So, you’re in Japan and you want to see a robot? You don’t have much time and can’t afford the Robot Restaurant? Well, guess what! We have the answer for you right here — the ASIMO demo show at Honda’s Welcome Plaza.
[Scroll down to see the video.]
It’s located in Aoyama in central Tokyo which is between Shibuya, Shinjuku and Roppongi. In fact, the building is right on top of Aoyama Itchome Station so you can’t miss it.
ASIMO is one of the world’s most well-known humanioid robots, and I got a chance to check it out with Tokyo-based Techie Joseph Tame. Honda gave us a special performance so that we could get a glimpse into what ASIMO is capable of these days. It’s pretty impressive!
We also got to try the new uni-cub mobility unit which is like a segway but better. You don’t need your hands!
What does ASIMO do in the demo show, you ask?
ASIMO runs.
ASIMO hops.
ASIMO sings.
ASIMO does sign language.
ASIMO kicks a ball.
ASIMO dances
ASIMO … well, you’ll just have to see the demo, won’t you? We don’t want to ruin the ending.
The ASIMO demo is shown daily. The Japanese performance is the same as the English one. Many foreign tourists join the performace that has the most convenient time. At the end, there’s a chance to get your photo with ASIMO.
The Honda Welcome Plaza is also a good place to get a coffee at their cafe and chillax around the newest models of Honda cars and motorcycles. There’s also a gift shop for ASIMO fanatics.
The current schedule is:
Weekdays: 13:30, 15:00, *16:30 [English]
Weekends & Public Holidays 11:00, 13:30, 15:00, *16:30 [English]
* Call ahead to confirm times and English performances.
Check online for the current schedule: http://www.honda.co.jp/welcome-plaza/guide/asimo/ (telephone number below).
