SKIRMISHER

Not to be outdone by something like Toyota, Honda recently took out the new, better, more advanced version of its famous humanoid ASIMO robot. This latest version can interact or coordinate with other ASIMOs, charge itself, and show how much it loves its human overlords — at least for now.

The original ASIMO, born in 2000, has danced and dined with dignitaries and business leaders at home and overseas, serving as a symbol of Japanese technological wizardry.

Makers of robots see big potential for their use in Japan, where the number of elderly people is rapidly growing, causing labour shortages in a country that strictly controls immigration.

Two walking ASIMO humanoids showed off their new skills by pushing a cart, carrying cups of tea and serving the drinks to people sat at a table.

They also displayed new social graces when a human approached in a hallway by stepping aside to let him pass.

The new, improved ASIMO also returns to a battery charging unit when it detects its power is running low.

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