Musical Robots - Honda Asimo to Conduct Orchestra

A Honda robot will conduct the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in a concert that will take place on May 13th in Detroit. The Honda Asimo robot will pick up the baton and lead the human musicians in a rendition of Man of La Mancha’s Impossible Dream.

“The irony of a Japanese automaker trotting out an advanced robot in the Motor City will likely be lost on most of the attendees, who will be students from the Detroit School for the Arts,” Wired says.

“In addition to the concert, Honda plans to donate $1 million to the orchestra’s Power of Dreams’ educational fund.

“Honda will also partner with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra over the next five years to offer training in string instruments, a scholarship program, an educational concert series, support for live classical performances and a fundraiser.”

It’s all neat, yet somehow I feel a bit unnerved by this.

Here’s more on the Asimo:

Socially Intelligent Robot - Honda Asimo is Shockingly Human (VIDEO)

The Honda Asimo now knows how to navigate around people in work areas, a seemingly simple, yet complex task. It can also share and coordinate tasks with other Asimos and dock itself at the recharge station as needed. These abilities enable the Asimo to be more autonomous in a workplace and bring it … [More]

Humanoid Robot - Honda's Asimo revealed at CES (VIDEO)

Honda Motors revealed their humanoid new and improved robot, Asimo at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada. It's human like movements are uncanny. It can now run at 4 mph, kick a ball, and climb up and down the stairs as seen in the attached video. The 51 inch tall robot has enha… [More]