Lengthy earlier than there was Optimus, there was Asimo.
Not lots of people know this, however Honda was truly experimenting with humanoid robots way back to the mid-Eighties. They had been type of like packing containers stuffed with circuitry on legs that grew to become increasingly humanlike over time till the large breakthrough got here in 2000 with Asimo: the Superior Step in Progressive Mobility robotic. He regarded like a baby in an astronaut go well with and will do all kinds of issues, from kicking a ball to creating you a drink. Whereas Asimo was by no means destined for manufacturing unit work like Tesla CEO claims the Optimus robotic will probably be at some point, Honda discovered so much about human-machine interplay till Asimo was retired in 2018.
Now, he is again—in a fashion of talking. At CES 2025, Honda introduced that its first in-house software program system for its upcoming 0 Collection electrical automobiles will probably be known as Asimo OS. And that system will energy every little thing from the administration of digital management items to the infotainment system to automated driving tech.
Photograph by: Honda
“Using the Asimo title pays homage to the beloved Honda Asimo robotic and the ‘Sensible’ worth of the Honda 0 Collection,” Honda stated in a information launch. “Moreover, Honda introduced an settlement with Renesas Electronics Company to develop a high-performance system-on-chip, to be launched on the subsequent technology of 0 Collection fashions within the late 2020s, in addition to a brand new vitality service via the Dwelling Vitality Administration System to allow prospects to get pleasure from a stress-free EV possession expertise with decreased environmental impression.”
Photograph by: Honda
Maybe most significantly, this technique will make the 0 Collection EVs able to over-the-air updates, permitting Honda so as to add new options and even repair points with software program downloads. All the auto business is bullish on this functionality because it permits producers to make automobiles “higher” over time, however apart from a couple of robust gamers like Rivian and Tesla (the latter originated this concept), it has been type of slow-going throughout the board.
However the integration of Asimo OS reveals how critically Honda is taking its next-generation EVs: Every part will probably be constructed in-house, vertically built-in, managed by Honda instantly and upgradeable over time. So the 0 Collection Saloon, SUV and others within the household are extra than simply new EVs—they symbolize a Tesla-like end-to-end software program and know-how expertise.
As we have lined beforehand, the 0 Collection and Honda’s EV “hubs” in Ohio and Canada symbolize a type of do-over technique for an automaker that is now lagging behind China’s automobile firms in not solely electrification but in addition software program. These ideas goal to maneuver Honda past the wonderful gasoline engines which have outlined it for thus lengthy and switch it into a world powerhouse for in-car software program and electrical mobility.
Whether or not Honda can get there or not stays as unsure because it does for any so-called “conventional” automaker in search of to make this high-tech transition. Including to the complication is a just lately introduced plan for Honda and Nissan to merge, and whereas these two had already been engaged on a brand new technical partnership, it is unclear what may occur in the event that they’re formally below one roof.
Asimo OS will come geared up on all 0 Collection Honda fashions, together with manufacturing fashions of the Honda 0 SUV and Honda 0 Saloon unveiled at CES right this moment. These automobiles are confirmed to start out manufacturing in 2026 in Ohio, and world gross sales will comply with.
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