Artificial Intelligence is moving along a lot more rapidly today than it has over past years. Developers still struggle
with creating a way for computers/robots/AI to think like a human brain. However, AI is becoming much smarter and within 20 - 30 years, many think AI will be equal or beyond the thinking power of a human. Whether or not this is
the case, AI is still moving forward and many interesting ideas and products are being created.

One of the most interesting uses of AI that Honda has been working on is a robot called ASIMO. This robot will have advanced communication skills due to a high level of recognition technology. ASIMO has recognition of moving
objects, posture and gesture recognition, environment recognition, sound recognition, and also face recognition.

    > ASIMO Homepage

    > ASIMO Videos

Recognition of Moving Objects
Using the visual information captured by a camera mounted on the head of ASIMO, it can detect movements of mutiple objects. It can follow these movements with the camera, follow a person, and greet someone who approaches it.

Recognition of Postures and Gestures
Based on the visual information collected, ASIMO can interpret the position and movement of a hand which allows it to react to not only voice commands, but also to natural movements of humans. This robot can recognize an identical location and move back to that spot, shake a person's hand when a handshake is offered, and respond to a hand
wave by waving back.

Environment Recognition
In dealing with an environment, ASIMO can stop and start to avoid a human or other moving objects which appear in its path. Also, it can recognize immobile objects in its path and move around them.

Distinguishing Sounds
ASIMO can recognize when its name is called and turn to face the sound. It also can look at a face of the person speaking and respond. ASIMO recognizes sudden, unusual sounds as well and can turn to face the sound of the distraction.

Face Recognition
ASIMO can recognize the faces of people which have been pre-registered, addressing them by name and
communicating messages to them. ASIMO has the ability to recognize approximately ten different people.

These features of the ASIMO robot may seem specific to the robot, the technologies and ideas behind it are the
basis of moving forward in the Artificial Intelligence world. Stemming from these ideas will be greater revisions of the software with even better learning capabilities.



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