Asimo runs. Asimo serves tea. Asimo pushes a cart around.
Honda Motor Co.'s popular humanoid robot took a big stride toward becoming a full-fledged office assistant Tuesday as it showed off its enhanced "mental" and physical capabilities to the media at the automaker's headquarters.
The 130-cm-tall robot can now run at a speed of 6 kph -- twice as fast as its predecessor and fast enough to keep up with a strolling human. It can even run in circles.
It can also recognize office visitors wearing infrared cards and lead them to their meeting rooms.
If visitors ask for a drink, Asimo brings it to their table. Although it cannot hold a cup, it can pick up a tray and set it on a table without spilling it on the way.
Asimo can also push a cart around in all directions, as well as correct the cart's direction or slow it down if necessary.
Honda researchers said they worked on Asimo's sensors and physical capabilities to conquer the new tasks. Their next goal will be to improve the robot's "brain" functions so it can autonomously react to a variety of developments.
"Our ultimate goal is to enable it to serve as your alter ego, doing your tasks while you are away," said Honda President Takeo Fukui. Honda will put its latest Asimo to work next spring at its office in Wako, Saitama Prefecture.