The Honda humanoid robot ASIMO was developed as a challenge to create robots with a higher level of mobility than has existed before. For the first, the automotive styling division took part in this project from the initial planning stages. Furthermore, this humanoid robot is a product in a brand new category that does not have an established market. We proceeded in our development with our own unique proposals while at the same time we listened to the opinions of people, both inside and outside Honda, in order to determine our styling direction. Also, as ASIMO is a humanoid robot comprised of a multitude of moving elements, we made maximum use of computer technology from the initial stages of development. We were able to simulate, for example, walking motions with computer graphics to achieve an overall balance between styling and structure. By adding automotive styling experience to the robotic development cultivated to date, and by including new styling methods, we achieved a unique sense of value as well as familiarity and friendliness with the ASIMO styling.
Article of Honda R&D Technical Review Vol.13 No.1 (7 - 16)