Robots have been the subject of countless science fiction tales and blockbuster movies, most often portrayed as malicious machines that have become independent of their creators and use their inherent advantages to rise to the top of the food chain. Until very recently, this type of scenario could only ever exist in fiction.

Humanoid robots have been around for a while now, but Honda’s Asimo will always remain one of the most recognisable. As one of the first humanoid robots to accomplish bipedal locomotion, the amazing machine has made appearances around the world. In addition to its already impressive array of abilities, Honda has updated the little fella, allowing it to operate autonomously. That’s right, a robot that can think for itself.

The amazing, and possibly terrifying, accomplishment required Honda to determine and meet three factors. The first was to get Asimo perfectly balanced, allowing it walk freely without toppling over. Secondly, they had to give it the aptitude to recognise movements around it using built in sensors. Lastly, it needed the capacity to take appropriate action with regards to its surroundings and allow it navigate around obstacles, both static and moving, successfully.

The robot was originally envisaged to become a domestic aid, and its designers are still working towards this end. Its latest updates and upgrades have also included a number of impressive new features. Using its human-like hands, it can open screw-top bottles and hold a paper cup without instantly pulverizing it. It’s even working on its sign language vocabulary and then there’s this,

The new Asimo can recognize a particular voice even while people are speaking simultaneously. It can also predict the direction a person is headed so it can quickly take an alternate path. At 13.2 lbs. lighter than the previous model and with a new pair of stronger legs, it’s now quicker on its feet and can run backward or continuously hop on one leg.”

Asimo’s new skills and features, albeit eerie, bring it one step closer to its intended practical applications. It also brings us one step closer to living the plot of iRobot, The Matrix and The Terminator.

[Source: Yahoo]