Saturday, February 14, 2009

Honda robot Asimo set to make appearance at science spectacular

THE world's most advanced humanoid robot is to make an appearance in the Capital later this year, as part of a 21st birthday programme for the Edinburgh International Science Festival.

Highlights of this year's programme, which was launched this morning, include a chance to take a first-hand look at the revolutionary ASIMO robot.

There will also be a spectacular exhibition examining the very edges of the universe, a sleepover at Edinburgh Zoo and a chance to get hands-on with the latest advances in renewable energy.

Launching the programme on the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth, festival director Simon Gage also announced a series of events celebrating the man and his revolutionary ideas.

Mr Gage said: "This is a spectacular programme packed with some of the best popular science events you'll find anywhere in the world.

"It's a sensational way to celebrate the 21st birthday of the first, and I believe best, science festival in the known universe.

"It is a festival that befits an inventive nation that continues to pioneer ways of making the world a better place."

In total, this year's festival will include 170 events in 26 venues over two weeks.

The most eye-catching element of the programme is the first visit to Scotland by ASIMO, which has been created by Honda over the last 22 years.

It is the only robot in the world that walks on two legs, runs, climbs up steps, dances, recognises people and speaks.

The City Art Centre will, for the first time, host part of the family programme – offering seven floors of hands-on experiments and activities.

For more on the article;
http://news.scotsman.com/scitech/Honda-robot-Asimo-set-to.4972822.jp

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