda demonstrates ASIMO around the world to encourage and inspire young students to study the sciences. And in the future, ASIMO may serve as another set of eyes, ears, hands and legs for all kinds of people in need. Someday ASIMO might help with important tasks like assisting the elderly or a person confined to a bed or a wheelchair. ASIMO might also perform certain tasks that are dangerous to humans, such as fighting fires or cleaning up toxic spills.   ASIMO has found a new home …the happiest place on earth!
ASIMO, the world's most advanced humanoid robot, stars in its very own high-tech stage show in the Honda ASIMO Theater in Innoventions, located inside Disneyland® Resort's Tomorrowland.
Science comes to life in Say 'Hello' to Honda's ASIMO, a 15-minute live show featuring the revolutionary humanoid that has captivated audiences across the globe. The newest attraction in Innoventions, this engaging and educational presentation paints a picture of how humans will someday benefit from a robot assistant like ASIMO. As guests enter the Honda ASIMO Theater they are introduced to Honda's robotics program and learn how the power of dreams and the determination of Honda engineers led to the development of a humanoid robot capable of the remarkable feat of walking like a real person. Inside the theater, guests are invited into the home of the McGuires as they meet the newest member of their family, ASIMO, and discover the endless possibilities of having a humanoid robot in their home. Excitement fills the theater as guests witness ASIMO maneuver through a home environment using its amazing mobility capabilities such as walking forward and backward, climbing and descending a flight of stairs and even dancing! Offering a glimpse into a household complete with a humanoid robot helper, Say 'Hello' to Honda's ASIMO inspires guests to dream of the infinite potential for robots to help people in the future. Your family can meet ASIMO and the McGuires in the Honda ASIMO Theater inside Innoventions at the Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim, California. Why Create a Humanoid Robot?The dream sounds simple. Design a robot that can duplicate the complexities of human motion and genuinely help people. An easy task? Not at all. ASIMO took more than two decades of persistent study, research, and trial and error before Honda engineers achieved their dream of creating an advanced humanoid robot. Read more here | ||
