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Robot proves a draw at show for engineers
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| BIONIC: the ASIMO robot with a young admirer |
THE world's most advanced
humanoid robot has arrived
in the region to encourage
youngsters to get involved in
engineering.
It's appearance at the Youth
Engineering Show (YES) was
the first visit to the UK by the
latest version on Asimo, made
famous in the Honda car adverts
on television.
YES, which ran until yesterday,
provides an opportunity
for around 7,000 year seven
and eight students, aged 11 to
14, to sample first-hand the
importance of engineering in
modern day life.
It is the first time the event,
at the Rainton Meadows
Arena in Houghton-le-Spring,
Wearside, has been held in
the North-East.
Dr Colin Herron, manufacturing
and productivity manager
for event organiser One
NorthEast, said: "The Youth
Engineering Show has been a
huge success in the North-
East and I hope we can continue
to play host to it for
many years to come.
"Engineering applies to all
industries, from financial services
to the world's most advanced
robot, as well as manufacturing,
production and
construction.
"The show provides a fantastic
opportunity for youngsters
from the North-East to
see the diverse range of career
options available."
Other attractions included
one of the hardiest Army vehicles
on the planet and a
man versus machine face-off
- as challengers pitted their
wits against one of Nissan's
production line robots in a
buzzer game.
As well as walking, Asimo -
which stands for Advanced
Step in Innovative Mobility -
can now use sensors to interact
with people, holding their
hand, talking and serving a
drink for example.
Asimo is the culmination of
more than 20 years of research.
Other technological
advancements over its predecessor
include a streamlined
new design, even more fluid
and quick movements and
the ability to run at 6kmh.
Designers hope to one day
produce a robot capable of
assisting those who lack full
mobility and of working in
environments dangerous for
people.
William De Braekeleer, a
spokesman for Honda Motor
Europe, said: "Honda has
supported the Youth Engineering
Show since 2005 and
I was delighted to be able to
showcase the new version of
ASIMO at this first event in
the North East."
1:28pm Friday 27th June 2008
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