Honda's Humanoid Robot Asimo Bids Farewell
Humanoid robot Asimo, developed by Japanese automaker Honda Motor, has bid farewell in the last of its regular shows in Tokyo. Honda ended the Asimo project.
In the final show on Thursday at the automaker's Tokyo head office, the robot demonstrated dances, soccer ball kicks and other skills in front of its fans.
Members of the audience applauded Asimo's feats and took photos.
An elementary schoolboy said he likes Asimo running and singing and being gentle. He said he feels a bit sad, and would be happy if he could meet Asimo again.
Honda unveiled the first model of Asimo in 2000. The humanoid can walk on two feet.
Since then, Honda developed seven generations of the robot.
Asimo has gained the ability to run and jump. It appeared in NHK's year-end singing program and joined various events at home and abroad, demonstrating the technological prowess of the Japanese manufacturer.
But Honda said in 2018 that it had ended the development of Asimo.
The company says Thursday's performance marked the end to the shows that had continued for about 20 years. But it says it will keep Asimo on display.
The automaker plans to shift its focus to the development of remote-controlled avatar robots.