Honda may be known as one of today's leaders in forging new automotive technologies, but the company also has its hands in automaton development. Honda has been hard at work updating one of its pet projects: the robot ASIMO. Although the company officially debuted ASIMO in the year 2000, it has continued to improve upon ASIMO's technology- to the extent that the robot's movements are now almost as fluid as a human's. ASIMO can dance, go up and down stairs, balance himself in nearly any environment, speak Sign Language, pour drinks, and play soccer.

Another of ASIMO's incredible abilities is the capability to recognize multiple faces and voices that are present at the same time. Observers of ASIMO have felt a sort of emotional connection to the human-like robot, and some developers argue ASIMO has the ability to develop artificial intelligence on its own. The newest version of ASIMO was unveiled in Tokyo in November 2011.

Over the years, ASIMO has received some criticism for being little more than a toy or a project with no practical use. The revamped model of ASIMO, however, includes technologies that have been utilized for other projects. Two of the main projects are a robotic arm, which would help plant workers clean up after the nuclear crisis in Japan (due to the recent tsunami and earthquake), and the Honda personal mobility device U3-X, which works without fuel and provides easy-to-operate  movement for elderly and disabled persons.

Stephens Honda is proud of the achievements ASIMO and Honda have made and continue to make. With innovations like these, it's apparent that the Honda franchise is committed to offering its drivers the most current technologies available. Stop by 1441 S. Liberty Bloomington, IN 47403 today to discover what the future has in store for the automobile industry. Our new 2012 Honda models are way ahead of the curve.