The world's most advanced humanoid robot is headed to school. ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility) will perform a special demonstration in March 2004 at the school that submits the winning entry to the ASIMO Essay Contest, a national contest on robotics. All public and private elementary, middle, junior high and high schools in the 48 contiguous United States are eligible to enter.
"The goal of the ASIMO Essay Contest is to encourage students across the nation to dream about the future of robotics," said Jeffrey Smith, leader of the ASIMO North American Project. "But more importantly, with this contest we hope to inspire students to work together to make their dreams a reality."
The winning school will receive an educational and interactive demonstration about robotics featuring ASIMO. This presentation will illustrate ASIMO's technical capabilities, including walking forward and backward, balancing on one leg, dancing and even climbing stairs. Students will also learn how ASIMO was developed, understand the challenges of creating humanoid robots and explore potential future applications for robotic technologies.
To enter the contest, each school elects one class or group of students to represent the school in the competition. This designated group submits an essay of 1,000 words or less describing their vision for the future role of humanoid robots. Entries are due by December 31, 2003. Information and contest entry forms are available at www.asimo.honda.com.
This school visit will be the final stop on the "Say Hello to ASIMO" North American Educational Tour, a 15-month national educational tour presented by American Honda Motor Co., Inc., a world leader in advanced mobility. The tour reaches out to students across the country through the nation's top science museums and educational institutions to create a unique educational experience inspiring young students to pursue academic study in the sciences.
ASIMO was developed by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. after more than 17 years of research. Created for the purpose of someday helping people in need, ASIMO can walk forward and backward, turn smoothly without pausing, climb stairs and maintain balance while walking on uneven slopes and surfaces. ASIMO also has two arms and two hands, which ease such tasks as reaching for and grasping objects, switching lights on and off, and opening and closing doors.
