OREANDA-NEWS. April 29, 2011. Honda's ASIMO, the world's most advanced humanoid robot, made its debut at the FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Championship today in St. Louis, Mo. ASIMO, which stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility, is a culmination of more than two decades of research and development by Honda engineers.

Designed to someday assist people in their homes, ASIMO is being used today to encourage and inspire young students, like those involved in the FIRST robotics programs, to consider studies in math and science. The demonstrations highlight ASIMO's unique capabilities including walking forward and backward, running nearly 4 mph, climbing stairs and more.

"Honda and FIRST share many of the same values, including inspiring students to pursue opportunities in science, technology and engineering," said Erik Wedin, ASIMO North American project leader. "We think a student robotics competition is the perfect setting to share and showcase ASIMO's capabilities."

Honda is one of the sponsors of the FIRST Championship, where over 11,000 students from 29 countries will participate in three simultaneous robotics competitions. As part of the activities, Honda is conducting ASIMO demonstrations today and Fri., April 29 on the hour from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m., and on Sat., April 30 from 9 a.m. through noon. The demonstrations, which are free and open to the public, are taking place in the Second Level Atrium of the America's Center Convention Complex in downtown St. Louis.

ASIMO visited 17 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces on a North American tour from 2003 through 2005, but this is the first time the humanoid robot has been demonstrated in Missouri.

About ASIMO
Honda engineers began developing a humanoid robot in 1986 for the purpose of someday helping people in need. After years of research and development, they created an advanced humanoid robot able to function in real-world environments. ASIMO made its U.S. debut Feb. 14, 2002, when it rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, and the latest version of ASIMO, which includes the ability to run, debuted in North America at the Consumer Electronics Show, January 2007, in Las Vegas. ASIMO is currently installed in Disneyland's Innoventions attraction where the Say 'Hello' to Honda's ASIMO live demonstration takes place several times daily in the Honda ASIMO Theater. The program gives visitors a glimpse into the future when humanoid robots, such as ASIMO, will assist humans in their homes. Learn more about ASIMO at http://asimo.honda.com.

About Honda
As a company devoted to the advancement of human mobility, Honda's innovative research and development efforts during the past decade have yielded such diverse outcomes as humanoid robotics, walking assist devices, HondaJet, fuel cell electric vehicle technology, thin film solar cells, increased rice crop yields and functional nano-materials – in addition to the design and development of automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment products. Based on its belief in the value of technology to address the needs of society, it is Honda's mission to develop products that anticipate and satisfy the evolving needs of its customers while meeting society's demand for cleaner, safer, more efficient and sustainable means of transportation and human mobility.