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March 8, 2005

Humanoid robot ASIMO to visit University

Alumni Month Events

ASIMO, a smooth-moving robot created by Honda, will walk, dance, climb stairs, and show off other humanoid abilities at California State University, Sacramento on a nationwide university tour with only two stops in the western U.S. Sponsored by the University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, the robot will make free public appearances at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 31 and Friday, April 1 and at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 2 in the University Union Ballroom. Seating is limited; doors open 30 minutes before each demonstration.

Local middle- and high-school students, and Sacramento State students and faculty, will see the robot in action during separate, invitation-only demonstrations. A special press preview of ASIMO will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 31.

Developed by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., over the past 18 years, ASIMO (short for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility) resembles a child-size, white-suited astronaut with arms, legs, feet, hands, and a helmeted head with camera “eyes.” The robot showcases advanced technology that enables it to move with exceptionally humanoid ease in real-world environments. Honda created ASIMO to encourage the study of science and engineering and educate students about advances in the field of robotics. Information about ASIMO’s capabilities, design and evolution is available at www.asimo.honda.com.

Sacramento State is one of seven top engineering and computer science universities in the U.S. chosen by Honda for the 2004-2005 ASIMO Technology Circuit tour. During ASIMO’s three-day Sacramento stay, Sacramento State students involved with robotics courses and organizations will demonstrate their own student-made robots at the University Union.

Information about the event is available from the University Union Information Desk at (916) 278-6997. Media assistance is available by contacting the Sacramento State public affairs office at (916) 278-6156.

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