China, July 28, 2008–Honda made an effort to lift the spirits of children suffering from the Sichuan Earthquake through a special visit by ASIMO, Honda’s humanoid robot. ASIMO visited a school in Deyang in the Sichuan province of China, approximately 100km away from the epicenter of the earthquake. Children attending the school, as well as children invited from other kindergartens, elementary schools, and junior high schools in the surrounding areas, were able to have a fun time with ASIMO.

During the three-day visit, July 28 to 30, ASIMO made twelve appearances, meeting approximately 5,000 children from the city of Deyang and the surrounding areas.  Children who had never before seen a humanoid robot welcomed ASIMO with great interest, learning how ASIMO walks and enjoying fun games such as rock, paper, scissors and balancing on one foot. Honda hopes that this visit by ASIMO will encourage children to be interested in machines and technology.

Honda has expressed its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of the May 12, 2008 Sichuan Earthquake and the Honda group companies have provided approximately 9.56 million R.M.B (approximately 140 million yen) toward the relief and recovery effort through organizations including the Red Cross Society of China.  Honda hopes the appearance by ASIMO will make a small contribution to the recovery effort by offering a psychological boost to the victims.