'Human' robot at your service
2002-12-05 15:00
Tokyo - Japan's Honda Motor Co said on Thursday it has developed a new model of its intelligent humanoid robot Asimo, which can interpret the postures and gestures of humans and move independently in response, Honda said in a statement.
The new robot can greet approaching people, follow them, move in the direction they indicate and even recognise their faces and address them by name, the Japanese automaker said.
"The first Asimo was introduced in November 2000. The advanced one can remember faces of up to 10 people," said a Honda official.
Responding to humans' questions about things such as the weather, for example, the robot can use networks such as the internet and provide an answer, Honda said.
It can also execute tasks such as reception duties.
The company said it will start leasing the robot next January for use at public institutions and business corporations.
Rental fees are set at $160 000 a year, the company said. - Sapa-DPA
- SAPA