# The Running Robot By Greg Ponesse | Published 2006-03-07 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-running-robot References: [web-japan.org](http://web-japan.org/trends/science/sci060301.html) Japanese firms continue to set the pace in the development of [multifunctional, interactive robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jizai). The work to improve ASIMO, the world's most advanced [autonomous bipedal humanoid robot](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-boston-dynamics-atlas), continues at [Honda Motor Co.](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uni-one) The newest model, released in December 2005, boasts a high level of communication skills and suggests that it may not be long before there are real robots similar to fictional robot heroes like Astro Boy and C-3PO of the Star Wars films. **Implications** - Futurists are currently looking toward robotics as the next field to explode, similar to the way in which communications technology expanded in the last 20 years. Businesses that concentrate on automated machines -- not necessarily robots -- will cut labor costs associated and economize their customer service relationship. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.1/10 - Popularity: 67% | Activity: 18% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Multifunctional Interactive Robots:** Opportunity for developing robots with advanced communication skills and human-like abilities. - **Advancement in Autonomous Bipedal Humanoid Robots:** Opportunity for creating robots that can perform tasks with high level of autonomy and mimic human communication. - **Rise of Robotics Industry:** Opportunity for businesses to focus on automated machines and cut labor costs while improving customer service. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Robotics:** Opportunity for businesses to develop multifunctional interactive robots with advanced communication skills. - **Automotive:** Opportunity for automotive companies to incorporate autonomous bipedal humanoid robots in their vehicles for interactive customer experiences. - **Customer Service:** Opportunity for businesses to automate customer service processes and cut labor costs by implementing robotic technologies. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [General-Purpose Humanoid Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/figure-03.md) - [Humanoid Robot Innovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/world-robot-conference.md) - [AI-Powered Humanoid Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/figure-01.md) - [General-Purpose Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/generalpurpose-robots.md) - [Humanoid Household Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1x-neo-beta.md) - [Humanoid Robot Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/advanced-humanoid.md) - [AI-Enabled Walking Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/optimus-robot.md) - [Advanced Humanoid Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ameca.md) - [Consumer-Targeted Humanoids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/noetix-robotics-bumi.md)