When we think about robots, we get a picture in mind of a machine model with human-like hands, legs and face but not all of them are like that. Any machine which can perform certain tasks without human inputs could be termed as robots. However, the Honda ASIMO is close to what we picturise when thinking about robots which, unfortunately, won't see any further development now.

Honda has now declared that it is going to retire the ASIMO robot, which is one of the most popular across the world. The reason for its hype is down to its abilities to execute human-like tasks which includes walking, running, and jumping. It also performs tasks when commanded by human and talks back. It's ability to climb stairs had grasped humungous attention from techies the world over.

However, ASIMO also made Honda let down a bit during an event in 2006. It was supposed to represent its skills of climbing stairs when suddenly, due to a malfunction, ASIMO tumbled down the stairs after climbing two steps. But Honda managed to correct the potential failures and the humanoid robot was again seen climbing stairs perfectly in several videos. In fact, YouTube is filled with clips of ASIMO's sensible acts which have gained a lot of attention.

ASIMO is a 4feet 3inch tall robot which moves with the help of internal controllers and motors fitted on several of its parts. The first version was represented forth the world in 2000 post which we got to see several version of it with periodic development. The last full-fledged upgrade was seen in 2011. Now that ASIMO won't be worked upon by Honda, the technology it's based on will be utilised by other projects such as autonomous vehicles.

(Source)