It was only a few weeks ago when Honda Robotics brought the latest upgraded humanoid Asimo robot to the USA Science and Engineering Festival (shown above).
So it was sad to hear, via the Nikkei Asian Review, that Honda has stopped development of Asimo, a symbol of Japan’s advances in robotics technology along with Sony’s Aibo robot dog. Honda now plans to put the technology behind Asimo to use in areas such as physical therapy and self-driving vehicles.
The original Asimo appeared in 2000 as the first robot to walk on two legs. Development started back in 1986. Honda’s management plan through 2030, released last year, now focuses on mobility, energy systems and robotics.
We all remember when Sony made their AIBO and QRIO robotic dogs. Make posted a tribute to them back in 2008.
Open Source These Technologies
Companies spend hundreds of millions of dollars developing cool projects, only to “pivot” and abandon them. Honda can get a huge public relations bost if they would Open Source at least some of the technology and code in Asimo.
Honda, keep the technology you need for good cars, etc. Put the rest in an open source repository. Now more than ever, people are using open robotics to make people new limbs, swim the world’s oceans, and climb earthquake ravaged towns. Your technology could save a life or make someone’s life much better. Please, consider donating some Asimo technology to people who will keep the touch running to help others less fortunate.
Could you think of Asimo technologies that could help others? Post in the comments!