The ASIMO (Advanced Step In Innovative Mobility) is a humanoid robot that was released by the Honda Motor Company in 2000. Standing 1.30m tall and weighing 54kg, it is designed to help with household chores and assist elderly or disabled people with mobility. It has evolved from earlier designs such as the P2 and P3 into its current state. Honda Motor Company has announced that in the future, they might even add more functions to ASIMO to so that it can perform dangerous tasks such as fighting fires.
How Does ASIMO Work? ASIMO detects the presence of objects and the environmental factors around it through its two camera eyes (built on its head). Built-in IC Communication also enables it to recognise people in the vicinity and follow their simple voice commands. In addition, the robot's database system allows it to know the positions of objects and humans and to avoid them when moving. Visual and force sensors are employed to aid it with simple contact movements such as shaking hands.
Features - Lightweight and compact in size, making it user-friendly and non-threatening to children or disabled people. - First robot to be able to both walk independently and climb stairs. - Extensive limb movement (e.g. the elbow joint can lift up to 105 degrees). - Latest version is able to run at maximum speeds of 6km/hr.
Simple Machines ASIMO Uses The latest version of ASIMO operates on a 51.8v lithium battery. In order for it to function, lots of different simple machines have been implemented inside it. Three of the major ones are listed below: -Wheel and Axle -Levers -Screws Levers are built in its arms and legs to maximise limb movement. Powered by electrical circuits built inside, the levers can be used in many ways resulting in different actions. Screws are used in the exterior structure of the ASIMO. This component is essential as it holds all the robot parts together without breaking or falling apart. They are driven into the magnesium alloy plates covering its body. Wheel and axle systems are also present in ASIMO through the form of gears. The 34 joints, or gears, located in its body increase its movement and mobility.
*The below diagram illustrates an earlier version of the ASIMO. All its components are the same except for the battery, height, weight and speed.